From: DCHAS Membership Chair <membership**At_Symbol_Here**DCHAS.ORG>
Subject: [DCHAS-L] Chemical Safety headlines (15 articles)
Date: Wed, 15 Jul 2020 08:25:34 -0400
Reply-To: ACS Division of Chemical Health and Safety <DCHAS-L**At_Symbol_Here**Princeton.EDU>
Message-ID: 2FFE2AE5-44A7-456D-AE6D-B4792A8D5302**At_Symbol_Here**dchas.org


Chemical Safety Headlines From Google
Wednesday, July 15, 2020 at 8:25:19 AM

A service of the ACS Division of Chemical Health and Safety
Connecting Chemistry and Safety at http://www.dchas.org
All article summaries and tags are archived at http://pinboard.in/u:dchas

Table of Contents (15 articles)

38 SAILORS INJURED IN USS BONHOMME RICHARD FIRE; NO THREAT TO SHIP‰??S FUEL TANKS
Tags: us_CA, industrial, fire, injury, unknown_chemical

6 PEOPLE INJURED IN MASSIVE FIRE AT MAZUT PIPELINE ON CAIRO-ISMAILIA ROAD
Tags: Egypt, transportation, explosion, injury, petroleum

CREWS RESPOND TO HAZMAT SPILL IN MILLVALE ‰?? CBS PITTSBURGH
Tags: us_PA, public, release, response, oxidizer

SERIES OF ACCIDENTS IN VIZAG A MATTER OF GREAT CONCERN: PAWAN KALYAN
Tags: India, industrial, explosion, death, oils, plastics, solvent

RABBIT EARS PASS REOPENS, RESIDENTS RETURN TO HOMES AFTER CHEMICAL SPILL (WITH VIDEO)
Tags: us_CO, transportation, release, injury, methanol

UAPD: ELECTRICAL COMPUTER ENGINEERING BUILDING EVACUATES DUE TO CHEMICAL GAS LEAK
Tags: us_AZ, laboratory, release, response, silane

FIVE COUNTRIES COLLABORATE TO INFORM STAKEHOLDERS ON ENDOCRINE DISRUPTORS
Tags: Belgium, public, discovery, environmental

OVERCOMING THE REGULATORY HURDLES FOR THE PRODUCTION OF HAND SANITIZER FOR PUBLIC HEALTH PROTECTION: THE UK AND US ACADEMIC PERSPECTIVE
Tags: laboratory, discovery, environmental, cleaners

CHEMISTRY DEPARTMENTS ACROSS THE UK TACKLE HERCULEAN TASK OF REOPENING
Tags: United_Kingdom, laboratory, discovery, environmental

I-85 NORTH REOPENS AFTER TRACTOR TRAILER OVERTURNED, HAZMAT SPILL IN ANDERSON CO.
Tags: us_SC, transportation, release, response, unknown_chemical

TANKER TRUCK CRASHES, SPILLS LIQUID ASPHALT.
Tags: us_AL, transportation, release, response, asphalt

'CHEMICAL INCIDENT' SPARKS EVACUATION AT BUCKLAND HOSPITAL IN DOVER
Tags: United_Kingdom, public, release, injury, unknown_chemical

MASSIVE FIRE ENGULFS VIZAG CHEMICAL PLANT, EXPLOSIONS HEARD, INJURIES REPORTED
Tags: India, industrial, explosion, injury, solvent

YOUR GEAR, YOUR LIFE: FIREFIGHTER PPE TOXINS AND WHAT TO DO ABOUT THEM
Tags: industrial, discovery, environmental, other_chemical

DUPONT TO PAY $3 MILLION FOR POLLUTION PROBLEMS AT LA PORTE, TEXAS, PLANT
Tags: us_TX, industrial, follow-up, environmental, waste


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38 SAILORS INJURED IN USS BONHOMME RICHARD FIRE; NO THREAT TO SHIP‰??S FUEL TANKS
https://www.stripes.com/news/us/38-sailors-injured-in-uss-bonhomme-richard-fire-no-threat-to-ship-s-fuel-tanks-1.637455
Tags: us_CA, industrial, fire, injury, unknown_chemical

WASHINGTON ‰?? Thirty-eight sailors have now been injured fighting the fire aboard the USS Bonhomme Richard as crews have managed to stop flames from reaching the ship‰??s fuel supply, Navy officials said Tuesday.

Rear Adm. Philip Sobeck, the commander of Expeditionary Strike Group 3, which includes the Bonhomme Richard, said 38 sailors and 23 civilians had been treated for minor injuries, and no personnel were in the hospital now. Originally 17 sailors had been hospitalized Sunday due to minor injuries such as heat exhaustion and smoke inhalation from the fire aboard the amphibious assault ship. The five sailors who had remained hospitalized into Monday for observation have been released.

