The book examines the risk of explosions caused by methane gas and coal dust in industrial mining in the Ruhr region between approximately 1850 and 1914. Farrenkopf analyses historical accident figures, technical developments, and prevention strategies. The book focuses on the chemical and physical properties of gas mixtures and dust, as well as how mining practices at the time increased the risk of explosions. It contains graphs and illustrations and is based on original archives and historical sources.