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    <title>Pinboard (dchas)</title>
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  </channel><item rdf:about="https://kyma.com/news/national-world/2022/12/27/fire-ravages-through-a-tokyo-chemical-factory/">
    <title>Fire ravages through a Tokyo chemical factory</title>
    <dc:date>2022-12-28T11:35:31+00:00</dc:date>
    <link>https://kyma.com/news/national-world/2022/12/27/fire-ravages-through-a-tokyo-chemical-factory/</link>
    <dc:creator>dchas</dc:creator><description><![CDATA[TOKYO, Japan (NBC) - More than a dozen people evacuated after a massive fire rips through a Tokyo chemical factory Tuesday.

13 workers were force to evacuate when a fire broke out at a chemical plant in tokyo today..

One of the workers, a man in his 50s, went to a nearby hospital due to smoke inhalation.

The fire was to have started when workers were trying to manufacture soap in a tank at the plant.

It took more than 60 fire trucks on scene to put out the blaze.

]]></description>
<dc:subject>Japan industrial fire injury unknown_chemical</dc:subject>
<dc:source>https://pinboard.in/</dc:source>
<dc:identifier>https://pinboard.in/u:dchas/b:06649fe78746/</dc:identifier>
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<item rdf:about="https://www.stripes.com/theaters/asia_pacific/2022-12-25/misawa-air-base-pfas-japan-defense-spill-8544475.html">
    <title>Air Force surveys find falling levels of ‘forever chemicals’ at fighter base in Japan</title>
    <dc:date>2022-12-26T12:43:32+00:00</dc:date>
    <link>https://www.stripes.com/theaters/asia_pacific/2022-12-25/misawa-air-base-pfas-japan-defense-spill-8544475.html</link>
    <dc:creator>dchas</dc:creator><description><![CDATA[Levels of toxic “forever chemicals” in treated industrial wastewater at Misawa Air Base had significantly fallen six months after an inadvertent leak of residual firefighting foam at an aircraft shelter, according to a Japanese defense official and a base spokesman.

A manmade chemical, PFAS, and its components PFOS and PFOA, are found in firefighting foam, also known as aqueous film forming foam, or AFFF, on some U.S. military bases in Japan. Japanese authorities in recent years have tracked similar spills at U.S. bases on Okinawa and in the Tokyo metro area.

A frozen pipe in a hardened aircraft shelter at Misawa in northeastern Japan cracked Jan. 3 and released water through a fire suppression system where the foam was previously kept, base spokesman Lt. Col. Cody Chiles told Stars and Stripes by phone Thursday. Misawa is home to the 35th Fighter Wing.

]]></description>
<dc:subject>Japan industrial release environmental other_chemical</dc:subject>
<dc:source>https://pinboard.in/</dc:source>
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<taxo:topics><rdf:Bag>	<rdf:li rdf:resource="https://pinboard.in/u:dchas/t:Japan"/>
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<item rdf:about="https://safetyofwork.com/episodes/ep-101-when-should-incidents-cause-us-to-question-risk-assessments">
    <title>Ep. 101 When should incidents cause us to question risk assessments?</title>
    <dc:date>2022-11-01T10:30:40+00:00</dc:date>
    <link>https://safetyofwork.com/episodes/ep-101-when-should-incidents-cause-us-to-question-risk-assessments</link>
    <dc:creator>dchas</dc:creator><description><![CDATA[This paper reflects on the credibility of nuclear risk assessment in the wake of the 2011 Fukushima meltdown. In democratic states, policymaking around nuclear energy has long been premised on an understanding that experts can objectively and accurately calculate the probability of catastrophic accidents. Yet the Fukushima disaster lends credence to the substantial body of social science research that suggests such calculations are fundamentally unworkable. Nevertheless, the credibility of these assessments appears to have survived the disaster, just as it has resisted the evidence of previous nuclear accidents. This paper looks at why. It argues that public narratives of the Fukushima disaster invariably frame it in ways that allow risk-assessment experts to “disown” it. It concludes that although these narratives are both rhetorically compelling and highly consequential to the governance of nuclear power, they are not entirely credible.

]]></description>
<dc:subject>Japan industrial follow-up environmental radiation</dc:subject>
<dc:source>https://pinboard.in/</dc:source>
<dc:identifier>https://pinboard.in/u:dchas/b:e44603079074/</dc:identifier>
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<item rdf:about="https://www.wjbf.com/news/u-s-world-news/chemical-tanker-cargo-ship-crash-near-southwestern-japan/">
    <title>Chemical tanker, cargo ship crash near southwestern Japan</title>
    <dc:date>2022-08-21T12:38:46+00:00</dc:date>
    <link>https://www.wjbf.com/news/u-s-world-news/chemical-tanker-cargo-ship-crash-near-southwestern-japan/</link>
    <dc:creator>dchas</dc:creator><description><![CDATA[TOKYO (AP) — A Japanese chemical tanker ship crashed into a cargo ship off the coast of southwestern Japan, the coast guard said Saturday.

No one was injured among the six Japanese crew members aboard the tanker Ryoshinmaru and 14 Chinese crew members aboard the Belize-registered cargo ship Xin Hai 99.

Early Saturday’s crash was under investigation and both ships were anchored in the area, about 3.5 kilometers (2.2 miles) off the coast of Wakayama prefecture, according to a Kushimoto Coast Guard official.

Some oil leaked from the engine area of the cargo ship, which initially started to sink, but it was brought under control, the official said.

The tanker had left Kobe port to pick up chemicals from another Japanese port and did not have any chemicals on board at the time of the accident.

]]></description>
<dc:subject>Japan transportation release response petroleum</dc:subject>
<dc:source>https://pinboard.in/</dc:source>
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<item rdf:about="https://lasvegassun.com/news/2022/mar/11/11-years-later-fate-of-fukushima-reactor-cleanup-u/">
    <title>11 years later, fate of Fukushima reactor cleanup uncertain</title>
    <dc:date>2022-03-11T11:36:38+00:00</dc:date>
    <link>https://lasvegassun.com/news/2022/mar/11/11-years-later-fate-of-fukushima-reactor-cleanup-u/</link>
    <dc:creator>dchas</dc:creator><description><![CDATA[OKUMA, Japan (AP) — Eleven years after the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant was ravaged by a meltdown following a massive earthquake and tsunami, the plant now looks like a sprawling construction site. Most of the radioactive debris blasted by the hydrogen explosions has been cleared and the torn buildings have been fixed.

During a recent visit by journalists from The Associated Press to see firsthand the cleanup of one of the world’s worst nuclear meltdowns, helmeted men wore regular work clothes and surgical masks, instead of previously required hazmat coveralls and full-face masks, as they dug near a recently reinforced oceanside seawall.

Workers were preparing for the planned construction of an Olympic pool-sized shaft for use in a highly controversial plan set to begin in the spring of 2023 to gradually get rid of treated radioactive water — now exceeding 1.3 million tons stored in 1,000 tanks — so officials can make room for other facilities needed for the plant's decommissioning.

Despite the progress, massive amounts of radioactive melted fuel remain inside of the reactors. There's worry about the fuel because so much about its condition is still unknown, even to officials in charge of the cleanup.

Nearly 900 tons of melted nuclear fuel remain inside the three damaged reactors, and its removal is an unprecedented challenge involving 10 times the amount of damaged fuel removed in the Three Mile Island cleanup following its 1979 partial core melt.

The government has set a decommissioning roadmap aiming for completion in 29 years.

]]></description>
<dc:subject>Japan industrial follow-up environmental radiation</dc:subject>
<dc:source>https://pinboard.in/</dc:source>
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<item rdf:about="https://www.chemistryworld.com/news/rising-ozone-pollution-threatens-east-asias-cereal-crops/4015087.article">
    <title>Rising ozone pollution threatens east Asia’s cereal crops</title>
    <dc:date>2022-01-20T11:07:43+00:00</dc:date>
    <link>https://www.chemistryworld.com/news/rising-ozone-pollution-threatens-east-asias-cereal-crops/4015087.article</link>
    <dc:creator>dchas</dc:creator><description><![CDATA[Ozone pollution is damaging wheat, rice and maize crops across China, South Korea and Japan to the tune of $63 billion (£46 billion) each year. The study by an international team of researchers highlights the need to mitigate increasing ground-level ozone across east Asia to safeguard food production in one of the largest bread baskets and rice bowls in the world.

Ground-level ozone is one of the most common air pollutants. It’s formed when other pollutants in the atmosphere, including nitrogen oxides from fuel combustion and volatile organic compounds from paint and solvent manufacturing, react with sunlight.

Scientists have long known ozone can reduce plants’ growth and ability to survive by entering leaf openings and oxidising tissues. Over the past two decades, ozone modelling data have provided rough estimates of global crop losses due to ozone, which although uncertain, have raised food security concerns, particularly in Asia where ozone levels are rising.

Now, Kazuhiko Kobayashi at the University of Tokyo and his colleagues have combined observations and experimental work – as opposed to models – and obtained the most accurate estimates to date for east Asia. ‘The results are indeed worrisome for food production in east Asia,’ says Kobayashi.

The team’s analysis suggests that a third of wheat crops in China between 2017 and 2019 were lost due to ozone damage, and 23% and 9% of rice and maize, respectively. South Korea’s wheat yields suffered losses of 28% and rice 11%, while Japan’s wheat losses were 16% and 5% for rice.

]]></description>
<dc:subject>Japan industrial discovery environmental ozone</dc:subject>
<dc:source>https://pinboard.in/</dc:source>
<dc:identifier>https://pinboard.in/u:dchas/b:95bff3b790df/</dc:identifier>
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<item rdf:about="https://www.chemistryworld.com/news/mashed-magnesium-used-to-prepare-grignards-without-worrying-about-air/4014897.article">
    <title>Mashed magnesium used to prepare Grignards without worrying about air</title>
    <dc:date>2021-12-11T11:18:20+00:00</dc:date>
    <link>https://www.chemistryworld.com/news/mashed-magnesium-used-to-prepare-grignards-without-worrying-about-air/4014897.article</link>
    <dc:creator>dchas</dc:creator><description><![CDATA[Researchers at Hokkaido University, Japan, have discovered a new method to prepare Grignard reagents using mechanochemistry – and what’s more these reagents aren’t destroyed by air. ‘It’s easier and faster,’ says Deborah Crawford from the University of Bradford, UK, who was not involved in the study. ‘I would now employ [this] method if I was to need a Grignard.’

Grignard reagents are organomagnesium compounds widely used in organic synthesis for their versatility to create new carbon–carbon bonds. However, their preparation often requires controlled temperatures, dry solvents and protection from air and moisture through inert-air methodologies like Schlenk lines. ‘This is the first example of Grignards [being] prepared under ambient conditions … it’s remarkable,’ says Crawford.

The Japanese team’s secret weapon was mechanochemistry – grinding reagents together using a ball mill. While other researchers had studied the reactivity of organohalides and magnesium in these conditions, this team took it a step further. ‘We found that [adding] small amounts of [tetrahydrofuran] efficiently promoted the formation of Grignard reagents,’ explains Koji Kubota, who co-led the study. ‘The set-up is really simple: a stainless-steel ball, an organic halide, magnesium and THF [all] added into the milling jar. Then you just press start.’

]]></description>
<dc:subject>Japan laboratory discovery environmental magnesium solvent tetrahydrofuran</dc:subject>
<dc:source>https://pinboard.in/</dc:source>
<dc:identifier>https://pinboard.in/u:dchas/b:aefd4eb7dc43/</dc:identifier>
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<item rdf:about="https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acs.oprd.1c00169">
    <title>Study on Autocatalytic Decomposition of Dimethyl Sulfoxide (DMSO) III: Investigations Regarding the Main Decomposition</title>
    <dc:date>2021-12-02T11:29:40+00:00</dc:date>
    <link>https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acs.oprd.1c00169</link>
    <dc:creator>dchas</dc:creator><description><![CDATA[It is important to know the entire decomposition mechanism of energetic materials for safety purposes, such as the assessment, control, mitigation, and prevention of thermal hazards. Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) is a common solvent that is widely used in laboratories and industrial applications; however, several severe incidents due to its decomposition have been reported. The decomposition mechanism of DMSO has been studied for several years; however, it has not been sufficiently clear until now. To elucidate the complicated decomposition pathway, analyses of materials from DMSO decomposition were conducted. Several new chemical bonds were found in the decomposition products through gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis, which suggests a radical reaction. Atomic sulfur S(0) or organic divalent sulfur S(II) was found on the inner wall of the vessel after decomposition, which indicates that the sulfur atom in DMSO was reduced during decomposition. In addition to the chemical analyses, a kinetic study was carried out for the data obtained through isothermal heating tests. All of the DMSO samples with or without the studied impurities showed similar activation energies for the main decomposition. Autocatalysts in DMSO decomposition are proposed to work not by accelerating the main decomposition but rather by shortening the induction period. It is proposed that the main decomposition of DMSO occurs via a radical pathway.