Yet, more than 48 hours after the fire started, firefighters were still combating two fires on different ends of the ship, Sobeck said.

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6 PEOPLE INJURED IN MASSIVE FIRE AT MAZUT PIPELINE ON CAIRO-ISMAILIA ROAD
https://menafn.com/1100483528/6-people-injured-in-massive-fire-at-mazut-pipeline-on-Cairo-Ismailia-road
Tags: Egypt, transportation, explosion, injury, petroleum

(MENAFN - Daily News Egypt) A total six people were injured after a major fire broke out at a mazut pipeline on Cairo-Ismailia road on Tuesday night, according to the Health Ministry.

The ministry added that the injured were transferred instantly to the nearest hospital.

About 18 fire engines were directed to the site, in an effort to contain the fire and preventing further spread to neighbouring areas. All roads leading to the Cairo-Ismailia desert road were closed until containing the fire.

Official sources said Minister of Petroleum Tarek El-Molla has headed to the fire site, adding that an investigation will be opened into the incident.

The sources said the initial examination indicates a possible leakage from a broken mazut pipeline, which led to a sudden explosion.

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CREWS RESPOND TO HAZMAT SPILL IN MILLVALE ‰?? CBS PITTSBURGH
https://pittsburgh.cbslocal.com/2020/07/14/evergreen-road-millvale-hazmat-spill/
Tags: us_PA, public, release, response, oxidizer

MILLVALE, Pa. (KDKA) ‰?? Fire and police were on the scene of a HAZMAT spill in Millvale.

The Millvale Fire Department said Evergreen Road was temporarily closed between Hawthorne Road and Hansen Street on Tuesday.

Police say there was a chemical spill, and crews were on the scene for hours cleaning up. Officials say approximately 100 gallons of oxidizer leaked from the container and went into the sewer system and creek.

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SERIES OF ACCIDENTS IN VIZAG A MATTER OF GREAT CONCERN: PAWAN KALYAN
https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/series-of-accidents-in-vizag-a-matter-of-great-concern-pawan-kalyan-1700650-2020-07-15
Tags: India, industrial, explosion, death, oils, plastics, solvent

Actor-turned-politician and Jana Sena chief Pawan Kalyan expressed concern over "series of accidents" that are taking place in the industrial areas spread across Gajuwaka and Parawada centres in Andhra Pradesh's Visakhapatnam.

Pawan Kalyan also pointed out the recent accidents at LG Polymers and Sainor Pharma plants that left several people dead and questioned the third accident that took place on Monday in the district.

One person died after a series of explosions triggered a massive fire at a chemical plant in Visakhapatnam on Monday. The fire accident at Ramky CETP Solvent‰??s building in Pharma City had already led to several injuries after an explosion was heard late on Monday night.

‰??‰??Why are these series of accidents happening? Why are they not following security norms? Why is the government showing indifference? What are the people‰??s representatives doing? These questions are being raised in every individual‰??s mind. Shouldn't there be strong security measures when they are storing dangerous and potentially explosive oils and chemicals? The government will need to explain to the people why the explosion took place when there are full-proof security arrangements," Pawan Kalyan said.

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RABBIT EARS PASS REOPENS, RESIDENTS RETURN TO HOMES AFTER CHEMICAL SPILL (WITH VIDEO)
https://www.steamboatpilot.com/news/rabbit-ears-pass-closes-due-to-chemical-spill/
Tags: us_CO, transportation, release, injury, methanol

STEAMBOAT SPRINGS ‰?? U.S. Highway 40 over Rabbit Ears Pass was closed at around 1 p.m. Tuesday due to a chemical spill. By 6:40 p.m., the highway was opened to alternating lanes of traffic.

According to the Routt County Sheriff‰??s Office, a vehicle crash resulted in a chemical spill on the highway between mileposts 140 and 141, close to the base of the pass south of Steamboat Springs. A west-bound semi with a box trailer crossed into the east-bound lane of traffic and rolled approximately 75 feet down the embankment landing on its roof against some trees, according to county officials.


The driver, who was later transported to UCHealth Yampa Valley Medical Center, identified the chemical as methanol, a type of alcohol that is mostly used to create fuel, solvents and antifreeze. It is a colorless liquid, flammable and poisonous for human consumption. The truck was carrying about 38,000 pounds of the substance.

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UAPD: ELECTRICAL COMPUTER ENGINEERING BUILDING EVACUATES DUE TO CHEMICAL GAS LEAK
https://www.kgun9.com/news/local-news/uapd-electrical-computer-engineering-building-evacuates-due-to-chemical-gas-leak
Tags: us_AZ, laboratory, release, response, silane

The University of Arizona Police Department is investigating a chemical gas leak on campus Tuesday.

