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Richard Chapski points out that without batteries, there's no hydrogen
being produced in an empty flashlight.   Too true!  The hydrogen is 
a by product of the chemical reaction to produce electricity and a 
certain amount is always being produced and not all of it is absorbed 
by chemicals in the battery- hence the need for the catalyst.

	The catalysts is typically platinum or platinum/palladium deposited
on an inorganic support.  It will catalyze the general oxidation of 
hydrogen and many volatile organics.   For flares, my concern was mainly
the build up of volatile organics within the confined space of the 
container.   I have no data that says that you NEED it.  It just seemed 
like a reasonable precaution, given the  contents of the containers.

	On a related note- do not pack the flares in tightly.  There have
been some spectacular explosions from campers who packed one too many
matches into small film containers, which then exploded when being opened.

	Good luck,

			Peter David

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