]]></description>
<dc:subject>Japan laboratory discovery environmental other_chemical</dc:subject>
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<dc:identifier>https://pinboard.in/u:dchas/b:a4514b3b4bd1/</dc:identifier>
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	<rdf:li rdf:resource="https://pinboard.in/u:dchas/t:laboratory"/>
	<rdf:li rdf:resource="https://pinboard.in/u:dchas/t:discovery"/>
	<rdf:li rdf:resource="https://pinboard.in/u:dchas/t:environmental"/>
	<rdf:li rdf:resource="https://pinboard.in/u:dchas/t:other_chemical"/>
</rdf:Bag></taxo:topics>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://news.trust.org/item/20210510230821-m9wjo/">
    <title>Explosion at Sakai Chemical plant in Japan injures at least ...</title>
    <dc:date>2021-05-11T10:50:59+00:00</dc:date>
    <link>https://news.trust.org/item/20210510230821-m9wjo/</link>
    <dc:creator>dchas</dc:creator><description><![CDATA[TOKYO, May 11 (Reuters) - An explosion at a Sakai Chemical Industry plant in Fukushima prefecture in northeast Japan has injured at least four people, public broadcaster NHK reported.

An image published online by NHK showed a plume of smoke rising from the plant. The company manufactures chemicals used in paints, printer ink, plastics and other products.

Police and fire service officials are investigating the cause of the incident, NHK said. ]]></description>
<dc:subject>Japan industrial explosion injury paints plastics</dc:subject>
<dc:source>https://pinboard.in/</dc:source>
<dc:identifier>https://pinboard.in/u:dchas/b:06465d2f4b93/</dc:identifier>
<taxo:topics><rdf:Bag>	<rdf:li rdf:resource="https://pinboard.in/u:dchas/t:Japan"/>
	<rdf:li rdf:resource="https://pinboard.in/u:dchas/t:industrial"/>
	<rdf:li rdf:resource="https://pinboard.in/u:dchas/t:explosion"/>
	<rdf:li rdf:resource="https://pinboard.in/u:dchas/t:injury"/>
	<rdf:li rdf:resource="https://pinboard.in/u:dchas/t:paints"/>
	<rdf:li rdf:resource="https://pinboard.in/u:dchas/t:plastics"/>
</rdf:Bag></taxo:topics>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://www.nasdaq.com/articles/renesas-cfo-says-financial-impact-of-fire-limited-in-mid-term-2021-03-30">
    <title>Renesas CFO says financial impact of fire limited in mid-term</title>
    <dc:date>2021-03-31T10:29:23+00:00</dc:date>
    <link>https://www.nasdaq.com/articles/renesas-cfo-says-financial-impact-of-fire-limited-in-mid-term-2021-03-30</link>
    <dc:creator>dchas</dc:creator><description><![CDATA[TOKYO, March 31 (Reuters) - The chief financial officer at Japan's Renesas Electronics Corp 6723.T told a shareholders meeting on Wednesday that while a fire at its chipmaking plant would have immense impact on short-term finances, the medium-term impact will be limited.

That financial impact will not affect plans to buy Dialog Semiconductor PLC DLGS.DE, Shuhei Shinkai said, without elaborating on the short and mid-term time frames involved.

The Japanese chipmaker on Tuesday said it would take at least 100 days for production to normalise at a factory that suffered a major blaze on March 19. Japan's government has since urged Taiwanese peers to help with chip production.

The fire at the Naka plant followed soon after an earthquake stopped production for three days last month. In 2011, the plant shut down for three months after an earthquake and tsunami devastated Japan's northeast coast.

Chief Executive Officer Hidetoshi Shibata said on Wednesday that while the scale of fire damage is less than the earthquake a decade ago, there is a bigger hurdle towards recovery due to chemical pollution caused by the fire.

]]></description>
<dc:subject>Japan industrial follow-up environmental</dc:subject>
<dc:source>https://pinboard.in/</dc:source>
<dc:identifier>https://pinboard.in/u:dchas/b:a47b641a8a14/</dc:identifier>
<taxo:topics><rdf:Bag>	<rdf:li rdf:resource="https://pinboard.in/u:dchas/t:Japan"/>
	<rdf:li rdf:resource="https://pinboard.in/u:dchas/t:industrial"/>
	<rdf:li rdf:resource="https://pinboard.in/u:dchas/t:follow-up"/>
	<rdf:li rdf:resource="https://pinboard.in/u:dchas/t:environmental"/>
</rdf:Bag></taxo:topics>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://hackaday.com/2021/03/23/fire-at-renesas-plant-fuels-chip-supply-woes/">
    <title>Fire At Renesas Plant Fuels Chip Supply Woes</title>
    <dc:date>2021-03-24T11:10:05+00:00</dc:date>
    <link>https://hackaday.com/2021/03/23/fire-at-renesas-plant-fuels-chip-supply-woes/</link>
    <dc:creator>dchas</dc:creator><description><![CDATA[The small city of Naka (pop. 53K), a two-hour train ride from Tokyo on the eastern coast of Japan, was thrust into the international spotlight in the early dawn of Friday morning. A fire broke out among electroplating equipment in Renesas’s 300 nm N3 fabrication facility. It was extinguished before breakfast time, and fortunately nobody was injured nor were there any toxic chemical leaks. Only six hundred square meters on the first floor of the plant was damaged, but the entire building has to be closed for repairs. It will take approximately one month to restore normal operations, and CEO Hidetoshi Shibata is “concerned that there will be a massive impact on chip supplies”.


Renesas Naka Plant Location
In a press conference on Sunday afternoon, Renesas reports that the source of the fire has been determined, but the details are still unclear:

The casing of the equipment and the plating tank have relatively low resistance to heat, and the equipment ignited due to overcurrent. However, the cause of the overcurrent and the reason for the ignition is currently being investigated.

Semiconductors are already in short supply, as we reported back in January, forcing slowdowns at many auto manufacturers. The Naka plant primarily makes automotive semiconductors, worsening an already stressed supply chain. While the news focuses on the automotive sector, this shortage spills over into many other industries as well.

]]></description>
<dc:subject>Japan industrial fire response toxics</dc:subject>
<dc:source>https://pinboard.in/</dc:source>
<dc:identifier>https://pinboard.in/u:dchas/b:25a7a97286e0/</dc:identifier>
<taxo:topics><rdf:Bag>	<rdf:li rdf:resource="https://pinboard.in/u:dchas/t:Japan"/>
	<rdf:li rdf:resource="https://pinboard.in/u:dchas/t:industrial"/>
	<rdf:li rdf:resource="https://pinboard.in/u:dchas/t:fire"/>
	<rdf:li rdf:resource="https://pinboard.in/u:dchas/t:response"/>
	<rdf:li rdf:resource="https://pinboard.in/u:dchas/t:toxics"/>
</rdf:Bag></taxo:topics>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://www.airforcemag.com/improperly-stored-chemicals-caused-june-2020-kadena-fire/">
    <title>Improperly Stored Chemicals Caused June 2020 Kadena Fire</title>
    <dc:date>2021-01-28T11:57:54+00:00</dc:date>
    <link>https://www.airforcemag.com/improperly-stored-chemicals-caused-june-2020-kadena-fire/</link>
    <dc:creator>dchas</dc:creator><description><![CDATA[Improperly stored calcium hypochlorite caused a fire last summer that destroyed the hazardous material storage building at Kadena Air Base, Japan, and caused about 120 people to seek medical care, according to a recently released Air Force investigation.

The fire at the 18th Logistics Readiness Squadron’s building destroyed the 1950s-era structure and everything inside, at a loss of $2.6 million. It forced the closure of the base’s flight line for about an hour and 40 minutes, requiring three aircraft to divert to other bases, according to the Air Force Ground Investigation Board report released Jan. 25.

The morning of June 22, 2020, five Airmen with the squadron reported to the facility, Building 3150, to repackage pallets of calcium hypochlorite for disposal. The chemicals had been stored in what photographs showed as decrepit conditions, with pallets falling over, boxes rupturing, and granules spilling onto the floor. Calcium hypochlorite is not itself flammable, but has “strong oxidizing potential” that could ignite combustible materials such as paper and cardboard, according to the report.

The chemical needs to be stored in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated location. However, Building 3150 wasn’t well ventilated and didn’t have climate control. Inspections and unscheduled maintenance the prior year showed poor lighting, materials not stored properly, no fire suppression, an old metal roof held up by wooden beams, and the building itself wasn’t secured after inspectors cut the outside gate.

The investigation found that the CH had not been stored properly for about 20 months, and Airmen just 11 days before had another incident with the chemical as a bag began to emit gas, causing the building to be evacuated and fire crews to respond to douse the bag.

]]></description>
<dc:subject>Japan industrial follow-up injury waste</dc:subject>
<dc:source>https://pinboard.in/</dc:source>
<dc:identifier>https://pinboard.in/u:dchas/b:4cdfb5e0fc0c/</dc:identifier>
<taxo:topics><rdf:Bag>	<rdf:li rdf:resource="https://pinboard.in/u:dchas/t:Japan"/>
	<rdf:li rdf:resource="https://pinboard.in/u:dchas/t:industrial"/>
	<rdf:li rdf:resource="https://pinboard.in/u:dchas/t:follow-up"/>
	<rdf:li rdf:resource="https://pinboard.in/u:dchas/t:injury"/>
	<rdf:li rdf:resource="https://pinboard.in/u:dchas/t:waste"/>
</rdf:Bag></taxo:topics>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://cen.acs.org/safety/DMSO-poses-decomposition-danger/98/i36">
    <title>DMSO poses decomposition danger</title>
    <dc:date>2020-09-17T09:59:15+00:00</dc:date>
    <link>https://cen.acs.org/safety/DMSO-poses-decomposition-danger/98/i36</link>
    <dc:creator>dchas</dc:creator><description><![CDATA[Chemists are once again raising safety concerns about dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), following research that has probed how the popular solvent decomposes when heated. DMSO decomposition has caused many industrial and laboratory explosions since the 1960s, according to accident reports. DMSO is widely used because it is so versatile: it can dissolve polar and nonpolar compounds alike and mixes well with water and organic solvents. It also has a low vapor pressure and low toxicity that make for easier use in the lab and in industrial processes.

But when DMSO is heated close to its boiling point of 189 °C, for example during distillation to recover the solvent, it can rapidly decompose. This generates more heat along with gases such as hydrogen, methane, and carbon dioxide. The decomposition process is also autocatalytic—in other words, molecules formed during decomposition act as catalysts for even more decomposition, triggering a runaway reaction that poses an explosion hazard.

A team led by Yoshikuni Deguchi at Kaneka Corporation has now identified some of the breakdown products of DMSO that are responsible for this autocatalytic behavior (Org. Process Res. Dev., DOI: 10.1021/acs.oprd.0c00113). The researchers hope that this finding will help to raise awareness of the hazards of DMSO.

