Transportation Chemical Incidents – Week of 3-8-25

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 – 422 (394 highway, 27 air, 1 rail, 0 water)

• Serious incidents – 4 (3 Bulk release, 0 evacuation, 0 injury, 0 death, 0 major artery closed, 0 fire/explosion, 32 no release)

• Largest container involved – 19,120-gal 113A90W Railcar {Argon, Refrigerated Liquid (Cryogenic Liquid)} Liquid line valve being partially open on empty car with residual Argon.

• Largest amount spilled – 200-gal IBC {Corrosive Liquid, Basic, Inorganic, N.O.S.} Forklift puncture.

NOTE: Links above are to Form 5800.1 for the described incidents. (Report links not available today)

Most Interesting Chemical: Sodium Persulfate - A white crystalline solid. Very irritating to skin and eyes. May be toxic by skin absorption. Used as a bleaching agent. SODIUM PERSULFATE is a strong oxidizing agent. Reacts with many combustible materials and reducing agents, often vigorously enough to start fires or cause explosions. (Source: CameoChemicals.NOAA.gov).