An Axios analysis of records obtained by the Data Liberation Project reveals the top three chemicals involved in most chemical accidents reported to the EPA over the past 20 years. Those chemicals are:
- Ammonia
- Chlorine and chlorine dioxide
- Hydrofluoric acid
Industry sources that regularly use these chemicals are advised to take note and ensure all precautions are in place to safely deal with accidental adverse exposure in the event of an emergency. Additionally, risk managers are advised to double-check risk management plans and EPA advisories regarding these and other hazardous substances.
Ammonia
“Ammonia is the most common culprit in chemical accidents at facilities that have filed a risk management plan with the [EPA],” notes Axios.
Roughly 80 percent of the ammonia produced by industry is used in agriculture as fertilizer. This chemical is also used in:
- Refrigeration;
- Water purification; and
- The manufacture of plastics, explosives, textiles, pesticides, dyes, and other chemicals.
“Ammonia is found in many household and industrial-strength cleaning solutions. Household ammonia cleaning solutions are manufactured by adding ammonia gas to…
