Butane hash oil (BHO) extraction: Difference between revisions

Butane is a flammable gas that has no odor and accumulates indoors and in unventilated areas. The accumulation of enough butane gas in an area presents a significant risk of sudden explosions, which can be fatal, without any indication. Therefore, utmost care and caution must be used when working in an environment that involves the use of butane gas. '''Performing this extraction indoors significantly increases the risk of fires, explosions, and physical harm - it is not advised from a harm reduction point of view.''' Outside of a fully functioning fume hood, the production of BHO indoors carries with it a great inherent risk for explosions and bodily harm.  

A "well-ventilated area" is commonly used to describe the area that is ideal for butane extraction. Contrary to popular belief, however, a "well-ventilated area" is not simply a room with the window open, it is not a kitchen stove top fan turned on, it is not a garage with the door open to let some air in - these areas do have ventilation, but the movement of air is unpredictable and may lead to explosions if butane does build up in the room. To be well ventilated, an area must have a constant and steady supply of fresh air flowing through the area. '''Performing a B.H.O. extract in a "well-ventilated area" does not eliminate the flammability and explosion hazard associated with the process, it only lowers this risk.''' It is ''always'' safer to do outdoors (providing you take the proper precautions, however, such as having a fire extinguisher on hand).

While butane is a flammable gas, in order for an explosive event to occur there needs to be an ignition source or spark. This spark can come from common sense items such as a lighter or pilot light on a stove, but sparks can also occur in less obvious ways. Electric sparks can be created simply by wearing clothes - the common "shock" one experiences after shuffling around with socks on and touching a metal object is sufficient to cause an explosive event if the concentration of butane is at 1.86% of atmospheric levels.  

Both a spark and a sufficient quantity of butane are necessary for an explosion to occur - if either one of these is lacking, by pure chance, an explosive event will not occur. '''Just because there have been successful experiences of producing B.H.O. indoors does not mean it is a safe practice, and dictated by chance.