Chemical Transportation Incidents – Week of 9-19-26

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 – 473 (453 highway, 16 air, 2 rail, 2 water) 
• Serious incidents – 2 (2 Bulk release, 0 evacuation, 0 injury, 0 death, 0 major artery closed, 3 fire/explosion, 16 no release)  
• Largest container involved – 23,850-gal DOT 111A100W1 Railcar {Cresylic Acid} Bottom overflow valve leaking. 
• Largest amount spilled – 55-gal Plastic Drum {Alkyl Sulfonic Acids, Liquid or Aryl Sulfonic Acids, Liquid with Not More Than 5 Percent Free Sulfuric Acid} Drum cracked during unloading. 
• Total amount reported spilled in all incidents – 3305.7-gal 

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

Most Interesting Chemical: 1,1,1-Trichloroethane: A colorless liquid with a sweet, pleasant odor. May irritate skin, eyes and mucous membranes. In high concentrations the vapors may have a narcotic effect. Nonflammable, but may decompose and emit toxic chloride fumes if exposed to high temperatures. Used as a solvent. (Source: CameoChemicals.NOAA.gov).  

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