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NYPD Issues Warning About Explosive 'Drano Bombs'

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- Some people are using a popular household cleaning product to make explosives, according to the NYPD.

Police put out an alert earlier in the week that warned of so-called "Drano bombs."

1010 WINS' Stan Brooks With More On The Story

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Drano is most often used to unclog drains in sinks, but the NYPD said the creation, also known as a "bottle bomb," could be exploded by using readily available household products in plastic containers, like soda bottles.

"We will periodically send out information about what's being seen in various commands that we think is useful for all members of the department to know about," Deputy Commissioner Paul Browne told 1010 WINS.

If shaken even gently, the dangerous hydrochloric acid in the containers can react and lead to chemical burns or even blindness when they explode.

Authorities have seen the devices being used by gang members in Far Rockaway as a "dangerous" prank, Browne said.

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