Smoke bombs have been around for hundreds of years, but recently their uses have grown significantly. Mainly used for crowd control in public protests, smoke bombs have also become popular tools for first responders in tactical situations, as well as in military operations. To understand smoke bombs better, we must first identify the makeup of the puff of smoke, and the effects of this gas.
A smoke bomb is a device that uses smoke to obscure visibility. It is a confined canister typically containing combustible material. When ignited, the combustible material inside produces smoke which is then dispersed into the atmosphere. This smoke can range from white, black, red and even green, depending on the materials used to make the bomb. The density of the smoke bomb’s smoke is usually less dense than that of natural smoke.
The three main components of the typical smoke bomb are the propellant (which propels the gas), the oxidant (which oxidizes the combustible material and creates the smoke), and the combustible material (which produces the desired color of smoke). The propellent is usually an aerosol propellant while the oxidant is typically an oxidizing agent like potassium or sodium chlorate. The combustible material is usually a type of dye or coloring agent, such as food color, titanium dioxide, and even titanium oxide. In addition to these primary ingredients, some smoke bombs are made with other materials to increase the color range and intensity of the smoke.
When ignited, the smoke bomb’s combustion process evacuates all of the materials inside the canister with tremendous force. This centralized pressure expels the smoke out of the bomb, and in doing so, it breaks up into smaller particles allowing for a greater distribution of the smoke. Depending on the ingredients in the smoke bomb and the size of the particles, the resulting smoke can reach distances of up to 300 meters. As the smoke spreads, it further dissipates and its effects begin to diminish.
Smoke bombs are designed to obscure visibility, and the effects can range up to a full-proof zero visibility depending on how long the smoke disperses in one area. This can be incredibly helpful for first responders in providing cover or an “edge” when entering a dangerous premises. While smoke bombs have been linked to multiple controversial incidents in the past, their tactical uses have proven invaluable for first responders and tactical teams who must maintain tactical awareness.
However, smoke bombs contain toxic compounds that can be harmful to the environment and human health. For example, they may contain gaseous materials like nitrogen dioxide and sulfur dioxide which can cause respiratory issues when inhaled. Additionally, smoke bombs may contain heavy metals that can leach into the surroundings and contaminate the water and soil. While these compounds are usually present in very low concentrations, they can still be harmful in high concentrations and it’s important to be aware of the risks when using these devices.
Smoke bombs are incredibly powerful tools that can be incredibly helpful in providing cover and protection in tactical situations. While they are typically used in a non-harmful manner, it’s important to be aware of the potential risks involved with their use and take all necessary safety precautions when utilizing this technology.