]]></description>
<dc:subject>Japan laboratory discovery environmental solvent</dc:subject>
<dc:source>https://pinboard.in/</dc:source>
<dc:identifier>https://pinboard.in/u:dchas/b:569b6ba92235/</dc:identifier>
<taxo:topics><rdf:Bag>	<rdf:li rdf:resource="https://pinboard.in/u:dchas/t:Japan"/>
	<rdf:li rdf:resource="https://pinboard.in/u:dchas/t:laboratory"/>
	<rdf:li rdf:resource="https://pinboard.in/u:dchas/t:discovery"/>
	<rdf:li rdf:resource="https://pinboard.in/u:dchas/t:environmental"/>
	<rdf:li rdf:resource="https://pinboard.in/u:dchas/t:solvent"/>
</rdf:Bag></taxo:topics>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acs.oprd.0c00113">
    <title>Study on Autocatalytic Decomposition of Dimethyl Sulfoxide (DMSO)</title>
    <dc:date>2020-09-03T11:23:32+00:00</dc:date>
    <link>https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acs.oprd.0c00113</link>
    <dc:creator>dchas</dc:creator><description><![CDATA[Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) is widely used due to its excellent solvent properties; however, several serious incidents have been reported related to the use of DMSO. DMSO can decompose autocatalytically, but we have no consensus with respect to the chemical structure and function of the autocatalyst. Thermal decomposition of DMSO was carried out in an inert atmosphere, and analysis of the nonvolatile fraction indicated the presence of several organic and inorganic acids. DMSO was believed to act as an oxidizer as well as a reactant in the formation of these acids. The same acids were found in an isothermal heating test, and their concentrations increased over heating time. Addition of acids to DMSO before starting isothermal heating significantly shortened the induction period indicating that the acids generated in situ served as autocatalysts for the thermal decomposition of DMSO.

]]></description>
<dc:subject>Japan laboratory discovery environmental other_chemical</dc:subject>
<dc:source>https://pinboard.in/</dc:source>
<dc:identifier>https://pinboard.in/u:dchas/b:a2dea9762e52/</dc:identifier>
<taxo:topics><rdf:Bag>	<rdf:li rdf:resource="https://pinboard.in/u:dchas/t:Japan"/>
	<rdf:li rdf:resource="https://pinboard.in/u:dchas/t:laboratory"/>
	<rdf:li rdf:resource="https://pinboard.in/u:dchas/t:discovery"/>
	<rdf:li rdf:resource="https://pinboard.in/u:dchas/t:environmental"/>
	<rdf:li rdf:resource="https://pinboard.in/u:dchas/t:other_chemical"/>
</rdf:Bag></taxo:topics>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://www.militarytimes.com/news/your-military/2020/06/22/fire-burning-at-hazmat-storage-facility-at-us-air-base-on-okinawa/">
    <title>Dozens affected by toxic exposure from fire at hazmat storage facility at Kadena</title>
    <dc:date>2020-06-22T12:19:07+00:00</dc:date>
    <link>https://www.militarytimes.com/news/your-military/2020/06/22/fire-burning-at-hazmat-storage-facility-at-us-air-base-on-okinawa/</link>
    <dc:creator>dchas</dc:creator><description><![CDATA[About 45 people at Kadena Air Base were affected by exposure to smoke or chlorine gas from a fire that started at a hazardous materials facility, officials say.

The fire has been extinguished, according to a media release. Fire and emergency personnel from the 18th Wing responded to the scene just before 9 a.m. local time and quickly contained the fire to the HAZMAT facility.

“Due to smoke from the burning building and the potential release of chlorine gas, buildings and personnel in the affected area were evacuated,” according to the release. The fire was extinguished at approximately 2 p.m. local time and the evacuation order for areas surrounding the incident has been rescinded.

About 45 people on base “were affected by exposure to smoke and/or chlorine gas with the majority exhibiting mild symptoms,” according to the release. “Most of the individuals have been treated and returned to duty.” ]]></description>
<dc:subject>Japan industrial fire response chlorine</dc:subject>
<dc:source>https://pinboard.in/</dc:source>
<dc:identifier>https://pinboard.in/u:dchas/b:35cdd17ff19d/</dc:identifier>
<taxo:topics><rdf:Bag>	<rdf:li rdf:resource="https://pinboard.in/u:dchas/t:Japan"/>
	<rdf:li rdf:resource="https://pinboard.in/u:dchas/t:industrial"/>
	<rdf:li rdf:resource="https://pinboard.in/u:dchas/t:fire"/>
	<rdf:li rdf:resource="https://pinboard.in/u:dchas/t:response"/>
	<rdf:li rdf:resource="https://pinboard.in/u:dchas/t:chlorine"/>
</rdf:Bag></taxo:topics>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://www.chemistryworld.com/news/japanese-professor-could-face-prison-after-teaching-students-to-make-mdma/3010417.article">
    <title>Japanese professor could face prison after teaching students to make MDMA</title>
    <dc:date>2019-04-25T09:45:41+00:00</dc:date>
    <link>https://www.chemistryworld.com/news/japanese-professor-could-face-prison-after-teaching-students-to-make-mdma/3010417.article</link>
    <dc:creator>dchas</dc:creator><description><![CDATA[A professor of pharmaceutical sciences in Japan could face drugs charges after admitting he instructed students and postdoctoral researchers in his lab to make the illegal drugs MDMA and 5F-QUPIC as part of a teaching exercise.

According to a report by the Kyodo news agency, which cited anonymous sources, Tatsunori Iwamura taught around 11 students at Matsuyama University to make MDMA – the main component of ecstasy – in 2013, and 5F-QUPIC in 2018, despite not having the necessary permission from the regional government.

Police began investigating in response to a tip-off, the report says. Iwamura’s home and lab were both searched, and while no MDMA was found, traces of 5F-QUPIC were detected in the lab. When questioned by police, Iwamura acknowledged his actions were illegal, but said they were intended to aid his students’ ‘learning’.

In Japan, academics can make substances like MDMA for research purposes if they have been granted a government licence from the region hosting the research lab. The report says Iwamura did have a licence, but that it had expired and had been issued outside Ehime where Matsuyama University is based.

Iwamura’s case has been referred to prosecutors, and if charged and convicted with making the drugs illegally he could face a prison sentence of up to 10 years. The university has also said it will consider disciplinary action once the police investigation has concluded.

]]></description>
<dc:subject>Japan public discovery environmental illegal clandestine_lab pharmaceutical</dc:subject>
<dc:source>https://pinboard.in/</dc:source>
<dc:identifier>https://pinboard.in/u:dchas/b:d9806831b462/</dc:identifier>
<taxo:topics><rdf:Bag>	<rdf:li rdf:resource="https://pinboard.in/u:dchas/t:Japan"/>
	<rdf:li rdf:resource="https://pinboard.in/u:dchas/t:public"/>
	<rdf:li rdf:resource="https://pinboard.in/u:dchas/t:discovery"/>
	<rdf:li rdf:resource="https://pinboard.in/u:dchas/t:environmental"/>
	<rdf:li rdf:resource="https://pinboard.in/u:dchas/t:illegal"/>
	<rdf:li rdf:resource="https://pinboard.in/u:dchas/t:clandestine_lab"/>
	<rdf:li rdf:resource="https://pinboard.in/u:dchas/t:pharmaceutical"/>
</rdf:Bag></taxo:topics>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://www.tokyoreporter.com/japan/fukuoka-police-man-whose-corpse-found-after-blast-committed-suicide/">
    <title>Fukuoka police: Man whose corpse found after blast committed suicide</title>
    <dc:date>2018-09-18T11:47:54+00:00</dc:date>
    <link>https://www.tokyoreporter.com/japan/fukuoka-police-man-whose-corpse-found-after-blast-committed-suicide/</link>
    <dc:creator>dchas</dc:creator><description><![CDATA[FUKUOKA (TR) – A man whose corpse was found after an explosion at Kyushu University earlier this month caused the blast while committing suicide, police said over the weekend, reports the Mainichi Shimbun (Sept. 15).

At around 6:40 a.m. on September 7, the blast ripped through the first floor of a three-story building at the university, located in Fukuoka City. A subsequent fire burned about 110 square meters of space before it was extinguished.

According to the Higashi Police Station, the results of a DNA analysis conducted on a body pulled from the debris revealed that it belongs to a 46-year-old man who was using a laboratory where the blast originated.

The cause of death was death by fire. Through an unspecified means, the man set off the blast in taking his life. Police have sent papers on the man on suspicion of arson in an inhabited building to prosecutors.

]]></description>
<dc:subject>Japan laboratory explosion death suicide</dc:subject>
<dc:source>https://pinboard.in/</dc:source>
<dc:identifier>https://pinboard.in/u:dchas/b:4d5d653d80b6/</dc:identifier>
<taxo:topics><rdf:Bag>	<rdf:li rdf:resource="https://pinboard.in/u:dchas/t:Japan"/>
	<rdf:li rdf:resource="https://pinboard.in/u:dchas/t:laboratory"/>
	<rdf:li rdf:resource="https://pinboard.in/u:dchas/t:explosion"/>
	<rdf:li rdf:resource="https://pinboard.in/u:dchas/t:death"/>
	<rdf:li rdf:resource="https://pinboard.in/u:dchas/t:suicide"/>
</rdf:Bag></taxo:topics>
</item>
<item rdf:about="http://www.powderbulksolids.com/news/1-Dead-11-Injured-After-Chemical-Plant-Explosion-07-02-2018">
    <title>1 Dead, 11 Injured After Chemical Plant Explosion</title>
    <dc:date>2018-07-03T11:29:16+00:00</dc:date>
    <link>http://www.powderbulksolids.com/news/1-Dead-11-Injured-After-Chemical-Plant-Explosion-07-02-2018</link>
    <dc:creator>dchas</dc:creator><description><![CDATA[An explosion Monday at the Protein Chemical Co. Ltd. chemical plant in the Japan reportedly killed one person and injured about a dozen others.

Firefighters arrived the plant, located in Wakasa Town in the Fukui prefecture, after the explosion occurred at about 1:45 p.m., finding yellow smoke coming from the plant, The Japan Times reported. Images and footage broadcast from the scene following the blast showed damages to the plant’s roof and windows.

“A total of 12 people were sent to hospitals after the explosion. One died and another is seriously injured,” fire officials told the Times.

A man in his 40s died in the incident and a man in his 20s was rendered unconscious, Chinese state news organization Xinhua said in its coverage.

Protein Chemical produces pharmaceutical intermediates and chemicals used as food additives and in manufacturing, according to information on the company’s website.

]]></description>
<dc:subject>Japan industrial explosion death unknown_chemical</dc:subject>
<dc:source>https://pinboard.in/</dc:source>
<dc:identifier>https://pinboard.in/u:dchas/b:d049b769d315/</dc:identifier>
<taxo:topics><rdf:Bag>	<rdf:li rdf:resource="https://pinboard.in/u:dchas/t:Japan"/>
	<rdf:li rdf:resource="https://pinboard.in/u:dchas/t:industrial"/>
	<rdf:li rdf:resource="https://pinboard.in/u:dchas/t:explosion"/>
	<rdf:li rdf:resource="https://pinboard.in/u:dchas/t:death"/>
	<rdf:li rdf:resource="https://pinboard.in/u:dchas/t:unknown_chemical"/>
</rdf:Bag></taxo:topics>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://ca.news.yahoo.com/worst-hit-reactor-fukushima-may-014942584.html">
    <title>Worst-hit reactor at Fukushima may be easiest to clean up</title>
    <dc:date>2018-01-31T12:35:54+00:00</dc:date>
    <link>https://ca.news.yahoo.com/worst-hit-reactor-fukushima-may-014942584.html</link>
    <dc:creator>dchas</dc:creator><description><![CDATA[OKUMA, Japan — High atop Fukushima's most damaged nuclear reactor, the final pieces of a jelly-roll shaped cover are being put in place to seal in highly radioactive dust.

Blown apart by a hydrogen explosion in 2011 after an earthquake and tsunami hit Japan's Fukushima Dai-ichi plant, reactor Unit 3 is undergoing painstaking construction ahead of a milestone that is the first step toward dismantling the plant.

The operating floor — from where new fuel rods used to be lowered into the core — has been rebuilt and if all goes as planned, huge cranes will begin removing 566 sets of still-radioactive fuel rods from a storage pool just below it later this year.

It has taken seven years just to get this far, but now the real work of cleaning up the Tokyo Electric Power Co. plant can begin.

