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.

Ben 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.’