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Strict rules in the Netherlands regarding fertilizer ammonium nitrate

Ammonium nitrate, the explosive chemical compound that caused the massive explosion in Beirut, according to Lebanese President Aoun, is also produced in the Netherlands. When mixed with lime, the substance is stabilized and used in granular form as fertilizer.

Due to the explosion risk, strict rules apply to the production and purchase of ammonium nitrate.

Yesterday exploded 2750 tons of ammonium nitrate in a storage shed in the port of Beirut. At least 135 people were killed and 5000 injured and entire streets were razed to the ground.

Strict rules

Europe has strict rules in place to prevent such explosions. “Every loose screw must be reported to us. Furthermore, we carry out announced and unannounced inspections and the permit application is very strict,” says the Nijmegen Regional Service.

Surveillance and cameras monitor whether the situation is safe 24 hours a day. TNO also checks the fertilizers of Dutch companies if they request it themselves.

Add nitrogen

“Ammonium nitrate is a type of nitrogen that we need in open agricultural crops,” says Philip Ehlert of Wageningen University. “Think of grassland, potatoes and sugar beets. There is not enough nitrogen in our soil, so we add that through fertilizer.”

The pure ammonium nitrate is very explosive, says Ehlert. “It is used in mining, for example, and terrorists have also used it in attacks.”

Do not explode on its own

But this connection cannot just explode, says Ed de Jong of the TNO research institute. “It takes fire or a shock wave.” Fertilizer can also explode. “Only you will not only have enough fire and a shock wave, but you also need petrol or other flammable substances as an extra component,” says De Jong.

Although much is still unclear about the cause of the explosion in Beirut, experts consider it unlikely that an explosion of this magnitude can take place in the Netherlands.

TNO’s De Jong points out that the quality of ammonium nitrate may deteriorate over the years. “If it is true, the ammonium nitrate in Beirut has been stored in one place since 2014, it could increase the sensitivity to an explosion. Fluctuations in temperature, with hot days and cold nights, make the stuff much more porous.” This should be prevented by a layer of coating that is added to the fertilizer granules in the Netherlands.

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