Alberta RCMP have said there is a large amount of degraded/deteriorated dynamite in Alberta.
As a result of historic rules permitting easy access to dynamite for farmers and ranchers, a lot of the dynamite is currently decaying in barns and fields.
Over time the dynamite sweat chemicals which crystallize and form on the outside of the dynamite and can then pool in the bottom of where they are stored.
If the materials are even slightly jarred the chemical becomes unstable and leads to detonation.
In addition to the dynamite, copper detonators, containing lead azide, were produced in Canada from 1918 to 1965 and are still being stored in older homesteads within the province.
If exposed to moisture these detonators can produce an explosive gas and the slightest change in environment can cause degradation.
The RCMP Explosives Disposal Unit is urging Albertans to be cautious of what they find on their properties and to speak with elderly members of their families prior to clearing out older out-buildings to determine if there could be explosives on site.
If anyone suspects these materials on their land call the local RCMP detachment to have the materials safely disposed of.
Do not touch or move the explosives yourself.