Ep 3. Exploding Port-a-Potty

In season 3, episode 3 of Mythbusters, Adam Savage and Jamie Hyneman take on the explosive world of port-a-potties. The episode titled "Exploding Port-a-Potty" tests the myth that a propane tank hidden in a portable bathroom can create a powerful and dangerous explosion if ignited.

The episode follows the duo as they search for a suitable spot to conduct their tests. They eventually secure a location in the desert and set up a few port-a-potties outfitted with propane tanks and sensors to measure the impact of the explosion.

The team first examines how a propane tank could potentially explode if inside a closed space like a small bathroom. They fill a port-a-potty with propane and then ignite it from a safe distance. Their experiment confirms that the explosion would be powerful enough to rock the bathroom and potentially injure anyone inside.

To further test the myth, Adam and Jamie create various scenarios where a hidden propane tank could be ignited. They shoot at the tanks with rifles, throw Molotov cocktails, and even set up a rigged door that would ignite the propane when opened. However, none of these attempts lead to an explosion.

The team then decides to examine a similar scenario where a discarded propane tank is left outside a port-a-potty and then triggered to explode by a nearby campfire or barbecue. They create a mock campsite and test the myth by igniting a fire and placing a few propane tanks nearby. While the first few attempts do not lead to an explosion, the team eventually manages to trigger one after several tries.

In one of the more explosive tests, Adam and Jamie examine the myth that flying debris from an exploding port-a-potty could be deadly. They place various objects inside a porta-potty and ignite it from a distance. The ensuing explosion sends debris flying everywhere, and the team uses ballistic gel dummies to simulate the impact of these objects on human flesh.

Throughout the episode, the team also conducts a few smaller-scale tests to determine the impact of various factors like temperature and pressure on a propane tank's ability to explode.

By the end of the episode, the Mythbusters conclude that while it is technically possible for a propane tank inside a port-a-potty to explode, it is unlikely to happen under normal circumstances. They also highlight the dangers of leaving propane tanks in public spaces and the importance of safely disposing of them.

Overall, "Exploding Port-a-Potty" is an explosive and entertaining episode that showcases the ingenuity and creativity of the Mythbusters team. It is also a stark reminder of the risks associated with propane tanks and the need to handle them with care.