The Mist and Mystique of Dry Ice

"Several prank bombs caused paranoia at Los Angeles International Airport last week. One — packed in a 20-ounce soda bottle — exploded in a restroom, one on the tarmac and a third was found just fizzling."

"No one was injured."

"A baggage handler, arrested for "possession of a destructive device near an aircraft," had assembled the simple, ordinary bombs using simple, ordinary material. The results inspired a flurry of concern. A few flights were delayed. An LAPD bomb squad, assisted by the FBI, marched in to investigate. The event made homepage news."

"What is the simple, ordinary material that can elevate empty plastic bottles to the level of destructive — and disruptive — devices?"

"Two words: dry ice."