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While petrochemical plants get the most attention, statistics from the Chemical Safety Board suggest that media overlook three quite common and widespread hazards: chlorine, ammonia, and propane. All of these are only lightly protected and vulnerable to terrorists with basic knowledge and primitive weapons.
Chlorine is commonly used in large quantities as a disinfectant in the drinking water and sewage plants of most large and mid-size cities. A tank car of chlorine on a siding or in transit could create a lethal plume miles long that could kill tens of thousands of people.
- Chlorine Chemistry Council: Janet Flynn, 703-741-5827.
- The U.S. Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board in August 2001 published an EPA-prepared lay-language report: "Hazards of Ammonia Releases at Ammonia Refrigeration Facilities (Update)."
- National Propane Gas Association: NPGA says that DOT contacted its Washington, DC, office after the WTC disaster to urge extra precautions and security, especially for transporters near cities -- but also for pipelines and storage facilities.