"If you compare it with mountain climbing, we've only been preparing to climb. Now, we finally get to actually start climbing," said Daisuke Hirose, an official at the plant's decommissioning and decontamination unit.
]]></description>
<dc:subject>japan industrial release radiation follow-up</dc:subject>
<dc:source>https://pinboard.in/</dc:source>
<dc:identifier>https://pinboard.in/u:dchas/b:762f197a55d7/</dc:identifier>
<taxo:topics><rdf:Bag>	<rdf:li rdf:resource="https://pinboard.in/u:dchas/t:japan"/>
	<rdf:li rdf:resource="https://pinboard.in/u:dchas/t:industrial"/>
	<rdf:li rdf:resource="https://pinboard.in/u:dchas/t:release"/>
	<rdf:li rdf:resource="https://pinboard.in/u:dchas/t:radiation"/>
	<rdf:li rdf:resource="https://pinboard.in/u:dchas/t:follow-up"/>
</rdf:Bag></taxo:topics>
</item>
<item rdf:about="http://www.the-japan-news.com/news/article/0004102156">
    <title>Chemical factory blast leaves 1 dead, 11 hurt</title>
    <dc:date>2017-12-02T12:15:08+00:00</dc:date>
    <link>http://www.the-japan-news.com/news/article/0004102156</link>
    <dc:creator>dchas</dc:creator><description><![CDATA[FUJI, Shizuoka (Jiji Press) — An explosion and subsequent fire left one dead and 11 injured at Arakawa Chemical Industries Ltd.’s factory in Fuji, Shizuoka Prefecture, on Friday.

A man in his 60s died and three of the 11 injured, who were in their 20s to 60s, suffered severe injuries, fire authorities said.

According to the prefectural police department, five people were rushed to hospital in the incident, which occurred around 8:30 a.m.

With heavy smoke rising from the plant, local authorities ordered some 50 people in a 100-meter vicinity of the site to evacuate.

According to the fire authorities, the fire was extinguished around 2:10 p.m.

Osaka-based Arakawa Chemical Industries, listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange’s first section, makes and sells chemicals used in paper manufacturing and resin for printing ink.

]]></description>
<dc:subject>Japan industrial explosion death resin</dc:subject>
<dc:source>https://pinboard.in/</dc:source>
<dc:identifier>https://pinboard.in/u:dchas/b:42a873a37aa6/</dc:identifier>
<taxo:topics><rdf:Bag>	<rdf:li rdf:resource="https://pinboard.in/u:dchas/t:Japan"/>
	<rdf:li rdf:resource="https://pinboard.in/u:dchas/t:industrial"/>
	<rdf:li rdf:resource="https://pinboard.in/u:dchas/t:explosion"/>
	<rdf:li rdf:resource="https://pinboard.in/u:dchas/t:death"/>
	<rdf:li rdf:resource="https://pinboard.in/u:dchas/t:resin"/>
</rdf:Bag></taxo:topics>
</item>
<item rdf:about="http://www.powderbulksolids.com/news/Resin-Dust-Eyed-as-Cause-of-Deadly-Chemical-Plant-Blast-12-01-2017">
    <title>Resin Dust Eyed as Cause of Deadly Chemical Plant Blast</title>
    <dc:date>2017-12-02T12:14:10+00:00</dc:date>
    <link>http://www.powderbulksolids.com/news/Resin-Dust-Eyed-as-Cause-of-Deadly-Chemical-Plant-Blast-12-01-2017</link>
    <dc:creator>dchas</dc:creator><description><![CDATA[Officials at a chemical plant in Fuji, Japan said dust from resins were likely the cause of an explosion Friday that killed one person and injured 11 others, The Japan Times reported.

The explosion was reported at the Arakawa Chemical Industries Ltd. Plant at about 8:30 a.m. A 64-year-old contract worker was killed in the blast. More than 100 were reportedly in the facility at the time of the incident.

A byproduct from the crushing and packing process of resins for ink, the company said the dust exploded on either the first or second floor of the facility, where the man who died and those who received the worst injuries were found.

Emergency officials said the explosion did not pose a risk to the environment or those living near the plant. 

]]></description>
<dc:subject>Japan industrial follow-up death dust</dc:subject>
<dc:source>https://pinboard.in/</dc:source>
<dc:identifier>https://pinboard.in/u:dchas/b:5ca216ab1bb7/</dc:identifier>
<taxo:topics><rdf:Bag>	<rdf:li rdf:resource="https://pinboard.in/u:dchas/t:Japan"/>
	<rdf:li rdf:resource="https://pinboard.in/u:dchas/t:industrial"/>
	<rdf:li rdf:resource="https://pinboard.in/u:dchas/t:follow-up"/>
	<rdf:li rdf:resource="https://pinboard.in/u:dchas/t:death"/>
	<rdf:li rdf:resource="https://pinboard.in/u:dchas/t:dust"/>
</rdf:Bag></taxo:topics>
</item>
<item rdf:about="http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2017-12/01/c_136792577.htm">
    <title>At least 10 injured in blast at chemical factory in southeastern Japan</title>
    <dc:date>2017-12-01T12:32:05+00:00</dc:date>
    <link>http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2017-12/01/c_136792577.htm</link>
    <dc:creator>dchas</dc:creator><description><![CDATA[TOKYO, Dec. 1 (Xinhua) -- At least 10 people were injured in an explosion at a chemical plant in the Fuji city of Shizuoka prefecture in southeastern Japan on Friday, local media quoted fire department sources as saying.
Local fire department said it received report about the explosion around 8:30 a.m. local time on Friday.
Firefighters are still working to put out the fire, while plumes of black smoke could still be seen billowing into the sky from the area, according to public broadcaster NHK.
Residents nearby the fire site have been advised to evacuate, according to the local government.
The chemical plant belongs to Arakawa Chemical Industries, Ltd., a company that manufactures and sells chemicals for paper manufacturing, resins for printing inks and adhesives among others.
]]></description>
<dc:subject>Japan industrial explosion injury adhesives</dc:subject>
<dc:source>https://pinboard.in/</dc:source>
<dc:identifier>https://pinboard.in/u:dchas/b:347d73efce5e/</dc:identifier>
<taxo:topics><rdf:Bag>	<rdf:li rdf:resource="https://pinboard.in/u:dchas/t:Japan"/>
	<rdf:li rdf:resource="https://pinboard.in/u:dchas/t:industrial"/>
	<rdf:li rdf:resource="https://pinboard.in/u:dchas/t:explosion"/>
	<rdf:li rdf:resource="https://pinboard.in/u:dchas/t:injury"/>
	<rdf:li rdf:resource="https://pinboard.in/u:dchas/t:adhesives"/>
</rdf:Bag></taxo:topics>
</item>
<item rdf:about="http://www.straitstimes.com/asia/east-asia/fire-at-mitsui-chemicals-factory-east-of-tokyo-after-dangerous-substance-explodes">
    <title>Japan’s Mitsui Chemicals shuts resin unit after fire injures four workers, East Asia News &amp; Top Stories</title>
    <dc:date>2017-07-27T11:00:44+00:00</dc:date>
    <link>http://www.straitstimes.com/asia/east-asia/fire-at-mitsui-chemicals-factory-east-of-tokyo-after-dangerous-substance-explodes</link>
    <dc:creator>dchas</dc:creator><description><![CDATA[TOKYO (REUTERS) – Japan’s Mitsui Chemicals Inc said it shut the toner binder resin manufacturing unit at its Mobara branch factory in Chiba on Thursday (July 27) after a fire that injured four workers.

A dangerous substance exploded and caught fire in a warehouse at the plant, located east of Tokyo, shortly after 11am (10am Singapore time), the local fire department said.

Mitsui Chemicals said the fire occurred in a facility that makes toner binder resin and added that it was not clear what caused the fire.

Four workers were burned but the injuries were not life threatening, a Mitsui Chemicals spokesman said, adding there was no impact to the operations of other product units at the factory.

]]></description>
<dc:subject>Japan industrial explosion injury resin toner</dc:subject>
<dc:source>https://pinboard.in/</dc:source>
<dc:identifier>https://pinboard.in/u:dchas/b:052decf1fa66/</dc:identifier>
<taxo:topics><rdf:Bag>	<rdf:li rdf:resource="https://pinboard.in/u:dchas/t:Japan"/>
	<rdf:li rdf:resource="https://pinboard.in/u:dchas/t:industrial"/>
	<rdf:li rdf:resource="https://pinboard.in/u:dchas/t:explosion"/>
	<rdf:li rdf:resource="https://pinboard.in/u:dchas/t:injury"/>
	<rdf:li rdf:resource="https://pinboard.in/u:dchas/t:resin"/>
	<rdf:li rdf:resource="https://pinboard.in/u:dchas/t:toner"/>
</rdf:Bag></taxo:topics>
</item>
<item rdf:about="http://gulfnews.com/news/asia/japan/strong-quake-hits-japan-triggers-fukushima-tsunami-1.1933341">
    <title>Strong quake hits Japan, triggers Fukushima tsunami</title>
    <dc:date>2016-11-29T13:32:58+00:00</dc:date>
    <link>http://gulfnews.com/news/asia/japan/strong-quake-hits-japan-triggers-fukushima-tsunami-1.1933341</link>
    <dc:creator>dchas</dc:creator><description><![CDATA[A powerful 7.4-magnitude earthquake hit northeastern Japan on Tuesday, triggering tsunamis along the coast including a one-metre wave that crashed ashore at the stricken Fukushima nuclear power plant.
National broadcaster NHK urged residents in the region to “flee immediately” to high ground, reminding listeners to heed the lessons of the “Great East Japan Earthquake”.
...“The biggest risk now is a case whereby contaminated water is carried away with the tsunami, which pollutes the environment,” TEPCO’s chief decommissioning officer Naohiro Masuda said at the televised press conference in Tokyo.
...
The national disaster management agency said there was a minor fire at a laboratory in Fukushima but that it was quickly put out.
NHK showed footage of what appeared to be sea water flowing up a river in Miyagi prefecture though none of it surged beyond the river’s banks.]]></description>
<dc:subject>japan fire laboratory response unknown_chemical</dc:subject>
<dc:source>https://pinboard.in/</dc:source>
<dc:identifier>https://pinboard.in/u:dchas/b:f8a0c58adfec/</dc:identifier>
<taxo:topics><rdf:Bag>	<rdf:li rdf:resource="https://pinboard.in/u:dchas/t:japan"/>
	<rdf:li rdf:resource="https://pinboard.in/u:dchas/t:fire"/>
	<rdf:li rdf:resource="https://pinboard.in/u:dchas/t:laboratory"/>
	<rdf:li rdf:resource="https://pinboard.in/u:dchas/t:response"/>
	<rdf:li rdf:resource="https://pinboard.in/u:dchas/t:unknown_chemical"/>
</rdf:Bag></taxo:topics>
</item>
<item rdf:about="http://www.maritimeherald.com/2016/chemical-tanker-yowa-maru-sinking-in-japan/">
    <title>Chemical tanker Yowa Maru sinking in Japan</title>
    <dc:date>2016-10-03T11:39:43+00:00</dc:date>
    <link>http://www.maritimeherald.com/2016/chemical-tanker-yowa-maru-sinking-in-japan/</link>
    <dc:creator>dchas</dc:creator><description><![CDATA[The chemical tanker Yowa Maru, carrying 450 tons of caustic soda, started getting water ingress and sinking in Kudamatsu Port, Japan. The vessel collided with unidentified underwater object, suffering breaches and flooded ballast tanks. The chemical tanker Yowa Maru started listing to portboard and was in immediate danger of sinking. The accident was reported to local authorities and at the scene were dispatched rescue boats and towing vessels, which started salvage of the troubled tanker. There is no report about water pollution and oil leak during the accident, but the vessel is under monitoring from the hazmat team. All the 4 crew on board were safe and without injuries.

After more than a day, the salvage managed to dock the chemical tanker Yowa Maru in Kudamatsu Port. The vessel was stabilized and docked. The situation was put under control and water ingress was stopped. The investigation for the root cause of the accident is under way.

