Is breathing dust from a fire exstinguisher dangerous?

[Anya]

A fire exstinguisher went off at school and many of us were breathing that yellow dust as it shot out. Are there any complications or effects we should watch for? One girl is pregnant too.

[John Kenyon, CNA]

Hi there -

While the yellow powder in an ABC fire extinguisher (monoammonium phosphate) is generally considered safe and routinely gets inhaled by the operator and bystanders when used, the inhalation is not recommended (for obvious reasons). Usually, at most, what may be expected is some slight airway irritation, but rarely anything more than that. The only possible exception is the one pregnant girl, who may want to mention the incident to her obstetrician, just to be on the safe side. Everyone else should be fine.

Hope this helps answer your concern. Best of luck to you.