Sep. 3, 2008
Bayer CropScience has closed down a US agrochemical production unit in Institute, West Virginia, following an explosion and fire. The August 28th blast resulted in one death and one injury. A thorough investigation will be carried out and the plant will not be restarted until “its safe operation can be completely assured”, Bayer says.
The explosion and fire occurred at the West Carbamoylation Center at the Institute site. The company is not aware of what caused the incident and will not speculate on what happened or which products were involved. However, local reports indicate that the incident occurred in or around a new 4,000-gallon (15,200-litre) tank containing waste products used in the manufacture of the insecticide, Larvin (thiodicarb).
Air monitoring in and around the site shows no chemical exposure either in or off the site, Bayer says. “Employees throughout the site have assured the integrity of the piping, tanks and equipment in and around other operating facilities of the site,” the company adds.
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