A train derailment near the Ukranian city of Lviv (formerly Lemberg) has led to a fire and the unleashing of a huge toxic cloud. The train was carrying yellow phosporus from Kazakhstan to Poland when it derailed. An area of 90 square kilometres (35 square miles) is in danger. When phosphorus burns, it forms phosphoric acid, which is extremely caustic, especially when it comes into contact with water. As any chemistry student knows, yellow phosphorus will spontaneously ignite on exposure to air. Covering it with water makes it safe. It is used in the manufacture of fertiliser and explosives.
Want to know how nasty this stuff is? Read more here.
Phosphorus is the component of many naturally occurring compounds, read more here
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Great job with the camera work, Guido!
ReplyDeleteSam
Oh no... I hope it gets cleaned up safely...
ReplyDeletebe well,
Dawn
http://journals.aol.com/princesssaurora/CarpeDiem/