]]></description>
<dc:subject>Japan transportation release response sodium_hydroxide</dc:subject>
<dc:source>https://pinboard.in/</dc:source>
<dc:identifier>https://pinboard.in/u:dchas/b:24f013888c35/</dc:identifier>
<taxo:topics><rdf:Bag>	<rdf:li rdf:resource="https://pinboard.in/u:dchas/t:Japan"/>
	<rdf:li rdf:resource="https://pinboard.in/u:dchas/t:transportation"/>
	<rdf:li rdf:resource="https://pinboard.in/u:dchas/t:release"/>
	<rdf:li rdf:resource="https://pinboard.in/u:dchas/t:response"/>
	<rdf:li rdf:resource="https://pinboard.in/u:dchas/t:sodium_hydroxide"/>
</rdf:Bag></taxo:topics>
</item>
<item rdf:about="http://www.maritimeherald.com/2016/explosion-in-cargo-tank-of-chemical-tanker-eiwa-maru-3-off-japan/">
    <title>Explosion in cargo tank of chemical tanker Eiwa Maru 3 off Japan</title>
    <dc:date>2016-09-11T12:05:58+00:00</dc:date>
    <link>http://www.maritimeherald.com/2016/explosion-in-cargo-tank-of-chemical-tanker-eiwa-maru-3-off-japan/</link>
    <dc:creator>dchas</dc:creator><description><![CDATA[Explosion in cargo tank of chemical tanker Eiwa Maru 3 killed one and injured two seamen off Japan. The vessel was making en route from Shimotsu to Yokkaichi in Japan under ballast, passing through Kiisuido Strait and making tank cleaning. At the same time the engineers party was performing wielding works on a cargo deck, which inflamed the chemical gasses and caused explosion into the cargo tank. The blast was strong, causing serious injuries and burns of three crew members. The incident was reported to the local authorities and coast guard dispatched a helicopter to medevac the injured people. One of the, the Chief Engineer of Korean nationality, died in the hospital. The another two Indonesian crew are in stable condition, but with heavy burns.

The chemical tanker Eiwa Maru 3 returned to Wakayama port, where was docked for further inspection and investigation. The other crew did not suffered injuries. The local authorities ordered full inspection of the tanker and started investigation for the root cause of the explosion.

]]></description>
<dc:subject>Japan transportation explosion death other_chemical</dc:subject>
<dc:source>https://pinboard.in/</dc:source>
<dc:identifier>https://pinboard.in/u:dchas/b:2b68d95c4649/</dc:identifier>
<taxo:topics><rdf:Bag>	<rdf:li rdf:resource="https://pinboard.in/u:dchas/t:Japan"/>
	<rdf:li rdf:resource="https://pinboard.in/u:dchas/t:transportation"/>
	<rdf:li rdf:resource="https://pinboard.in/u:dchas/t:explosion"/>
	<rdf:li rdf:resource="https://pinboard.in/u:dchas/t:death"/>
	<rdf:li rdf:resource="https://pinboard.in/u:dchas/t:other_chemical"/>
</rdf:Bag></taxo:topics>
</item>
<item rdf:about="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2016/08/02/national/tepcos-hazmat-suit-guideline-decreases-burden-workers-summer-heat/#.V6CFMmWe5-I">
    <title>Tepco's hazmat suit guideline decreases burden on workers during summer heat</title>
    <dc:date>2016-08-02T11:34:36+00:00</dc:date>
    <link>http://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2016/08/02/national/tepcos-hazmat-suit-guideline-decreases-burden-workers-summer-heat/#.V6CFMmWe5-I</link>
    <dc:creator>dchas</dc:creator><description><![CDATA[Tokyo Electric Power Company Holdings Inc., operator of the crippled Fukushima No. 1 power plant, has been revising guidelines for when workers need to wear full masks with hazmat suits or less-bulky outfits to improve their working conditions during the scorching summer.

While a full-body outfit limits radiation exposure, hazmat suits and full masks have been a heavy burden for workers because they restrict movement and make it difficult to breathe, prompting Tepco to revise the guidelines on their usage.

In March, Tepco changed the guidelines, dividing the premises into three areas.

In the area where radiation levels remain high, including inside reactor buildings 1, 2 and 3, workers will need to wear a full mask and disposable hazmat suit with a raincoat-like outer layer.

Workers meanwhile will need to wear full or half masks with hazmat suits in areas where radiation levels are lower, such as near tanks filled with radiation-tainted water. In the remaining area, the majority of which has low levels of radiation, workers only need to use disposable masks and their usual work outfits, Tepco said.

]]></description>
<dc:subject>Japan industrial follow-up environmental radiation</dc:subject>
<dc:source>https://pinboard.in/</dc:source>
<dc:identifier>https://pinboard.in/u:dchas/b:ae480131392a/</dc:identifier>
<taxo:topics><rdf:Bag>	<rdf:li rdf:resource="https://pinboard.in/u:dchas/t:Japan"/>
	<rdf:li rdf:resource="https://pinboard.in/u:dchas/t:industrial"/>
	<rdf:li rdf:resource="https://pinboard.in/u:dchas/t:follow-up"/>
	<rdf:li rdf:resource="https://pinboard.in/u:dchas/t:environmental"/>
	<rdf:li rdf:resource="https://pinboard.in/u:dchas/t:radiation"/>
</rdf:Bag></taxo:topics>
</item>
<item rdf:about="http://www.freep.com/story/money/cars/2016/02/23/scientists-find-cause-takata-air-bag-explosions/80818016/">
    <title>Scientists find cause of Takata air bag explosions</title>
    <dc:date>2016-02-24T12:23:24+00:00</dc:date>
    <link>http://www.freep.com/story/money/cars/2016/02/23/scientists-find-cause-takata-air-bag-explosions/80818016/</link>
    <dc:creator>dchas</dc:creator><description><![CDATA[Scientists hired by the auto industry have determined that multiple factors — including moisture and high humidity — can cause some Takata air bags to inflate with too much force and hurl shrapnel at drivers and passengers.

The Independent Testing Coalition, which has been investigating the cause for the past year, announced its findings Tuesday afternoon.

The group of 10 automotive manufactures took the unusual and nearly unprecedented step of forming a coalition to delve into the safety issue as pressure mounted on Takata to move faster to investigate problems with its airbags and as automakers decided they needed to cordinate their own responses.

Air bags made by Japan’s Takata Corp. have caused at least 10 deaths and 139 injuries worldwide. Takata uses the chemical ammonium nitrate to create a small explosion and inflate the air bags in a crash.

The Virginia rocket science company Orbital ATK, which was hired by the coalition, determined that three factors, working together, can cause the air bags to explode with too much force.

Using “phase-stabilized” ammonium nitrate without a moisture-absorbing substance — as Takata does — increases the risk of an explosion after long-term exposure to high temperatures and moisture. Orbital ATK also found that Takata’s inflator assembly doesn’t adequately prevent moisture from intruding in very humid conditions.]]></description>
<dc:subject>Japan transportation discovery environmental ammonium_nitrate</dc:subject>
<dc:source>https://pinboard.in/</dc:source>
<dc:identifier>https://pinboard.in/u:dchas/b:6535ac5e640a/</dc:identifier>
<taxo:topics><rdf:Bag>	<rdf:li rdf:resource="https://pinboard.in/u:dchas/t:Japan"/>
	<rdf:li rdf:resource="https://pinboard.in/u:dchas/t:transportation"/>
	<rdf:li rdf:resource="https://pinboard.in/u:dchas/t:discovery"/>
	<rdf:li rdf:resource="https://pinboard.in/u:dchas/t:environmental"/>
	<rdf:li rdf:resource="https://pinboard.in/u:dchas/t:ammonium_nitrate"/>
</rdf:Bag></taxo:topics>
</item>
<item rdf:about="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2016/01/19/national/science-health/fukui-chemical-workers-allege-workplace-caused-cancer-seek-urgent-improvements/#.Vp4rejae7sw">
    <title>Fukui chemical workers allege workplace caused cancer, seek urgent improvements</title>
    <dc:date>2016-01-19T12:28:59+00:00</dc:date>
    <link>http://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2016/01/19/national/science-health/fukui-chemical-workers-allege-workplace-caused-cancer-seek-urgent-improvements/#.Vp4rejae7sw</link>
    <dc:creator>dchas</dc:creator><description><![CDATA[Two of five men who developed bladder cancer while working at a chemical factory manufacturing dyes and pigments are demanding that the government recognize their illness as job-related.

Speaking to reporters in Tokyo on Friday, the pair called on their employer — Tokyo-based Mitsuboshi Chemical — to make urgent improvements in conditions at the plant in Fukui Prefecture.

Employees Kenji Takayama and Yasuhiro Tanaka, both 56, have each worked at the plant for nearly 20 years. They say lousy working conditions — including a lack of ventilation that routinely makes workers sick — could have caused the cancer.

The five who contracted bladder cancer were involved in mixing or drying aromatic amines, including the particularly toxic chemical o-Toluidine.

One of the cancer sufferers has retired, but the four others remain with the company.

The health ministry is now looking into the possible link between the workers’ cancer and the factory environment, while Mitsuboshi Chemical has not commented on a possible link.

]]></description>
<dc:subject>Japan industrial release environmental toxics</dc:subject>
<dc:source>https://pinboard.in/</dc:source>
<dc:identifier>https://pinboard.in/u:dchas/b:d48c8d2a20b0/</dc:identifier>
<taxo:topics><rdf:Bag>	<rdf:li rdf:resource="https://pinboard.in/u:dchas/t:Japan"/>
	<rdf:li rdf:resource="https://pinboard.in/u:dchas/t:industrial"/>
	<rdf:li rdf:resource="https://pinboard.in/u:dchas/t:release"/>
	<rdf:li rdf:resource="https://pinboard.in/u:dchas/t:environmental"/>
	<rdf:li rdf:resource="https://pinboard.in/u:dchas/t:toxics"/>
</rdf:Bag></taxo:topics>
</item>
<item rdf:about="http://the-japan-news.com/news/article/0002635518">
    <title>5 workers at chemical plant develop cancer</title>
    <dc:date>2015-12-20T14:02:44+00:00</dc:date>
    <link>http://the-japan-news.com/news/article/0002635518</link>
    <dc:creator>dchas</dc:creator><description><![CDATA[TOKYO (Jiji Press) — Five male workers at a chemical plant, including one who has already quit, have developed bladder cancer, the Health, Labor and Welfare Ministry said Friday.

The five worked at a section handling a type of aromatic amines, which is a suspected carcinogen, the ministry said. The plant has about 40 workers.

The ministry stopped short of disclosing the name and location of the plant, which makes chemical materials for colorants and pigments, saying that it is still investigating the case.

The ministry called on industry groups to take thorough measures to prevent exposure to such substances, such as ensuring ventilation and having workers wear face masks.]]></description>
<dc:subject>Japan industrial discovery response amines dye</dc:subject>
<dc:source>https://pinboard.in/</dc:source>
<dc:identifier>https://pinboard.in/u:dchas/b:128f917b6d7b/</dc:identifier>
<taxo:topics><rdf:Bag>	<rdf:li rdf:resource="https://pinboard.in/u:dchas/t:Japan"/>
	<rdf:li rdf:resource="https://pinboard.in/u:dchas/t:industrial"/>
	<rdf:li rdf:resource="https://pinboard.in/u:dchas/t:discovery"/>
	<rdf:li rdf:resource="https://pinboard.in/u:dchas/t:response"/>
	<rdf:li rdf:resource="https://pinboard.in/u:dchas/t:amines"/>
	<rdf:li rdf:resource="https://pinboard.in/u:dchas/t:dye"/>
</rdf:Bag></taxo:topics>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://www.rt.com/news/320610-explosion-mitsubishi-gas-japan/">
    <title>Explosion at Mitsubishi Gas Chemical Co. plant in Ibaraki Prefecture, Japan – reports — RT News</title>
    <dc:date>2015-11-04T12:32:19+00:00</dc:date>
    <link>https://www.rt.com/news/320610-explosion-mitsubishi-gas-japan/</link>
    <dc:creator>dchas</dc:creator><description><![CDATA[An explosion has occurred at Mitsubishi Gas Chemical Company in Kamisu, Japan, according to reports. There are fears that toxic gas has been released and gone into Kashima plant.
A fire brigade has arrived at the scene. There is so far no information on whether anyone was injured in the explosion. 

The plant says there is no risk of hazardous substances being released as a result of the blast. 


