EXPLOSION CAUGHT ON VIDEO (6:52): Explosion with debris flying and heavy smoke from a commercial building where paint and paint striping systems are manufactured at 640 Industrial Drive in Cary, Illinois (VIDEO CREDIT: 3GSTORE.COM).
Cary firefighers responded about 1:10 p.m. Tuesday, March 6, 2013 to an explosion and fire at 640 Industrial Drive. Witnesses on the block reported seeing one man rolling on the ground at the front of the building immediately after the explosion. Witnesses on the block also said it sounded like a plane crash. Several smaller pops and explosions occurred, and one larger explosion occurred about 7 minutes into the incident. Heavy black smoke rolled out of the commercial building. A brick wall at the front of the building was also blown out and destroyed.
Three people were transported to hospital(s) in the area. At least one person was transported to Advocate Good Shepherd Hospital. The victims are reported to have non-life-threatening injuries.
Two fire department aerial towers were seen streaming water into the building near two large white tanks from a television news helicopter.
About 90 minutes after the explosions with smoke still rising from the building, a HazMat extra alarm for HazMat technicians was requested. A special request for a foam truck from Crystal Lake Fire/Rescue and a Mobile Ventilation Unit from MABAS Division 1 were also called to the scene.
Firefighters from Barrington, Cary, Crystal Lake, Fox River Grove, McHenry Township, and Nunda Township responded to the second alarm. Firefighters from Elgin, Long Grove, and Quad 2 Fire Departments Foam Response Unit also responded. HazMat techs from as far as Buffalo Grove responded to the HazMat Box Alarm.
According to Material Safety Data Sheets posted on the company’s website, chemicals known to be in products at Fox Valley Systems include Acetone, Butane, Ethylbenzene, Propane, Titanium Dioxide, Toluene, VM&P Naptha, and Xylene. This list was consolidated from multiple products. Different paints have different specific chemicals.
Material Safety Data Sheets on many products inside the plant include the following information …
Contents under pressure. Harmful if inhaled. May affect the brain or nervous
system causing dizziness, headache or nausea. Vapors may cause flash fire or
explosion. Extremely flammable liquid and vapor. Harmful if swallowed.
EYES: Irritation
SKIN: Prolonged or repeated exposure may cause irritation
INGESTION: Swallowing may cause abdominal spasms and other symptoms that parallel overexposure from inhalation. Aspiration of material into the lungs can cause
chemical pneumonitis, which may be fatal.
INHALATION: Inhalation may cause irritation of the upper respiratory tract. Symptoms of overexposure may include fatigue, confusion, headache, dizziness and drowsiness.
Peculiar skin sensations (e. g. pins and needles) or numbness may be produced.
Very high concentrations may cause unconsciousness and death.
ACCIDENTAL RELEASE MEASURES:
Steps should be taken in case material is released or
spilled. Remove all sources of ignition. Ventilate the
area. Remove with inert absorbent.
HANDLING AND STORAGE:
Use only in a well ventilated area. Avoid breathing mist or vapor. Do not
smoke. Extinguish all flames, pilot lights and heaters. Turn off stoves
electric tools and appliances and any other sources of ignition.
Do not store above 120°F. Keep containers tightly closed. Isolate from
heat, electrical equipment, sparks and open flame. Contents under
pressure.
UNUSUAL FIRE AND EXPLOSION HAZARDS:
Perforation of pressurized containers may cause bursting of
the containers. Closed containers may explode when exposed
to extreme heat. Flash point is less than -20° F. Extremely
flammable liquid and vapor.
CHRONIC HEALTH HAZARDS
Overexposure to Toluene in laboratory animals has been associated with liver
abnormalities, kidney, lung and spleen damage. Effects in humans due to chronic
overexposure, have included liver and cardiac abnormalities.
Overexposure to Xylene in laboratory animals has been associated with liver
abnormalities, kidney, lung, spleen eye and blood damage as well as reproductive
disorders. Effects in humans due to chronic overexposure, have included liver,
cardiac abnormalities and nervous system disorders.
Overexposure to Ethylbenzene may cause central nervous system disorder (e.g.,
narcosis involving a loss of coordination, weakness, fatigue, mental confsion
and blurred vision) and/or damage. Reports have associated repeated and
prolonged occupational overexposure to Ethylbenzene with permanent brain and
nervous system damage.
CARCINOGENICITY
IARC: Ethylbenzene is listed as a possible human carcinogen (2B) based on laboratory animal studies.
