afterdamp
/ˈæftərˌdæmp/
noun
- A poisonous gas mixture, mainly carbon monoxide and nitrogen, that remains in a mine after an explosion or fire.
- The rescue team tested the air for afterdamp before entering the collapsed mine.
- Afterdamp can be deadly because it has no smell and replaces oxygen in the air.
- Miners wore special breathing equipment to protect themselves from afterdamp after the explosion.