Transportation Chemical Incidents – Week of 8-3-24

Reporting Background

See this post for explanation, with the most recent update here (removed from paywall).

Data from PHMSA’s online database of transportation related chemical incidents that have been reported to the agency.

Incidents Summary

• Number of incidents – 642 (540 highway, 98 air, 4 rail, 0 water)

• Serious incidents – 4 (3 Bulk release, 2 evacuation, 2 injury, 0 death, 0 major artery closed, 3 fire/explosion, 25 no release)

• Largest container involved – 30,420-gal DOT 117J100W Railcar {Alcohols, N.O.S.} Bottom overflow valve leaking.

• Largest amount spilled – 1,700-gal IBC {Corrosive Liquid, Acidic, Organic, N.O.S.} IBC’s damaged in roll-over truck accident.

NOTE: Links above are to Form 5800.1 for the described incidents.

Most Interesting Chemical: Trichloro-S-Triazinetrione - A white slightly hygroscopic crystalline powder or lump solid with a mild chlorine-like odor. Said to have 85 percent available chlorine. Decomposes at 225°C. Moderately toxic by ingestion. May irritate skin and eyes. Active ingredient in household dry bleaches. Used in swimming pools as a disinfectant. May react with water releasing gaseous chlorine. If mixed with a small amount of water, the concentrated solution (with pH at about 2.0) may explode due to the evolution of unstable nitrogen trichloride. (Source: CameoChemicals.NOAA.gov).