The blast was heard by residents living nearby, one of which described it as a “tremendous explosion,” Daily Current Affairs News reported.]]></description>
<dc:subject>Japan industrial explosion response unknown_chemical</dc:subject>
<dc:source>https://pinboard.in/</dc:source>
<dc:identifier>https://pinboard.in/u:dchas/b:9bab79cbcb09/</dc:identifier>
<taxo:topics><rdf:Bag>	<rdf:li rdf:resource="https://pinboard.in/u:dchas/t:Japan"/>
	<rdf:li rdf:resource="https://pinboard.in/u:dchas/t:industrial"/>
	<rdf:li rdf:resource="https://pinboard.in/u:dchas/t:explosion"/>
	<rdf:li rdf:resource="https://pinboard.in/u:dchas/t:response"/>
	<rdf:li rdf:resource="https://pinboard.in/u:dchas/t:unknown_chemical"/>
</rdf:Bag></taxo:topics>
</item>
<item rdf:about="http://supplychain.logistics-business-review.com/news/us-military-warehouse-near-tokyo-rocked-by-explosion-240815-4653636">
    <title>US military warehouse near Tokyo rocked by explosion</title>
    <dc:date>2015-08-25T10:46:49+00:00</dc:date>
    <link>http://supplychain.logistics-business-review.com/news/us-military-warehouse-near-tokyo-rocked-by-explosion-240815-4653636</link>
    <dc:creator>dchas</dc:creator><description><![CDATA[A warehouse at a US military base in Sagamihara near Tokyo was rocked by an explosion and fire on Sunday.

The blast, however, did not lead to any injury as the warehouse was not storing any hazardous materials. A statement by the US Army Japan revealed that the building was housing canisters of compressed nitrogen, oxygen, Freon and air.

Sagamihara is a city about 25 miles southwest of Tokyo.

The country's national broadcaster NHK reported that around 580 people work at the 200h depot.

Japan has asked the US to launch an investigation and prevent future recurrence, reported Reuters.]]></description>
<dc:subject>Japan industrial explosion response freon nitrogen oxygen</dc:subject>
<dc:source>https://pinboard.in/</dc:source>
<dc:identifier>https://pinboard.in/u:dchas/b:3d0be3aa3675/</dc:identifier>
<taxo:topics><rdf:Bag>	<rdf:li rdf:resource="https://pinboard.in/u:dchas/t:Japan"/>
	<rdf:li rdf:resource="https://pinboard.in/u:dchas/t:industrial"/>
	<rdf:li rdf:resource="https://pinboard.in/u:dchas/t:explosion"/>
	<rdf:li rdf:resource="https://pinboard.in/u:dchas/t:response"/>
	<rdf:li rdf:resource="https://pinboard.in/u:dchas/t:freon"/>
	<rdf:li rdf:resource="https://pinboard.in/u:dchas/t:nitrogen"/>
	<rdf:li rdf:resource="https://pinboard.in/u:dchas/t:oxygen"/>
</rdf:Bag></taxo:topics>
</item>
<item rdf:about="http://www.upi.com/Top_News/World-News/2015/08/23/Explosions-reported-at-US-Army-facility-in-Sagamihara-Japan/6381440362423/">
    <title>Explosions reported at U.S. Army facility in Japan</title>
    <dc:date>2015-08-24T11:12:42+00:00</dc:date>
    <link>http://www.upi.com/Top_News/World-News/2015/08/23/Explosions-reported-at-US-Army-facility-in-Sagamihara-Japan/6381440362423/</link>
    <dc:creator>dchas</dc:creator><description><![CDATA[SAGAMIHARA, Japan, Aug. 23 (UPI) -- No casualties have been reported in a series of explosions that rocked a U.S. Army facility in Sagamihara, Japan.

The blasts occurred past midnight at the Sagami General Depot, a post of the U.S. Army's 35th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion.

Fox News quoted Pentagon spokesman U.S. Navy Commander Bill Urban as saying "base firefighters and first responders are currently fighting the resulting fire to prevent its spread to nearby buildings."

According to the U.S. Army, the 35th CSSB provides "depot operations and provides combat service support throughout the U.S. Army Japan and I Corps (Forward) area of operations."

The incident is under investigation, but Japan's Shingetsu News Agency tweeted that the explosions, which are reported to have occurred at 12:45 a.m. and continued for 10 minutes, may have been caused by an accidental fire in a warehouse filled with oxide cylinders.

It reported the U.S. military calling Japanese firefighters to the scene but putting restrictions on the use of water to douse the flames -- a precaution in fighting certain chemical fires.]]></description>
<dc:subject>Japan industrial explosion response gas_cylinders</dc:subject>
<dc:source>https://pinboard.in/</dc:source>
<dc:identifier>https://pinboard.in/u:dchas/b:ac98d28e0f12/</dc:identifier>
<taxo:topics><rdf:Bag>	<rdf:li rdf:resource="https://pinboard.in/u:dchas/t:Japan"/>
	<rdf:li rdf:resource="https://pinboard.in/u:dchas/t:industrial"/>
	<rdf:li rdf:resource="https://pinboard.in/u:dchas/t:explosion"/>
	<rdf:li rdf:resource="https://pinboard.in/u:dchas/t:response"/>
	<rdf:li rdf:resource="https://pinboard.in/u:dchas/t:gas_cylinders"/>
</rdf:Bag></taxo:topics>
</item>
<item rdf:about="http://the-japan-news.com/news/article/0002336432">
    <title>Nuclear fusion institute fire kills 1</title>
    <dc:date>2015-08-06T11:12:14+00:00</dc:date>
    <link>http://the-japan-news.com/news/article/0002336432</link>
    <dc:creator>dchas</dc:creator><description><![CDATA[A welder died when a fire gutted cooling equipment in the laboratory of the National Institute for Fusion Science in Toki, Gifu Prefecture, on Tuesday. According to the institute, there is no leakage of radioactive substances.

Yasuo Sakaeda, 61, who was performing welding work inside the cylindrical cooling equipment, was killed. A 32-year-old male employee received burns to his neck.

According to the Gifu prefectural police, the institute and other sources, five male workers were doing piping work on the equipment, which produces liquid helium in the laboratory building, from 8:30 a.m. on the day.]]></description>
<dc:subject>Japan laboratory fire death other_chemical</dc:subject>
<dc:source>https://pinboard.in/</dc:source>
<dc:identifier>https://pinboard.in/u:dchas/b:4284b9e0141c/</dc:identifier>
<taxo:topics><rdf:Bag>	<rdf:li rdf:resource="https://pinboard.in/u:dchas/t:Japan"/>
	<rdf:li rdf:resource="https://pinboard.in/u:dchas/t:laboratory"/>
	<rdf:li rdf:resource="https://pinboard.in/u:dchas/t:fire"/>
	<rdf:li rdf:resource="https://pinboard.in/u:dchas/t:death"/>
	<rdf:li rdf:resource="https://pinboard.in/u:dchas/t:other_chemical"/>
</rdf:Bag></taxo:topics>
</item>
<item rdf:about="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2015/08/03/national/science-health/tokyo-suburb-gives-bio-lab-approval-to-handle-most-dangerous-diseases/#.VcCfmHjR3JE">
    <title>Tokyo suburb gives bio lab approval to handle most dangerous diseases</title>
    <dc:date>2015-08-04T11:19:33+00:00</dc:date>
    <link>http://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2015/08/03/national/science-health/tokyo-suburb-gives-bio-lab-approval-to-handle-most-dangerous-diseases/#.VcCfmHjR3JE</link>
    <dc:creator>dchas</dc:creator><description><![CDATA[The mayor of Musashimurayama gave approval Monday for the National Institute of Infectious Diseases facility in the western Tokyo suburb to handle the world’s most highly infectious and life-threatening diseases, such as Ebola.

The facility was built in 1981 but has never been used for the most dangerous diseases, designated by the World Health Organization as biosafety level (BSL) 4, due to safety concerns among local residents.

Mayor Masaru Fujino met Monday with Health, Labor and Welfare Minister Yasuhisa Shiozaki to notify him of the city’s intention to approve the upgrade.

The facility will be Japan’s first active BSL-4 laboratory.

The decision came as Shiozaki promised to meet four conditions for operating the facility.

These include ensuring smooth communications in the event of an accident, high transparency regarding operations and restricting research to diagnoses and treatment.

The health ministry will begin procedures this month to upgrade the facility to BSL-4 under the infectious disease law.]]></description>
<dc:subject>Japan laboratory discovery environmental</dc:subject>
<dc:source>https://pinboard.in/</dc:source>
<dc:identifier>https://pinboard.in/u:dchas/b:9185d3852a90/</dc:identifier>
<taxo:topics><rdf:Bag>	<rdf:li rdf:resource="https://pinboard.in/u:dchas/t:Japan"/>
	<rdf:li rdf:resource="https://pinboard.in/u:dchas/t:laboratory"/>
	<rdf:li rdf:resource="https://pinboard.in/u:dchas/t:discovery"/>
	<rdf:li rdf:resource="https://pinboard.in/u:dchas/t:environmental"/>
</rdf:Bag></taxo:topics>
</item>
<item rdf:about="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2014/10/30/national/crime-legal/japans-top-court-rejects-chinese-appeal-over-wwii-era-chemical-arms-leak/#.VFIbk4fR3v8">
    <title>Supreme Court rejects Chinese appeals over deadly chemical arms leaks</title>
    <dc:date>2014-10-30T11:09:55+00:00</dc:date>
    <link>http://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2014/10/30/national/crime-legal/japans-top-court-rejects-chinese-appeal-over-wwii-era-chemical-arms-leak/#.VFIbk4fR3v8</link>
    <dc:creator>dchas</dc:creator><description><![CDATA[The Supreme Court has rejected an appeal by Chinese plaintiffs seeking damages from Japan over a fatal poison gas leak caused when a cache of chemical weapons abandoned by the Imperial Japanese Army during the war was unearthed during construction in 2003.

The top court’s third petty bench, which made the decision Tuesday, rejected an appeal filed by 50 Chinese — including relatives of those involved — seeking to overturn a high court ruling that dismissed their claim.

The accident occurred at a construction site in Qiqihar, Heilongjiang province, in August 2003, when poison gas leaked from old drums unearthed at the site, killing one person and injuring 43 others.

Also Tuesday, the third petty bench rejected a separate appeal filed against a high court decision that denied Japanese government redress sought by two men who were injured by poison gas leaked from abandoned chemical weapons in Dunhua, Jilin province, in 2004.

]]></description>
<dc:subject>Japan public follow-up death unknown_chemical</dc:subject>
<dc:source>https://pinboard.in/</dc:source>
<dc:identifier>https://pinboard.in/u:dchas/b:27c64a644506/</dc:identifier>
<taxo:topics><rdf:Bag>	<rdf:li rdf:resource="https://pinboard.in/u:dchas/t:Japan"/>
	<rdf:li rdf:resource="https://pinboard.in/u:dchas/t:public"/>
	<rdf:li rdf:resource="https://pinboard.in/u:dchas/t:follow-up"/>
	<rdf:li rdf:resource="https://pinboard.in/u:dchas/t:death"/>
	<rdf:li rdf:resource="https://pinboard.in/u:dchas/t:unknown_chemical"/>
</rdf:Bag></taxo:topics>
</item>
<item rdf:about="http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/sns-rt-us-tankerrefuge-20140211,0,2182237.story">
    <title>Adrift at sea: Fire-hit tanker in North Asia shows flaws in safe-haven rules</title>
    <dc:date>2014-02-12T12:18:11+00:00</dc:date>
    <link>http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/sns-rt-us-tankerrefuge-20140211,0,2182237.story</link>
    <dc:creator>dchas</dc:creator><description><![CDATA[SINGAPORE (Reuters) - A fire-ravaged ship loaded with hazardous chemicals has become a maritime football in the north Pacific, with Japan and South Korea unwilling to give it refuge even though they risk a wider environmental disaster if it sinks.

The plight of the Maritime Maisie, a chemical tanker which has spent seven weeks being towed in waters between the two Asian neighbors, highlights the lack of global consensus on designating ports as safe-havens for ships in distress.

The two countries are worried about the risk of a spill or environmental pollution at port, sources said.

The tanker, a 44,000 deadweight-ton vessel the size of nearly two football fields, collided with another ship nine nautical miles off Busan, South Korea, on December 29, said Ying Jinghua, fleet director of MSI Ship Management, which manages the tanker's day-to-day operation, and other shipping sources.

