Airbag deployment spreads a mildly caustic powder through the entire cabin, including the HVAC system. It settles into the vents and recirculates every time the fan runs unless the cabin filter is replaced. Tempered glass fragments work into seat seams and rails, where they are routinely missed and are a genuine injury risk. Quoted after inspection.
Airbag deployment releases a fine powder — largely cornstarch or talc with sodium hydroxide residue from the inflator — across the entire cabin. Tempered glass also shatters into small fragments that work into seams, vents, and carpet.
This is one of the more commonly underestimated cleanups. The powder is mildly caustic, irritating to skin and airways, and it settles into the HVAC system where it recirculates for months.
Glass fragments in seat seams and rails are a genuine injury risk and they are routinely missed. So is the cabin filter, which holds airbag powder and recirculates it every time the fan runs.
Quoted after inspection. Deployment cleanup is substantially more involved than a standard interior detail.
It is an irritant. The powder contains sodium hydroxide residue from the inflator, which can irritate skin, eyes, and airways. Ventilate the vehicle and use protection during cleanup.
Vacuum thoroughly before any wet cleaning, work top down through the cabin, replace the cabin air filter, extract glass fragments from seams and vents, then wet clean hard surfaces and extract upholstery.
Usually the cabin air filter, which becomes saturated with airbag powder and recirculates it every time the fan runs. It also holds any residual smoke or fluid odor from the incident.
Seat seams, seat rails, the defrost vents at the base of the windshield, seat belt retractor slots, and under carpet edges. Those are the areas that need specific attention, not just a general vacuum.
Often yes, as part of the repair claim. Ask your adjuster to include interior decontamination and cabin filter replacement specifically, because it is routinely left off an estimate that focuses on body and mechanical work.
Indefinitely without proper cleaning. The powder settles into the HVAC system and recirculates every time the fan runs, which is why replacing the cabin filter is not optional and why the smell keeps returning after a surface clean.
It is an irritant rather than a poison. The sodium hydroxide residue from the inflator is mildly caustic and irritating to skin, eyes, and airways, which is why the vehicle gets ventilated and the work is done with protective equipment.
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