Using nothing but an ordinary matchbook, the tap, and a lighter, you can make your fingers smoke.
It may not be safe...
Be sure to wash your fingers after. The residue is toxic. The residue created in this process contains Urea fomaldahyde, which is a known carcinogen, and Red phosphorus, which can be potentially harmful. The smoke you see is the red phosphorus vapourising caused by the heat produced through friction. However, it should be pointed out that red phosphorus can revert to white phoshorus under frictional heat. White phosphorus is highly toxic!
Formaldahyde is used for embalming. It changes cell structure permanently. It's ok for dead people but not for the living. Cell deformity can cause cancer. If you have to try this experiment please wear latex gloves.
The red phosphorus on the side of the matchbox evaporates because of the heat, and when the vapors condensate on the cold tap, they convert into white phosphorus, which is indeed highly toxic, especially if you rub it into your skin. :P
They sell this substance in large tubes at magic stores. I've used it for various fun throughout the years. And yes it smells like all hell.. Great impromptu source and video, just easier to buy it.
Comments
I am 63 years old. I learned how to do this while in grade school. Only we never went through the trouble of using a tap in a bath-tub.
All we did was burn the striker on a quarter or half dollar, then do the same thing with the residue.
So this way it can be done anywhere, without having to bring a bath-tub with you to do it. Good bar trick.
Posted by: WilwyWeasel | July 25, 2007 1:25 PM
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Thats actually pretty cool. But many people are saying that it can cause cancer.
Posted by: Ed | July 27, 2007 3:21 PM
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awesome man. nice trick u have out there
Posted by: Rojal | August 5, 2007 11:03 AM
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Considering how toxic all the substances created are, do you honestly think they'd sell big tubes of the same stuff at your local magic shop? The "Smoke From Your Fingertips" paste at the magic store is an adhesive material that forms long, thin, drifting threads when you have it on your thumb and forefinger and pull them apart repeatedly. Looks more like drifting spider silk than smoke, and a completely different material.
Posted by: Bolo | August 6, 2007 3:25 PM
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