The catastrophic explosion in Beirut on August 4, 2020 was one of the worst manmade disasters in history. Over 150 died, and thousands were injured. The blast was caused by the improper storage of ammonium nitrate, a chemical compound commonly used in fertilizer.

In the US, there is a perception that an industrial accident of that magnitude could not happen here. In this episode of Learn Something New™ from NFPA Journal®, a brief history of similar incidents involving ammonium nitrate is explored. After the West, Texas plant explosion in 2013, NFPA® 400, Hazardous Materials Code, was updated to reflect new safety requirements.

Following the Beirut explosion, the US Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigations Board (CSB) identified that there are gaps in federal regulation of ammonium nitrate.

For more information, go to nfpa.org. View NFPA 400 online.

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