The devastating blast in the Lebanese capital of Beirut, caused when a large consignment of ammonium nitrate exploded, has resulted in other countries becoming more cautious about storing the compound, particularly in areas that are close to residential neighbourhoods.
The BBC reported that Senegalese authorities are taking steps to remove a large consignment of ammonium nitrate from the port in Dakar.
At present, there is 2,700 tonnes of ammonium nitrate in the Dakar port, which is almost as much of the chemical as caused the devastating Beirut blast. However, Senegalese authorities are asking the chemical’s owner to move the consignment.
They revealed that a request to store the ammonium nitrate at a warehouse in Dakar has yet to be approved, because the site hasn’t yet met all the required conditions.
Baba Drame, an official from the ministry of the environment, told the AFP news agency that “we have asked the owner to make arrangements so that the product can be transported outside Senegal”.
It’s due to be taken to Mali, although its use here is unclear. According to the BBC, 350 tonnes of the ammonium nitrate has already left Senegal for its final destination.
As we explained in a previous blog, ammonium nitrate is a synthetic substance that generally becomes dangerous when it’s kept in storage for long periods of time and moisture is absorbed by the substance. This means that if it’s exposed to fire, the chemical reaction will be much more intense. This is thought to be why the Beirut explosion was so devastating.
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