[1] It was reprocessed from military surplus, with a typical composition of 60% smokeless powder, 34% sodium nitrate, and 6% of 40% nitroglycerin dynamite.
Since it was very inexpensive, it was often used by farmers to remove tree stumps and clear ditches.
[4][5] Distribution of pyrotol for farm use was discontinued in 1928, due to exhaustion of the supply of surplus explosives.
[6] Pyrotol was intended to make a use after the war for a large surplus of smokeless powder.
[7] Pyrotol was said to cause no ill effects, like headaches, or staining hands or clothing, although the validity of this statement is unknown.