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1976 Manfredonia accidental release of arsenic

Coordinates: 41°38′46.7″N 15°56′44.4″E / 41.646306°N 15.945667°E / 41.646306; 15.945667
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1976 Manfredonia accidental release of arsenic
DateSeptember 1976
LocationManfredonia, Italy
Typeaccidental release of arsenic
Deaths0
Non-fatal injuries150

The Manfredonia accidental release of arsenic took place near the Italian town Manfredonia in September 1976 at the Enichem petrochemical plant, which produced fertilizers and caprolactam, a precursor in the manufacture of nylon. A scrubbing tower for the synthesis of ammonia gases blew up, releasing into the atmosphere several tons of potassium carbonate and bicarbonate solution containing arsenic trioxide. One hundred and fifty people were admitted to the local hospital for arsenic poisoning.[1][2]

References

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  1. ^ "Assennato et al. (2005) Late Industrial Development and Occupational Health in Southern Italy International journal of occupational and environmental health 2005, vol. 11, no1, pp. 82-87" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 2011-09-30. Retrieved 2011-08-12.
  2. ^ Francesco Tomaiuolo 1976-2006: trent’anni di arsenico all’Enichem di Manfredonia Bollettino di storia e ambiente - Numero 12/2004

41°38′46.7″N 15°56′44.4″E / 41.646306°N 15.945667°E / 41.646306; 15.945667