Transportation Chemical Incidents – Week of 7-26-25

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 – 599 (565 highway, 32 air, 2 rail, 0 water)

• Serious incidents – 0 (0 Bulk release, 2 evacuation, 0 injury, 0 death, 0 major artery closed, 2 fire/explosion, 32 no release)

• Largest container involved – 24,750-gal DOT 111A100W3 Railcar {Sodium Hydroxide, Solution} Open bottom valve and loose closure cap.

• Largest amount spilled – 54.5-gal Plastic Drum {Toluene} Product spill while loading.

• Total amount reported spilled in all incidents – 1152.4 gal

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

Most Interesting Chemical: Phosphoric Acid: A clear colorless liquid or transparent crystalline solid. The pure solid melts at 42.35°C and has a density of 1.834 g / cm3. Liquid is usually an 85% aqueous solution. Shipped as both a solid and liquid. Corrosive to metals and tissue. Used in making fertilizers and detergents and in food processing.  (Source: CameoChemicals.NOAA.gov).