<P> C - 4 produced for use by the U.S. military, commercial C - 4 (also produced in the United States), and C - 4 (otherwise known as PE - 4) from England each have their own unique properties and are not identical . The analytical techniques of time - of - flight secondary ion mass spectrometry and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy have been demonstrated to discriminate finite differences in different C - 4 sources . Chemical, morphological structural differences, and variation in atomic concentrations are detectable and definable . </P> <P> C - 4 has toxic effects on humans when ingested . Within a few hours multiple generalized seizures, vomiting, and changes in mental activity occur . A strong link to central nervous dysfunction is observed . If ingested, patients may be administered a dose of active charcoal to adsorb some of the toxins, and haloperidol intramuscularly and diazepam intravenously to help the patient control seizures until it has passed . However, ingesting small amounts of C - 4 is not known to cause any long - term impediment . </P> <P> If C - 4 is marked with a taggant, such as DMNB, it can be detected with an explosive vapor detector before it has been detonated . </P> <P> A variety of methods for explosive residue analysis may be used to identify C - 4 . These include optical microscope examination and scanning electron microscopy for unreacted explosive, chemical spot tests, thin - layer chromatography (TLC), X-ray crystallography, and infrared spectroscopy for products of the explosive chemical reaction . Small particles of C - 4 may be easily identified by mixing with thymol crystals and a few drops of sulfuric acid . The mixture will become rose colored upon addition of a small quantity of ethyl alcohol . </P>

Composition 4 or c-4 consists of what components