Airbag contamination?

Dr Eric Betterton of the University of Arizona (reported in Science Briefing in The Times 5 April 2000) is concerned at spread and disposal of sodium azide (‘as powerful a poison as sodium cyanide’) from car airbags. This is from release (of small quantities from each inflation) into the atmosphere or onto roads and thence to water sources, and the safe disposal of old bags especially in vehicle scrap yards.