We Baby Boomers Boys Grew Up In The Best Of Times!

Early chemistry sets had all sorts of dangerous substances, which for kids meant they were fun. 

Potassium nitrate, for example, is used in gunpowder, fireworks, and rocket fuel, while nitric acid (also used in rocket fuel) and sulfuric acid are highly corrosive.

Sodium ferrocyanide, which reacts with iron ions to create a Prussian blue dye, is now classified as a poison (thanks to the “cyanide” part).

Calcium hypochlorite could be mixed to create free chlorine gas, which wreaks havoc on the human respiratory system. Ten-year-olds could make things go boom, build their own batteries and engines, or bend glass with alcohol lamps.

 Having parents who would teach them lab safety was supposed to be an important part of the learning process.

However, in the ’60s, parents began to express their concern about the risks, as new laws required labeling for materials that are flammable, explosive, toxic, or caustic.

 Gilbert and Chemcraft began offering kits that offered only “non-explosive” and “non-toxic” chemicals.

These early regulations, while perfectly sensible, were the first steps toward the slippery slope that led to today’s “chemical-free” chemistry sets.

https://12angrymen.wordpress.com/2007/10/31/endangered-species-the-chemistry-set/