‘Popcorn Polymer’ Led to Chemical Plant Explosion, Report Finds

Chemical plants need to be aware of dangers from “popcorn polymer,” the US Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board warned in a report issued Monday.

The chemical pellet buildup, which looks like plastic popcorn glued together, led to an explosion in November 2019 at the TPC Chemical Group Port Neches Operations Facility in Texas, the board said.

No one died in the explosion, but the total cost of damage to the plant was estimated at $450 million, and damages to the adjacent neighborhood and facilities totaled $153 million, the report said. TPC filled for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in June 2022. ...