The Electrical Computer Engineering building on Speedway has evacuated, according to UAPD.

Tucson Fire Department worked alongside UAPD to find and seal a silane gas leak, according to TFD. The building has been secured.

Anyone in the area is asked to avoid 2nd Street and Palm Drive, and to follow the direction of emergency personnel on scene.

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FIVE COUNTRIES COLLABORATE TO INFORM STAKEHOLDERS ON ENDOCRINE DISRUPTORS
https://sdg.iisd.org/news/five-countries-collaborate-to-inform-stakeholders-on-endocrine-disruptors/
Tags: Belgium, public, discovery, environmental

Five EU Member States are collaborating on a website to inform stakeholders about the status of substances identified as endocrine disruptors or under evaluation for endocrine disrupting properties within the EU.National Authorities in Belgium, Denmark, France, the Netherlands and Sweden are compiling information to improve knowledge about endocrine disruptors and increase transparency, coherence, consistency, and coordination across legislative areas. The website details information in two lists, based on EU regulations for REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals), the Biocidal Products Regulation (BPR), Plant Protection Products Regulation (PPPR), and cosmetic products. A third hazard-based list (List III) details substances proposed by an individual National Authority with possible endocrine disrupting properties.

More specifically, List I includes substances that have undergone an evaluation of endocrine disrupting properties and which are identified as endocrine disruptors at the EU level. List II contains substances currently under evaluation in an EU legislative process due to concerns for possible endocrine disrupting properties, or as part of the mandatory process for approval or renewal.

List III contains substances, proposed by an individual National Authority and considered endocrine disruptors at the national level in one of the participating countries. These substances are not necessarily supported by other Member States or considered endocrine disruptors at the EU level. The European Commission (EC) or Member States may decide at a later stage to further evaluate these substances.

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OVERCOMING THE REGULATORY HURDLES FOR THE PRODUCTION OF HAND SANITIZER FOR PUBLIC HEALTH PROTECTION: THE UK AND US ACADEMIC PERSPECTIVE
https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acs.chas.0c00065
Tags: laboratory, discovery, environmental, cleaners

The COVID-19 pandemic has led to an acute shortage of hand sanitizer, which is crucial to keeping people safe and to preventing the spread of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. However, universities across the world have used their expertise to help to meet urgent demand from public bodies and the emergency services for supplies of safe and effective sanitizer. We explore here the experience of the University of Bristol, UK, in negotiating the regulatory demands and logistical challenges facing its own sanitizer production efforts. We also reflect on the different regulatory situation for US colleagues pursuing similar activities, and we share our advice for other universities wishing to follow a similar path.

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CHEMISTRY DEPARTMENTS ACROSS THE UK TACKLE HERCULEAN TASK OF REOPENING
https://www.chemistryworld.com/news/chemistry-departments-across-the-uk-tackle-herculean-task-of-reopening/4012140.article
Tags: United_Kingdom, laboratory, discovery, environmental

Lockdown closed virtually every chemistry department in the UK. The only exceptions were for essential maintenance, those making hand sanitiser and Covid-19 research projects. As restrictions are eased, reopening labs across the country has meant a great deal of hard work to make sure government guidelines are followed and researchers feel safe.

Most chemistry departments are now up and running again. Careful planning and focused consultation has been key. This has involved continuous communication between research staff, estates managers and health and safety departments, as well as sharing of good practice between UK chemistry departments.

Most researchers and students are glad to be back too, albeit in much-changed surroundings. Many are supported by time-limited funding, and their future careers depend on results that can only be achieved in the lab.

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I-85 NORTH REOPENS AFTER TRACTOR TRAILER OVERTURNED, HAZMAT SPILL IN ANDERSON CO.
https://www.foxcarolina.com/news/hazmat-spill-in-anderson-county-after-tractor-trailer-overturns-along-i-85nb-all-lanes-blocked/article_91683b9a-c583-11ea-93a4-2704d90844c2.html
Tags: us_SC, transportation, release, response, unknown_chemical

ANDERSON COUNTY, S.C. (FOX Carolina) -- The SCDOT reported all northbound lanes of I-85 are back open after a hazmat spill near Townville in Anderson County.

The spill was reported late Monday one mile south of Exit 14 - South Carolina, 187 - Clemson, according to SCDOT.

According to the SCDOT, a overturned tractor trailer caused the spill along the 13 mm.

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TANKER TRUCK CRASHES, SPILLS LIQUID ASPHALT.
https://www.timesdaily.com/news/tanker-truck-crashes-spills-liquid-asphalt/article_5b99eeb4-eb15-545e-a2c5-202108125f5a.html
Tags: us_AL, transportation, release, response, asphalt

The Colbert County Emergency Management Agency spent much of Monday containing liquid asphalt that spilled from a tanker truck that ran off U.S. 43.

