Acetylene is non-poisonous and a mild anaesthetic. The gas is
non-irritant to skin andmucous membranes and ingestion is not
possible. Acetylene forms explosive mixtureswith air or oxygen and
under certain conditions will react with copper, silver or mercury
toproduce acetylides which, when subject to impact, friction or a
rise in temperature in thedry state may decompose violently. It
also reacts explosively with chlorine and fluorine.aseous acetylene
at high temperature and pressure may decompose explosively intoits
constituent elements. The danger grows with increasing
pressure.
Any leakage of acetylene will constitute a fire or explosion
ha!ard and must becontrolled immediately. "ue to its characteristic
odor, leaking gas is relatively easy todetect. The precise location
of the leak should be determined by wiping soapy water
over the suspected area - naked lights should never be used.
