Ask A Scientist© Environmental Earth Science Archive

>>
>>    name         Laura
>>    status       student
>>    age          11
>>
>>    Question -   I would just like to know a little bit more on the 
>> ammonium dicromate
>>volcano. I would like to do this for a science project at school.
>>Could you please give some more information, on amounts and procedures
>>My dad is going to help me on this, so saftey will be of upmost importance
>
>
>Laura,
>
>This is the most dangerous experiment I can think of to demonstrate a 
>volcano.  The chemical Ammonium Dichromate is a known carcinogen and a 
>suspected mutagen.  Furthermore, there is a dangerous fire risk as well 
>and the chromium compounds produced from the burning are also know 
>carcinogens.  If safety is your concern, you may want to reconsider this 
>experiment.
>
>If you are going to do this anyway, do it outside! with students far from 
>the demonstration.

Steve Sample
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