Chemicals

Eleven confirmed dead in Washington state chemical accident, all bodies recovered

The ruptured tank contained about 900,000 gallons (3.4 million liters) of white liquor, and tests confirmed that contamination entered the nearby Columbia River, officials have said.

A drone view of a chemical tank after its rupture at the Nippon Dynawave Packaging pulp and paper mill in Longview, Washington, US, May 26, 2026.
A drone view of a chemical tank after its rupture at the Nippon Dynawave Packaging pulp and paper mill in Longview, Washington, US, May 26, 2026.

Search shifts to rescue as 11 feared dead in Washington state chemical tank explosion

Roads remain closed after residents were evacuated following a chemical leak from a large storage tank that threatened nearby homes in Garden Grove, California, on May 24, 2026.

Multiple injuries, at least one dead in chemical tank rupture in Washington state - report

FIREFIGHTERS EXTINGUISH a car which exploded in Afula, May 26, 2026.

Man dies after car explodes in Afula, as police arrest three for suspected murder in Haifa


Man sprays unidentified chemical into Japan mall, injuring at least 20 - report

At least two people on stretchers were put in an ambulance after the attack, an AFP reporter witnessed, although the public NHK broadcaster reported that the injuries appeared to generally be light.

EMERGENCY SERVICE workers operate in front of the Ginza Six shopping complex, after an irritant was sprayed by an unknown person, in Tokyo, Japan, May 25, 2026.

Possible fissure in California chemical tank may help prevent explosion, fire official says

Since Friday, officials have warned that the tank, which contains a flammable chemical used in plastics and manufacturing, could rupture or explode.

A drone picture shows water being sprayed on a tank as a chemical incident involving a failing tank of flammable liquid called methyl methacrylate, used in the aerospace industry, has forced an evacuation in the surrounding area in Garden Grove, California, US May, 22, 2026.

Estimated 40,000 evacuated in California as toxic chemical tank poised to leak or explode

The tank contains methyl methacrylate, a “highly toxic” substance which can impact the respiratory system, and can cause skin and eye irritation, HAZMAT program manager, Division Chief Freeman said.

A drone picture shows water being sprayed on a tank as a chemical incident involving a failing tank of flammable liquid called methyl methacrylate, used in the aerospace industry, has forced an evacuation in the surrounding area in Garden Grove, California, US May, 22, 2026.

Iranian missile hit on Ne'ot Hovav factory leads to fear of chemical leakage

The Environmental Protection Ministry stated that the possibility of hazardous chemicals leaking was being investigated, but that at this stage, there was no expected risk to nearby towns.

A FIRE resulting from an Iranian missile fragment in Ne'ot Hovav, March 29, 2026.

Brushing teeth and the surprising exposure to a substance that is dangerous to your health

Studies show that toothbrushes and dental floss may release microplastic particles. Is the risk serious? And how can exposure to the dangerous substance be reduced.

Some researchers raise theoretical hypotheses that microplastic may disrupt the bacterial balance in the mouth, trigger an inflammatory response or even damage DNA in cells

Iranian ships leave Chinese port with suspected missile fuel during war - report

Two sanctioned Iranian vessels departed a Chinese chemical port carrying what experts say may be sodium perchlorate, a key missile fuel ingredient, raising questions about Beijing’s Tehran relations.

Container ship Valili carrying Islamic Republic of Iran Shipping Lines (IRISL) cargo is seen in the waters of Singapore Strait off Sentosa island February 6, 2012; illustrative.

Police arrest oxygen tank supplier partner in connection with oil refinery deaths in Ashdod

The suspect arrested on Monday is a partner in the company that supplies the oxygen tanks to the Ashdod refinery. 

 Oxygen piping and regulator on the wall of an ambulance.

Two women declared dead after suspected oxygen suit failures at Ashdod oil refinery

The Israel Police announced that it opened an investigation into the accident, emphasizing that “at this moment, there is no risk of hazardous materials leaking outside to the public.”

The site of a hazardous materials accident at the Ashdod refinery, southern Israel. February 02, 2026.

UNIFIL denounces IDF over chemical substance drops near Blue Line, despite military pre-warning

Meanwhile, the IDF carried out several airstrikes on Hezbollah terrorists and terror infrastructure in southern Lebanon.

UNIFIL soldiers conducting operations in southern Lebanon, January 31, 2026; illustrative.

Ben-Gvir to conduct security assessment after death of toddlers at Jerusalem kindergarten

National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir will hold a security assessment with police and fire officials following the incident at a Jerusalem kindergarten.

Emergency services respond to a suspected carbon monoxide leak at a kindergarten in Romema, Jerusalem, January 19, 2026.