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Cartridges of picric acid, known as trinitrophenol (TNP), can explode from heat, impact or simple friction.
The TEDAX team of the Civil Guard of the Las Palmas command removed two cans of picric acid, also known as trinitrophenol (TNP), an explosive substance more powerful than TNTat IES Teror (Gran Canaria).
TEDAX went to the institute after being alerted by those responsible for the center after identifying this substance in their laboratories and after learning of the existence of new cases in Spain.
The substance was used as a high explosive in the ammunition manufacturing and as a powerful oxidant in rocket fuels, batteries and other products.
Their presence in the laboratories of educational centers is due to the fact that they were part of a kit of chemical compounds distributed in the 90s, which was used, among other functions, as reagent and to fix samples for study.
The danger is that over time its crystallization occurs, in this case being extremely sensitive to heatimpact or friction that would cause it to explode with a single handling of the substance. Furthermore, it may be toxic through simple skin contact, inhalation or excessive exposure.
Currently it is not in use in the center’s laboratory and, due to its age, it was deemed advisable to remove and destroy it for safety reasons.
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