Do Chlorine & Brake Cleaner Work As Accelerants?

Chlorine in liquid form can keep your pool clear of bacteria. In gaseous form, however, it is extremely toxic and can kill you. Brake cleaners are made in two different forms, with and without chlorine.

Chlorine

Chlorine is an element that in its natural state is a gas. Using manufacturing processes, this gas can be pressurized and cooled to its liquid form so it can be shipped and stored safely. It is not flammable either as a gas or liquid but it can have a violent reaction to other chemicals, including fire and explosions. These other chemicals include ammonia, turpentine and brake fluid.

Brake Cleaner

Brake cleaner is sold in two forms: the chlorinated nonflammable and the extremely flammable brake cleaners. Environmental regulations led to the creation of nonflammable brake cleaner. The problem is that when this spray comes into contact with hot metal or flame it releases chlorine gas in the form of toxic vapors. These vapors include carbon tetrachloride, trichloroethane and chlorobenzene. At a rate of four parts per million, it can kill a human being.

As Accelerants

These toxic gases were created beginning in World War II by the Nazis as a poison gas to kill Allied troops. While neither chlorine nor the chlorinated brake cleaner is flammable, and neither by itself could be used as accelerant, the presence of an ammonia- or petroleum-based cleaner could generate fumes that could ignite an explosion. The safest brake cleaner is the eco-unfriendly, extremely flammable brake cleaner.