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Subject: [DCHAS-L] Chemical Safety headlines (8 articles)
Date: Monday, May 20, 2019 at 5:45:06 AM
Author: DCHAS Membership Chair <membership**At_Symbol_Here**DCHAS.ORG> 		Next by Date:
Subject: Re: [DCHAS-L] Chemical Safety headlines (8 articles)
Date: Mon, 20 May 2019 12:34:17 +0000
Author: TILAK CHANDRA

From: Monona Rossol <0000030664c37427-dmarc-request**At_Symbol_Here**LISTS.PRINCETON.EDU>
Subject: Re: [DCHAS-L] Chemical Safety headlines (8 articles)
Date: Mon, 20 May 2019 12:22:23 +0000
Reply-To: ACS Division of Chemical Health and Safety <DCHAS-L**At_Symbol_Here**PRINCETON.EDU>
Message-ID: 1979229381.3170201.1558354943408**At_Symbol_Here**mail.yahoo.com
In-Reply-To <344B2088-8657-4DA4-8026-844773A07BC2**At_Symbol_Here**dchas.org>


The MEKP article was uniquely well-reported from Bengaluru.  It was better in chemical detail than I see in any popular press here.

One thing I would have added:  The MEKP has a retarder for peroxide formation in it.  This retarder is used  by manufacturers as a rationale for not mentioning it's explosive potential on the label.    But over time and exposure to oxygen, that retarder fails. 

I've had to call the bomb squad twice for pick up of this type of product.  The resins are used less today due, I think, to the odor of styrene and the availability of so many less odorous A/B resins such as the urethanes (hazardous for other reasons).  MEKP is also used in a couple of other odd resin products including some copolymer urethane and some epoxy products.  

Other peroxides are also used for the same purpose.  They look similarly innocuous.  The peroxide curing agents can range in size from small tubes to gallon jugs.  Watch for them in your art/theater departments.  

Monona

METHYL ETHYL KETONE PEROXIDE CAUSED BLAST- THE NEW INDIAN EXPRESS
http://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/bengaluru/2019/may/20/methyl-ethyl-ketone-peroxide-caused-blast-1979241.html
Tags: India, industrial, explosion, death, mek

BENGALURU:  The deadly chemical that caused an explosion at MLA Munirathna's house, claiming the life of 45-year-old Venkatesh, in Vyalikaval on Sunday morning, is suspected to be Methyl Ethyl Ketone Peroxide (MEKP), a highly explosive chemical. Experts told TNIE that MEKP is not only toxic but highly inflammable too. Its ignition temperature at highly concentrated levels is known to be as low as 22.50 Celsius.

The chemical is dangerous for anyone in its vicinity, especially in case of spills, which is what happened when Venkatesh kept the can containing the chemical on the floor. The chemical is also known to have an adverse effect on people's health. It can cause birth defects, fainting and even death. Experts said hobbyists use a 30-60 per cent diluted version of the chemical to cross-link unsaturated polyester resins in fibreglass and casting.

Speaking to The New Indian Express, a senior police officer said, "One of the colourful peacock statues atop an electric pole at the MLA's residence was made using MEKP as it helps bend fibre statues. FSL officials have said the content inside the can had solidified. When Venkatesh tried to open it, it caused the blast. The Vyalikaval police are investigating the case booked under the Explosive Substances Act."

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