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An explosion and subsequent fire left three employees injured at a Bulgarian chemical plant on 29 July. The incident happened at the Svilosa sodium chlorate plant in the town of Svishtov in the north of the country.
The Svilosa plant produces microcrystalline cellulose (MCC). This chemical has a wide range of applications in various industries, including food, pharmaceuticals, biotechnologies, cosmetics, chemical industry, and agriculture.
Microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) is a versatile substance with several uses:
- Pharmaceuticals: It acts as an excipient in tablets, providing bulk and aiding in the formation of hard, stable tablets that dissolve quickly.
- Food Industry: MCC is used as a texturizer, anti-caking agent, fat substitute, emulsifier, and bulking agent in various processed foods.
- Personal Care Products: It is found in items like toothpaste and cosmetics for its binding and absorbent properties.
- Dietary Supplement: MCC provides dietary bulk and can have a laxative effect when consumed in large quantities.
Here is a summary of the incident and consequences:
- Incident Details: A fire occurred at the Svilosa chemical plant in Svishtov, Bulgaria, around 11:00 local time during the loading and unloading of sodium chlorate.
- Injuries: Three people were injured, including two employees and a firefighter who suffered cuts to his face.
- Evacuation and Safety: All employees were promptly evacuated, and there was no evidence of continued air pollution after the fire was extinguished.
- Investigation: Operations at the plant have been halted, and an investigation is underway to determine the cause of the incident.
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