The accident caused a fire when a cargo tank holding the chemical acrylonitrile ruptured. The ship, owned by Aurora Tankers, part of Singapore's IMC Group, was carrying 29,337 metric tons of acrylonitrile, used to make plastics and synthetic rubber, and other chemicals, Ying and the sources said.]]></description>
<dc:subject>Japan transportation follow-up environmental acrylonitrile</dc:subject>
<dc:source>https://pinboard.in/</dc:source>
<dc:identifier>https://pinboard.in/u:dchas/b:cf3d1223ba80/</dc:identifier>
<taxo:topics><rdf:Bag>	<rdf:li rdf:resource="https://pinboard.in/u:dchas/t:Japan"/>
	<rdf:li rdf:resource="https://pinboard.in/u:dchas/t:transportation"/>
	<rdf:li rdf:resource="https://pinboard.in/u:dchas/t:follow-up"/>
	<rdf:li rdf:resource="https://pinboard.in/u:dchas/t:environmental"/>
	<rdf:li rdf:resource="https://pinboard.in/u:dchas/t:acrylonitrile"/>
</rdf:Bag></taxo:topics>
</item>
<item rdf:about="http://www.fireengineering.com/ap-news/2014/01/09/blast-at-japan-chemical-plant-5-killed.html">
    <title>Blast at Japan chemical plant kills 5, injures 17</title>
    <dc:date>2014-01-09T12:20:20+00:00</dc:date>
    <link>http://www.fireengineering.com/ap-news/2014/01/09/blast-at-japan-chemical-plant-5-killed.html</link>
    <dc:creator>dchas</dc:creator><description><![CDATA[TOKYO (AP) — An explosion at a chemical factory in central Japan on Thursday killed at least five workers and injured 17 others, authorities said.
Investigators suspect chemical reaction involving hydrogen caused the blast at metal and chemical company Mitsubishi Materials Corp.'s Yokkaichi plant, about 350 kilometers (220 miles) west of Tokyo.
The blast appeared to have occurred when plant workers were rinsing heat exchange equipment at the silicone plant during maintenance, according to a Mie prefectural police official, who spoke on condition of anonymity due to department rules.
Police said five workers died. Fire department officials said that 17 people were taken to hospitals.
]]></description>
<dc:subject>Japan industrial explosion death hydrogen</dc:subject>
<dc:source>https://pinboard.in/</dc:source>
<dc:identifier>https://pinboard.in/u:dchas/b:482f760ff49f/</dc:identifier>
<taxo:topics><rdf:Bag>	<rdf:li rdf:resource="https://pinboard.in/u:dchas/t:Japan"/>
	<rdf:li rdf:resource="https://pinboard.in/u:dchas/t:industrial"/>
	<rdf:li rdf:resource="https://pinboard.in/u:dchas/t:explosion"/>
	<rdf:li rdf:resource="https://pinboard.in/u:dchas/t:death"/>
	<rdf:li rdf:resource="https://pinboard.in/u:dchas/t:hydrogen"/>
</rdf:Bag></taxo:topics>
</item>
<item rdf:about="http://cen.acs.org/articles/91/i42/Countries-Ink-Mercury-Pact.html">
    <title>Countries Ink Mercury Pact</title>
    <dc:date>2013-10-21T11:31:06+00:00</dc:date>
    <link>http://cen.acs.org/articles/91/i42/Countries-Ink-Mercury-Pact.html</link>
    <dc:creator>dchas</dc:creator><description><![CDATA[More than 90 countries signed a new treaty in mid-October to reduce global mercury pollution. Named the Minamata Convention on Mercury after a Japanese city that suffered one of the world’s worst cases of industrial mercury poisoning, the pact was completed in January (C&EN, Jan. 28, page 8). Signatories of the deal include Canada, Mexico, China, and the European Union. The U.S., which was embroiled in a government shutdown, did not sign then but is likely to do so. The treaty gives wide discretion to individual countries to come up with their own approaches to cutting releases of the toxic metal, says Baskut Tuncak, staff attorney for the Center for International Environmental Law. He warns that the pact lacks targets or deadlines for curbing the two largest sources of mercury pollution: gold-mining operations and coal-fired power plants. In conjunction with signing the convention, the World Health Organization and the nonprofit Health Care Without Harm launched an initiative to remove mercury from all medical measuring equipment, including thermometers and blood pressure devices, worldwide by 2020.
]]></description>
<dc:subject>Japan other follow-up environmental mercury</dc:subject>
<dc:source>https://pinboard.in/</dc:source>
<dc:identifier>https://pinboard.in/u:dchas/b:5dc421c2cbc0/</dc:identifier>
<taxo:topics><rdf:Bag>	<rdf:li rdf:resource="https://pinboard.in/u:dchas/t:Japan"/>
	<rdf:li rdf:resource="https://pinboard.in/u:dchas/t:other"/>
	<rdf:li rdf:resource="https://pinboard.in/u:dchas/t:follow-up"/>
	<rdf:li rdf:resource="https://pinboard.in/u:dchas/t:environmental"/>
	<rdf:li rdf:resource="https://pinboard.in/u:dchas/t:mercury"/>
</rdf:Bag></taxo:topics>
</item>
<item rdf:about="http://www.thenews.com.pk/Todays-News-1-179946-Radiation-leak-at-Japan-lab">
    <title>Radiation leak at Japan lab</title>
    <dc:date>2013-05-26T20:46:39+00:00</dc:date>
    <link>http://www.thenews.com.pk/Todays-News-1-179946-Radiation-leak-at-Japan-lab</link>
    <dc:creator>dchas</dc:creator><description><![CDATA[TOKYO: An atomic research lab in northern Japan has reported a radiation leak that may have affected about 55 people, though none were hospitalised and no impact was expected outside the facility, the lab’s operator said on Saturday.
 
The Japan Atomic Energy Agency said the accident occurred on Thursday in its Hadron Experimental Facility at the Japan Proton Accelerator Research Complex in the town of Tokaimura, where at least two previous radiation accidents have occurred.
 
Researchers were trying to generate particles by directing a proton beam at some gold when their equipment overheated, causing the evaporation and release of radioactive gold, the government-run JAEA said in a statement. The leak originally was thought to have been contained inside the lab, and when a ventilation fan was switched on the radiation spread, it said.
 
The JAEA said it was studying the potential environmental impact from the radiation leak, but did not expect any effect on surrounding areas. On Saturday, officials from the JAEA and the research complex apologised for the accident. Education minister Hakubun Shimomura described it as Òregrettable.Ó
]]></description>
<dc:subject>Japan laboratory release response radiation gold</dc:subject>
<dc:source>https://pinboard.in/</dc:source>
<dc:identifier>https://pinboard.in/u:dchas/b:387dc892dfcb/</dc:identifier>
<taxo:topics><rdf:Bag>	<rdf:li rdf:resource="https://pinboard.in/u:dchas/t:Japan"/>
	<rdf:li rdf:resource="https://pinboard.in/u:dchas/t:laboratory"/>
	<rdf:li rdf:resource="https://pinboard.in/u:dchas/t:release"/>
	<rdf:li rdf:resource="https://pinboard.in/u:dchas/t:response"/>
	<rdf:li rdf:resource="https://pinboard.in/u:dchas/t:radiation"/>
	<rdf:li rdf:resource="https://pinboard.in/u:dchas/t:gold"/>
</rdf:Bag></taxo:topics>
</item>
<item rdf:about="http://www.bioprepwatch.com/weapons_of_bioterrorism/scientists-develop-new-method-for-airborne-chemical-warfare-agent-detection/327322/">
    <title>Scientists develop new method for airborne chemical warfare agent detection</title>
    <dc:date>2013-02-01T13:17:42+00:00</dc:date>
    <link>http://www.bioprepwatch.com/weapons_of_bioterrorism/scientists-develop-new-method-for-airborne-chemical-warfare-agent-detection/327322/</link>
    <dc:creator>dchas</dc:creator><description><![CDATA[A team of Japanese researchers recently developed a new method to sensitively and selectively detect airborne chemical warfare agents that could lead to real-time detection to protect against terrorism.

Yasuo Seto, a scientist with Japan’s National Institute of Police Science, and his research team developed a method that employs counter-flow introduction atmospheric pressure chemical ionization mass spectrometry. The researchers examined four highly toxic chemical agents using MS, including mustard gas, Lewisite 1, sarin and tabun.

Seto and his team conducted soft ionization using corona discharge to form reactant ions that were then sent against the airflow using an electric field. This process eliminated interfering molecules such as nitrogen oxide and ozone and allowed for the efficient ionization of the target chemical agents.]]></description>
<dc:subject>Japan education discovery response toxics</dc:subject>
<dc:source>https://pinboard.in/</dc:source>
<dc:identifier>https://pinboard.in/u:dchas/b:c0cfabf80fa8/</dc:identifier>
<taxo:topics><rdf:Bag>	<rdf:li rdf:resource="https://pinboard.in/u:dchas/t:Japan"/>
	<rdf:li rdf:resource="https://pinboard.in/u:dchas/t:education"/>
	<rdf:li rdf:resource="https://pinboard.in/u:dchas/t:discovery"/>
	<rdf:li rdf:resource="https://pinboard.in/u:dchas/t:response"/>
	<rdf:li rdf:resource="https://pinboard.in/u:dchas/t:toxics"/>
</rdf:Bag></taxo:topics>
</item>
<item rdf:about="http://seattletimes.com/html/businesstechnology/2020149011_787batterydamagexml.html">
    <title>Boeing 787 battery in Japan sprayed hot chemicals</title>
    <dc:date>2013-01-17T12:11:46+00:00</dc:date>
    <link>http://seattletimes.com/html/businesstechnology/2020149011_787batterydamagexml.html</link>
    <dc:creator>dchas</dc:creator><description><![CDATA[Hot chemicals sprayed out of the battery on the 787 Dreamliner in this week’s emergency landing in Japan, leaving a gooey dark residue and suggesting a different malfunction than last week’s 787 battery fire in Boston, according to two people with knowledge of the situation.
The residue covered the battery and splattered over nearby instruments inside the forward electronics bay. It left a 12-foot-long dark streak from the battery to an outflow valve through which some of the spray vented overboard during the flight.
]]></description>
<dc:subject>Japan public release response batteries</dc:subject>
<dc:source>https://pinboard.in/</dc:source>
<dc:identifier>https://pinboard.in/u:dchas/b:045858bf3d7d/</dc:identifier>
<taxo:topics><rdf:Bag>	<rdf:li rdf:resource="https://pinboard.in/u:dchas/t:Japan"/>
	<rdf:li rdf:resource="https://pinboard.in/u:dchas/t:public"/>
	<rdf:li rdf:resource="https://pinboard.in/u:dchas/t:release"/>
	<rdf:li rdf:resource="https://pinboard.in/u:dchas/t:response"/>
	<rdf:li rdf:resource="https://pinboard.in/u:dchas/t:batteries"/>
</rdf:Bag></taxo:topics>
</item>
<item rdf:about="http://www.examiner.com/article/global-diaper-shortage-could-follow-japanese-chemical-plant-explosion">
    <title>Global diaper shortage could follow Japanese chemical plant explosion</title>
    <dc:date>2012-10-02T11:23:56+00:00</dc:date>
    <link>http://www.examiner.com/article/global-diaper-shortage-could-follow-japanese-chemical-plant-explosion</link>
    <dc:creator>dchas</dc:creator><description><![CDATA[A global diaper shortage could follow a chemical plant explosion that took place on Sat., Sept. 29, 2012 in Himeji, Japan. Nippon Shokubai Co. owns the chemical plant, which is one of largest producers of acrylic acid in the world. Unfortunately, acrylic acid happens to be one of the main components of disposable diapers. Superabsorbent polymers (SAP) that contain acrylic acid are used in disposable diapers because of their ability to absorb liquid.

