DCHAS-L Archives · Post dated October 16, 2026
From: Rob Toreki <info**At_Symbol_Here**ILPI.COM>
Subject: [DCHAS-L] Chemical demonstration incident at Santa Rosa Junior College
Date: Oct 16, 2026 12:58 UTC
Reply-To: ACS Division of Chemical Health and Safety <DCHAS-L**At_Symbol_Here**PRINCETON.EDU>
In-Reply-To:
October 15, 2026
Dear SRJC Community,I wanted to follow up and clarify the chemical incident that occurred on Tuesday, October 13, 2026.
Two chemicals, ammonium chloride and potassium chlorate, were inadvertently mixed in preparation for a chemistry class demonstration in SRJC’s Lindley Center for STEM Education on the Santa Rosa campus. The intended demonstration called for barium hydroxide and ammonium chloride, a common combination used to demonstrate an endothermic reaction. This mixture prompted SRJC's Hazardous Materials Specialist to contact SRJC District Police, who contacted the Sonoma County Sheriff’s Office Bomb Unit to assist with the safe removal and neutralization of the mixed chemicals.
Out of an abundance of caution and at the recommendation of the Sheriff’s Office, the building was evacuated as a precaution while the materials were removed to provide a safe path of travel. There was never a risk to the building or any individuals during this incident. The Sheriff’s Office used a robot to move the chemicals to a safe location outside for neutralization. The chemicals themselves did not cause an explosion. The Sheriff's Office determined a safe and effective way to resolve the chemical solution, which created a loud bang.
