HC Deb 11 March 1993 vol 220 cc670-1W
Ms Walley

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what materials are used in the air bags being installed in cars; what gas is used to inflate these bags; and what assessment has been made of the environmental and health effects of the release of gas in the event of a bag bursting or catching fire.

Mr. Kenneth Carlisle

A typical airbag is constructed of nylon coated with a rubber compound. The gas source is normally sodium azide, which is hermetically sealed within a strong metal container in the steering wheel hub. When the bag is deployed, the sodium azide converts into harmless nitrogen to inflate the bag; in some cases, there will be a small residue of sodium hydroxide present, which may cause skin irritation.

In the case of a fire, most systems are designed to inflate normally when the temperature reaches 300°F. There should be no risk of the inflator exploding.

Ms Walley

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what controls exist over the materials used in the interior furnishings of cars including sound proofing and foams used in car seats.

Mr. Kenneth Carlisle

The Motor Vehicles (Type Approval) (Great Britain) Regulations 1984 prescribe standards for interior fittings which all new cars must meet. These standards cover the minimum dimensional and/or energy absorbing properties of certain components.

Following consultation with the Department, the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders has made a number of recommendations to its members on fire risk. One of those recommendations covers the flammability of the materials used in the interior furnishings of cars.