MythBusters · Video summary

International Intrigue | MythBusters

In this episode of MythBusters, Adam and Jamie test the plausibility of a movie myth involving a magazine in a toaster causing an apartment explosion, while Carrie, Grant, and Tori investigate the blue ice phenomenon from airplane toilets, ultimately confirming that both myths have elements of truth but differ significantly from their cinematic portrayals.

MythBusters · April 26, 2026 · 148-min episode · 3-min read

Key takeaways

The myth about a magazine igniting an apartment explosion is debunked; it takes over 12 minutes for a magazine to catch fire in a toaster, much longer than the 20 seconds shown in movies.
For an explosion to occur with natural gas, the stoichiometric ratio of methane must be between 6-17% fuel to air, with the ideal ignition point at around 9%.
The blue ice phenomenon has a basis in reality; under specific conditions, a malfunctioning airplane toilet can lead to ice formation, although it requires a slow leak for significant ice to develop.
During a test, ice dropped from 12,000 ft traveled at 160 mph and remained intact upon impact, showcasing the surprising resilience of ice in free fall.
Always ensure proper ventilation and understand the risks associated with gas leaks to prevent potential hazards.
When hearing sensational stories, use scientific principles to evaluate their plausibility and separate myth from reality.

Chapters

0:02🎬 Episode Introduction
0:24✈️ The Bourne Supremacy Myth
0:34🔥 Toasting a Magazine
0:52📚 Testing Different Magazines
1:45💨 Understanding Methane
2:19💥 Methane Explosion Tests
2:34🚽 Introduction to Blue Ice Myth
3:31🔧 Investigating Toilet Mechanics
4:05🧊 Creating a Leaky Toilet Model
5:00🌬️ NASA Wind Tunnel Tests
6:35🎉 Ice Formation Results
6:57🏠 Building the Explosive Apartment
8:07🚀 Preparing for the Explosion
8:36💣 First Explosion Attempt
9:30💥 Explosion Test Results
10:05🔍 Revisiting the Gas Mixture
10:46🔄 Second Explosion Attempt
11:24🧊 Final Blue Ice Test
11:48✈️ Ice Drop Experiment
12:15💥 Impact and Conclusion

The digest

In this episode of MythBusters, the team tackles two intriguing myths: the explosive potential of a gas leak combined with a magazine in a toaster, and the urban legend of "blue ice" falling from airplanes. Through a series of experiments, Adam, Jamie, and the crew put these myths to the test, revealing surprising truths and debunking cinematic fantasies.

High Level Overview

This episode matters because it explores the intersection of Hollywood fiction and real-world science. Anyone interested in the physics of explosions or aviation safety will find valuable insights, as the MythBusters team demonstrates the scientific principles behind each myth.