According to an Oct. 1, 2012 Fox News report, "[Nippon Shokubai spokesman Akira] Kurusu said the company had already reached out to other producers to make sure their clients' needs are met, but said he could not comment on whether the plant closure in Japan would affect global costs and supply."]]></description>
<dc:subject>Japan industrial follow-up response plastics</dc:subject>
<dc:source>https://pinboard.in/</dc:source>
<dc:identifier>https://pinboard.in/u:dchas/b:0c475063f7a7/</dc:identifier>
<taxo:topics><rdf:Bag>	<rdf:li rdf:resource="https://pinboard.in/u:dchas/t:Japan"/>
	<rdf:li rdf:resource="https://pinboard.in/u:dchas/t:industrial"/>
	<rdf:li rdf:resource="https://pinboard.in/u:dchas/t:follow-up"/>
	<rdf:li rdf:resource="https://pinboard.in/u:dchas/t:response"/>
	<rdf:li rdf:resource="https://pinboard.in/u:dchas/t:plastics"/>
</rdf:Bag></taxo:topics>
</item>
<item rdf:about="http://www.washingtonpost.com/business/explosion-at-japan-chemical-plant-kills-1-dozens-injured/2012/09/29/5acafdfa-0a21-11e2-9eea-333857f6a7bd_story.html">
    <title>Explosion at Japan chemical plant kills 1, dozens injured</title>
    <dc:date>2012-09-29T13:34:43+00:00</dc:date>
    <link>http://www.washingtonpost.com/business/explosion-at-japan-chemical-plant-kills-1-dozens-injured/2012/09/29/5acafdfa-0a21-11e2-9eea-333857f6a7bd_story.html</link>
    <dc:creator>dchas</dc:creator><description><![CDATA[TOKYO — An explosion at a chemical plant in western Japan has killed a firefighter and injured dozens of people.

Police said the explosion was reported Saturday at chemical plant Nippon Shokubai Co. in the coastal industrial area of Himeji, about 600 kilometers (370 miles) west of Tokyo. Plant workers first reported a large bursting noise and temblor after a chemical tank exploded.

The cause of the blast was under investigation.

]]></description>
<dc:subject>Japan industrial explosion death unknown_chemical</dc:subject>
<dc:source>https://pinboard.in/</dc:source>
<dc:identifier>https://pinboard.in/u:dchas/b:3bcbaa2e20b4/</dc:identifier>
<taxo:topics><rdf:Bag>	<rdf:li rdf:resource="https://pinboard.in/u:dchas/t:Japan"/>
	<rdf:li rdf:resource="https://pinboard.in/u:dchas/t:industrial"/>
	<rdf:li rdf:resource="https://pinboard.in/u:dchas/t:explosion"/>
	<rdf:li rdf:resource="https://pinboard.in/u:dchas/t:death"/>
	<rdf:li rdf:resource="https://pinboard.in/u:dchas/t:unknown_chemical"/>
</rdf:Bag></taxo:topics>
</item>
<item rdf:about="http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/world/2012-04/22/c_131543253.htm">
    <title>1 killed, 11 injured in chemical plant explosion in Japan</title>
    <dc:date>2012-04-22T13:57:27+00:00</dc:date>
    <link>http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/world/2012-04/22/c_131543253.htm</link>
    <dc:creator>dchas</dc:creator><description><![CDATA[OSAKA, April 22 (Xinhua) -- One people was killed and 11 others were injured when an explosion rocked a chemical plant in Yamaguchi Prefecture in southwestern Japan early Sunday, local press reported.

The explosion occurred at around 2:00 a.m. local time at a plant belonging to leading Japanese company Mitsui Chemicals , killing a 22-year-old worker and injuring 11 other workers at the site.

Glasses of windows of some 100 houses near the plant were broken due to the explosion, the report said, adding that firefighters are still trying to extinguish the fire caused by the blast]]></description>
<dc:subject>Japan industrial explosion death unknown_chemical</dc:subject>
<dc:source>https://pinboard.in/</dc:source>
<dc:identifier>https://pinboard.in/u:dchas/b:f1d5e5f408b6/</dc:identifier>
<taxo:topics><rdf:Bag>	<rdf:li rdf:resource="https://pinboard.in/u:dchas/t:Japan"/>
	<rdf:li rdf:resource="https://pinboard.in/u:dchas/t:industrial"/>
	<rdf:li rdf:resource="https://pinboard.in/u:dchas/t:explosion"/>
	<rdf:li rdf:resource="https://pinboard.in/u:dchas/t:death"/>
	<rdf:li rdf:resource="https://pinboard.in/u:dchas/t:unknown_chemical"/>
</rdf:Bag></taxo:topics>
</item>
<item rdf:about="http://www.businessweek.com/news/2011-12-06/jfe-says-no-impact-on-output-from-fire-at-chiba-steel-mill.html">
    <title>JFE Says No Impact on Output From Fire at Chiba Steel Mill</title>
    <dc:date>2011-12-06T12:11:38+00:00</dc:date>
    <link>http://www.businessweek.com/news/2011-12-06/jfe-says-no-impact-on-output-from-fire-at-chiba-steel-mill.html</link>
    <dc:creator>dchas</dc:creator><description><![CDATA[Dec. 6 (Bloomberg) -- JFE Holdings Inc., Japan’s second- largest steelmaker, said there was no impact on operations from a fire today at its Chiba mill.

There were no injuries from the fire, which was extinguished at 12:24 p.m. Tokyo time, Toru Iwamoto, a spokesman for the company’s JFE Steel unit, said by phone.

The fire occurred in a three-story storage facility on the mill grounds, damaging an area of 1,000 square meters, said Hidetoshi Miho, a spokesman for the Chiba City fire department. The cause is still being investigated, he said.

This is the second fire at the Chiba facilities within four days. Four workers were injured by an explosion at JFE Chemical Co.’s sulfuric acid tank on Dec. 2.

JFE fell 4.1 percent to 1,464 yen at 1:50 p.m. in Tokyo, the most in two weeks.]]></description>
<dc:subject>Japan industrial fire response sulfuric_acid</dc:subject>
<dc:source>https://pinboard.in/</dc:source>
<dc:identifier>https://pinboard.in/u:dchas/b:769ba0af4228/</dc:identifier>
<taxo:topics><rdf:Bag>	<rdf:li rdf:resource="https://pinboard.in/u:dchas/t:Japan"/>
	<rdf:li rdf:resource="https://pinboard.in/u:dchas/t:industrial"/>
	<rdf:li rdf:resource="https://pinboard.in/u:dchas/t:fire"/>
	<rdf:li rdf:resource="https://pinboard.in/u:dchas/t:response"/>
	<rdf:li rdf:resource="https://pinboard.in/u:dchas/t:sulfuric_acid"/>
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<item rdf:about="http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2011-12-02/jfe-says-explosion-has-no-impact-on-steel-output-at-chiba-plant.html">
    <title>JFE Says Explosion Has No Impact on Steel Output at Chiba Plant</title>
    <dc:date>2011-12-02T12:49:09+00:00</dc:date>
    <link>http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2011-12-02/jfe-says-explosion-has-no-impact-on-steel-output-at-chiba-plant.html</link>
    <dc:creator>dchas</dc:creator><description><![CDATA[JFE Holdings Inc., Japan’s second- largest steelmaker, said its steel mill in Chiba, near Tokyo, is operating normally after four workers were injured by an explosion at JFE Chemical Co.’s sulfuric acid tank.
The explosion, which occurred within the site of JFE’s steel works at 9:55 a.m., Japan time, didn’t cause a fire and hasn’t impacted steel production, spokesman Seiji Iwashita said today by telephone.
JFE is investigating the cause of the accident, he said. JFE Chemical is a wholly owned unit of JFE.
]]></description>
<dc:subject>Japan industrial explosion injury sulfuric_acid</dc:subject>
<dc:source>https://pinboard.in/</dc:source>
<dc:identifier>https://pinboard.in/u:dchas/b:a152a543783a/</dc:identifier>
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</item>
<item rdf:about="http://www.businessweek.com/news/2011-11-14/tosoh-falls-most-in-2-months-after-plant-catches-fire.html">
    <title>Tosoh Falls Most in 2 Months After Plant Catches Fire</title>
    <dc:date>2011-11-14T12:45:23+00:00</dc:date>
    <link>http://www.businessweek.com/news/2011-11-14/tosoh-falls-most-in-2-months-after-plant-catches-fire.html</link>
    <dc:creator>dchas</dc:creator><description><![CDATA[Nov. 14 (Bloomberg) -- Tosoh Corp. fell the most in more than two months in Tokyo trading after a chemical plant operated by the company in Yamaguchi prefecture, western Japan, caught fire.

Tosoh slid as much as 7 percent, the biggest intraday loss since Sept. 6, and traded 4.4 percent lower at 219 yen as of 9:30 a.m. on the Tokyo Stock Exchange. The benchmark Nikkei 225 Stock Average rose 1.5 percent.

A worker was found dead this morning at the factory, Tosoh President Kenichi Udagawa said today at a news conference in Tokyo. The fire at the plant is "almost extinguished," Yasuyuki Koie, a managing director at the chemical maker, said.]]></description>
<dc:subject>Japan industrial fire death unknown_chemical</dc:subject>
<dc:source>https://pinboard.in/</dc:source>
<dc:identifier>https://pinboard.in/u:dchas/b:eb3cba5c95ed/</dc:identifier>
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</item>
<item rdf:about="http://www.rsc.org/chemistryworld/News/2011/July/11071102.asp">
    <title>Japanese universities plot slow recovery</title>
    <dc:date>2011-07-12T12:36:32+00:00</dc:date>
    <link>http://www.rsc.org/chemistryworld/News/2011/July/11071102.asp</link>
    <dc:creator>dchas</dc:creator><description><![CDATA[Four months have passed since the earthquake and subsequent tsunami devastated the east coast of Japan. And while rebuilding is now under way, progress at the local level is slow and impeding the recovery of universities in the disaster-stricken area. 

According to estimates by the Japanese Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, the total damage to universities could exceed ¥90 billion, although it is highly likely that this figure will rise as reconstruction continues. 

Tohoku University, one of the world's top engineering universities, arguably suffered the most damage. Property damage to the university is estimated at over ¥77 billion (£596 million) in total, according to Japanese news agency Kyodo Tsushin. Around 7000 pieces of lab equipment were destroyed and 28 buildings will need to be rebuilt. 



A severely damaged building on the Aobayama-campus at Tohoku University

© Tohoku University
The Aobayama-campus was among the most seriously damaged. A fire swept through the chemistry department, fuelled by lab chemicals. On top of this, efforts to douse the fire caused serious water damage to the building and electrics. The building was declared off-limits, and the laboratory work was moved to other buildings as research groups were unable to function. However, restoration of the laboratories is proceeding apace and is almost completed, with researchers expected to be able to move back in shortly. 

Tadahiro Komeda, a professor of nanotechnology at Tohoku University, estimates that it will take more than a year for research to get back to the stage it was at before the earthquake struck, even in the Katahira-campus which suffered relatively little damage. 

]]></description>
<dc:subject>Japan laboratory fire response water follow-up</dc:subject>
<dc:source>https://pinboard.in/</dc:source>
<dc:identifier>https://pinboard.in/u:dchas/b:3dcf503f3c9f/</dc:identifier>
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	<rdf:li rdf:resource="https://pinboard.in/u:dchas/t:water"/>
	<rdf:li rdf:resource="https://pinboard.in/u:dchas/t:follow-up"/>
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<item rdf:about="http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/news/20110108p2a00m0na013000c.html">
    <title>Chemical odor, smoke cause evacuation of downtown Tokyo building - The Mainichi Daily News</title>
    <dc:date>2011-01-09T02:08:57+00:00</dc:date>
    <link>http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/news/20110108p2a00m0na013000c.html</link>
    <dc:creator>dchas</dc:creator><description><![CDATA[About 260 people were evacuated from a building in downtown Tokyo after a chemical odor and white smoke engulfed the structure, sickening four men, firefighters have announced.

The Tokyo Fire Department is investigating the cause of the odor, which struck Nihon Building in Tokyo's Otemachi business district on the morning of Jan. 8.

A security guard at the building called an ambulance at around 10:10 a.m., saying, "An alarm sounded and there's a chemical odor in the basement."

Firefighters who rushed to the scene found white smoke coming from the first basement floor and detected hydrogen cyanide and sulfurous acid gas.

]]></description>
<dc:subject>japan office exposures response</dc:subject>
<dc:source>https://pinboard.in/</dc:source>
<dc:identifier>https://pinboard.in/u:dchas/b:89984435dc96/</dc:identifier>
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