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Robert Bullard: The father of environmental justice
Robert Bullard is known as the father of environmental justice. This is due to his expertise on many things related to it, one of those being chemicals. Just recently, he made a call to action asking for chemical companies to put more money into process safety, as to make sure to keep workers and communities protected. This is an essential part of the environmental justice movement, as this is related to one of its main principles. -
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Introduction
This timeline details many incidents involving chemicals that have occurred within the past 20 years. In every single one of these incidents, injuries and deaths are caused by close proximity to hazardous events at these facilities. The worst part about all of these incidents, however, is how preventable that they all were. If safety of the process, the operators, the environment, and the community were more prioritized, many of these incidents could have been prevented. -
2005 BP Texas City Refinery Explosion
On March 23, 2005, a release of over 10000 gallons of hot gasoline in the Texas City Refinery's isomerization (ISOM) unit ignited, causing a massive explosion that killed 12 contract workers nearby who were not associated with the start up of the ISOM unit. One of the most deadly incidents ever investigated by the US Chemical Safety Board (CSB). -
T2 Laboratories Inc. Reactive Chemical Explosion
On December 19, 2007, four people were killed and 13 were injured by an explosion at T2 Laboratories during the production of a gasoline additive called methylcyclopentadienyl manganese tricarbonyl (MCMT). A thermal runaway was determined to be the cause. Not only were members of the public injured, but nearby homes and businesses were as well. -
Chevron Richmond Refinery Fire
On August 6, 2012, a release of flammable vapor and liquid ignited at the Richmond Refinery in California, causing a massive fire and smoke plume to drift off-site. Over 15000 people sought medical attention for breathing problems and other symptoms. This event had some of the most devastating impact on the public of any chemical release known today. -
West Fertilizer Explosion
On April 17, 2013, a fire of unknown origin at the West Fertilizer Company in West Texas caused over 30 tons of stored ammonium nitrate detonated violently, killing fifteen and injuring over 200 people. The amount of destruction left in its wake was total, leaving many people without homes. This is because there were no restrictions on keeping houses, businesses, and schools away from West Fertilizer, even though ammonium nitrate was a known hazardous material. -
MGPI Process upset and release
On October 21, 2016, a mixing of two incompatible chemicals at MGPI in Kansas caused a cloud containing chlorine gas to form and drift off-site. This caused a shelter-in-place order for around 11000 people who were near the facility. Over 140 people sought medical attention for breathing problems afterwards, some requiring hospitalization.