Between March 1970 and May 1979, 19 explosions of glass, carbonated beverage bottles were reported to the Product Safety Branch, Consumer & Corporate Affairs, Canada. 7 of these definitely involved 1.5-litre bottles, which were introduced around 4 years ago. Since some of the other incidents reported did not specify bottle size, more than 7 of the 19 explosions may have involved the 1.5-litre size. Carbonated beverages contain carbon dioxide gas under pressure. Explosion may result from impact, or may be apparently spontaneous. The PSL undertook a series of tests to assess the relative fragility, the mode of failure and the hazard potential of various types and sizes of soft drink bottles. The results are reported here. (see trade file "Impact")