The single vehicle crash occurred at about 7:45 a.m. between the double bridges at the 309 mile marker just south of the U.S. 43/U.S. 72 intersection, EMA Director Michael Smith said.

Alabama Law Enforcement Agency Troopers said Frederick Davenport, of Pinson, no age available, was the driver of the tractor trailer rig.

Smith said the rig was hauling 6,000 gallons of liquid asphalt, which is used in the road-building process.

"One driver was entrapped and we had to extricate him," Smith said.

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'CHEMICAL INCIDENT' SPARKS EVACUATION AT BUCKLAND HOSPITAL IN DOVER
https://www.kentonline.co.uk/dover/news/chemical-incident-sparks-hospital-evacuation-230311/
Tags: United_Kingdom, public, release, injury, unknown_chemical

Part of a hospital was evacuated after a person with suspected chemical burns arrived at the infirmary for treatment.

Paramedics were called to the incident at Buckland Hospital in Dover at about 12.45pm today.

They treated the person, who is understood to have sustained the serious injuries prior to visiting the minor injuries unit, at the scene before being taken to the William Harvey Hospital in Ashford.

An ambulance service spokesman said: "We were called to Buckland Hospital to reports of a person having suffered burns.

"Crews including our hazardous area response team attended the scene and one person with potentially serious injuries was treated before being taken to William Harvey Hospital."

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MASSIVE FIRE ENGULFS VIZAG CHEMICAL PLANT, EXPLOSIONS HEARD, INJURIES REPORTED
https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/massive-fire-vizag-chemical-plant-injured-latest-updates-1700252-2020-07-13
Tags: India, industrial, explosion, injury, solvent

everal people were injured in an explosion at a chemical factory in Andhra Pradesh's Visakhapatnam on Monday night. Ramky CETP Solvents's building in Pharma City blew up due to unknown reasons. Locals said they heard around a dozen explosions in the building.

The explosions were followed by a massive fire that was visible across the city. At least 12 fire tenders were deployed to douse the flames.

According to the deputy commissioner of police, there was no loss of life in the incident. As per the police officer, there were only four people present incident the industrial unit at the time of the incident. All four managed to run out of the facility safely before it was engulfed by fire.

The police official said that the fire started from the reactor and spread to other parts of the plant.

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YOUR GEAR, YOUR LIFE: FIREFIGHTER PPE TOXINS AND WHAT TO DO ABOUT THEM
https://www.fireengineering.com/2020/07/13/490684/your-gear-your-life-firefighter-ppe-toxins-and-what-to-do-about-them/
Tags: industrial, discovery, environmental, other_chemical

U.S. firefighters‰?? PPE, our ‰??turnout gear,‰?? is manufactured from textiles that are made from fluoropolymers (one form of polyfluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS) or they are treated with PFAS. These chemicals are used in firefighter textiles or the fabric that gear manufactures use them to assemble our gear to meet the specifications provided by the department. PFAOs are added to the fabric to provide oil and water resistance.

These forever chemicals are added to the gear to meet National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Standard 1971, Standard on Protective Ensembles for Structural Fire Fighting and Proximity Fire Fighting. This oil and water resistance helps the turnout gear from becoming water soaked and adding significant weight to your gear. Wet gear is also uncomfortable and without proper care can lead to mold. The accepted thought is that wet gear increases thermal instability. However, this conventional thought has been found to not be as big of s factor as many have been led to believe. More testing is needed and we will address this in a later Humpday Hangout

PFOAs have been extensively studied and linked to several cancers and other diseases that negatively impact our body and systems.

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DUPONT TO PAY $3 MILLION FOR POLLUTION PROBLEMS AT LA PORTE, TEXAS, PLANT
https://cen.acs.org/environment/pollution/DuPont-pay-3-million-pollution/98/web/2020/07
Tags: us_TX, industrial, follow-up, environmental, waste

Dupont will pay $3.195 million to settle alleged violations of federal pollution control laws at a Texas plant that‰??s been closed since an accident killed 4 workers there in 2014.

The facility in La Porte, Texas, never reopened after the workers died when improperly maintained piping released nearly 11,000 kg of methyl mercaptan. The facility manufactured Lannate and Vydate brand carbamate insecticides. DuPont continues to operate a wastewater treatment system on the site for third-party tenant operators, according to the Environmental Protection Agency.

The settlement covers alleged violations of the Clean Air Act, the Clean Water Act, and the federal hazardous waste law that occurred while DuPont manufactured chemicals at the facility.

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