1999 Lexus SC 400 Owners Manual - Page 151

COMFORT ADJUSTMENT The airbag sensor assembly consists of a safing sensor and airbag sensor. In a severe frontal impact, sensors detect deceleration and the system triggers the airbag inflators. Then a chemical reaction in the inflators momentarily fills the airbags with non-toxic gas to help restrain the forward motion of the occupants. When the airbags inflate, they produce a fairly loud noise. And the driver airbag also releases some smoke and residue along with non-toxic gas. This does not indicate a fire. This gas is normally harmless, however, for those who have delicate skin, it may cause minor skin irritation. Be sure to wash off any residue as soon as possible to prevent minor skin irritation. Deployment of the airbags happens in a fraction of a second, so the airbags must inflate with considerable force. While the system is designed to reduce serious injuries, it may also cause minor burns or abrasions and swellings. Parts of the airbag module (steering wheel hub, dashboard) may be hot for several minutes, but the airbags themselves will not be hot. The airbags are designed to inflate only once. A crash severe enough to inflate the airbags may break the windshield as the vehicle buckles. In vehicles with a passenger airbag the windshield may also be damaged by absorbing some of the force of the inflating airbag. 133