What is ammonium nitrate the chemical that exploded in Beirut?
Beirut Ammonium Nitrate Blast: Analysis, Review, and Recommendations. A massive chemical detonation occurred on August 4, 2020 in the Port of Beirut, Lebanon. An uncontrolled fire in an adjacent warehouse ignited ~2,750 tons of Ammonium Nitrate (AN), producing one of the most devastating blasts in recent history.
Why did the ammonium nitrate explode in Beirut?
In the case of the Beirut explosion, the initial fire likely heated up and melted the stored ammonium nitrate, and a portion of it likely detonated because it had been sufficiently contaminated with carbon-based fuel. The initial detonation then likely triggered the remaining material.
How do you get ammonium nitrate?
You can make ammonium nitrate by reacting nitric acid with ammonia, but if you don’t have access to nitric acid (or don’t want to mess with it), you can make ammonium nitrate from readily available home chemicals.
What is bomb TNT?
2,4,6-Trinitrotoluene is a yellow, odorless solid that does not occur naturally in the environment. It is commonly known as TNT and is an explosive used in military shells, bombs, and grenades, in industrial uses, and in underwater blasting.
Can a person buy ammonium nitrate?
Ammonium nitrate sellers will be required to deny sale or transfer of ammonium nitrate to individuals who: Do not possess a valid AN Registered User Number accompanied by a valid photo ID. Are not authorized by a person possessing a valid AN Registered User Number to act on their behalf as an agent.
Can you still buy ammonium nitrate?
But in the US, you can buy ammonium nitrate on Amazon, at gardening stores, or from agricultural suppliers. The US Department of Homeland Security is required to “regulate the sale and transfer of ammonium nitrate by an ammonium nitrate facility” to prevent people from using it for terrorism.