Axios recently reported that most of the chemical accidents reported to the EPA over the past 20 years involved one of 3 chemicals, according to their analysis of records obtained by the Data Liberation Project.
Axios found — in their order of frequency — ammonia, chlorine and chlorine dioxide, and hydrofluoric acid as the top three chemicals released.
Ammonia is the most common culprit in chemical accidents at facilities that have filed a risk management plan with the Environmental Protection Agency.
- Meatpacking and food processing plants often use large quantities of ammonia in their refrigeration systems.
- But when it escapes, it can be extremely dangerous. CNN recently detailed the severe health problems experienced by workers at Tyson Foods plants who were exposed to ammonium; one worker died.
- “Ammonia is very corrosive and very reactive with human tissues. If it’s breathed in because it’s in the air, it’s highly damaging and irritating to the lungs. It can cause real damage,” said Ted Schettler, science director at the environmental nonprofit Science and Environmental Health Network.”
Chlorine and chlorine dioxide are the second most common sources of chemical accidents. They’re commonly used to disinfect and sanitize water, and to process sewage and industrial waste.
Hydrofluoric acid is the third most common source of chemical accidents, according to EPA records. It’s used to make refrigerants, herbicides, and pharmaceuticals, and in oil refineries.