pyrotechnics-revived/chapters/99-1-chemical-bismuth-subcarbonate.md

Bismuth subcarbonate

Formula

(BiO)2CO3

Synonyms

Bismuth oxycarbonate, Basic bismuth carbonate

Description

Bismuth subcarbonate is a fine white to yellow-white powder used mainly in Crackling microstars (Dragon eggs) as a substitution for Poisonous Lead tetraoxide and expensive Bismuth trioxide

Sources

Bismuth subcarbonate can be purchased from Pyrotechnic suppliers.

Hazards

Xi

Bismuth subcarbonate is not particularly hazardous. However it is a skin, eye and respiratory system irritant. Wear gloves, dust mask, protection glasses, and do not ingest. Large ingested amounts can cause systemic bismuth poisoning with symptoms of headache, skin rashes, kidney damage, and rarely mild jaundice.