1996 Ford F150 Owner's Manual - Page 31

4. After inflation, the gas empties through holes in the air bag. The air bag deflates at once. The surface of the air bags and the vehicle interior may be dusted with a powdery residue. The powder is cornstarch or talcum powder, which is used to lubricate the air bag as it inflates, and sodium compounds such as sodium carbonates (e.g., baking soda), and possibly a very small amount of sodium hydroxide that may be irritating to the skin and eyes, but is not toxic. Right after air bag inflation, you may notice smoke (from the powder and dust) and smell the burnt propellant. This is normal. RWARNING Air bag system components get hot after inflation. Do not touch them after inflation. Air bags may not inflate in certain frontal collisions, even though the vehicle may be badly damaged. The fact that your air bag did not inflate in such a collision does not mean that something is wrong with the air bag system. Rather, it means the crash forces were not severe enough to need an air bag to prevent serious injury. 28