Concerns squashed over potentially dangerous chemical
Across the country, bomb squads have been called in to carry out controlled explosions on the element 2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazine, a solid compound used when testing for the presence of hydrocarbons.
There have been controlled explosions in Leeds, Wigan, Nottingham and Dublin, among other places - with other schools being alerted about this happening.
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Hide AdBen Searle from Portsmouth College said: ‘It is not a restricted chemical, but it has to be kept damp to be safe.
‘The explosion is triggered by friction, something that the compound is extremely sensitive to.’
A senior science technician at St Vincent College in Gosport said: ‘We have stored it for many years – the correct way to do so is inside a container with 1cm-deep water, as recommended.
‘Only schools storing it incorrectly are affected.’