Chemical development that could make us all safer.

[Shannow]

http://washtimes.com/upi-breaking/20040317-055708-2092r.htm

quote:

---

Companies aim for bomb-proof fertilizer

BELTON, Mo., March 17 (UPI) -- U.S. companies are working to neutralize ammonium nitrate's explosive capabilities while also making the easily acquired fertilizer traceable.

The fertilizer can be highly explosive when mixed with fuel oil and was used in the 1995 Oklahoma City bombing, the 1993 World Trade Center bombing in New York, and others.

New Scientist magazine said most countries do not regulate its sale, but the European Union keeps tight restrictions on the fertilizer, where granules must be too large to absorb fuel oil.

Specialty Fertilizer Products, based in Belton, Mo., is patenting a water-soluble polymer coating for the fertilizer granules that repels fuel oils. The coating dissolves in soil, so it should not interfere with the nitrate's function as a fertilizer, New Scientist said.

---

Naturally, the Australian Government is trying to ban ALL sales of ammonium nitrate.

 

[labman]

Now if they could fix anhydrous so it couldn't be used in meth, maybe the farmers could concentrate on keeping food on our table.

 

[Asinine]

Why don't we just decriminalize meth... and truck bombs?

 

[msparks]

Why note just stop using that type of fertilizer?

We could just go organic!

www.lube-direct.com/agsite

 

[DavoNF]

In the local newspaper here in Australia this morning, the largest fertiliser supplier in the country has voluntarily stopped supply of ammonium nitrate.

Quote from the company

"The most responsible course is for us to withdraw our ammonium nitrate fertiliser from the market and invite the return of all product currently held in dealerships and on farms."


Who said corporate responsiblilty was dead?

I think the Madrid bombings scared the bejesus out of a lot of people, and an action like making bomb making materials harder to get is a step in the right direction.


Dave

 

[Asinine]

Let's see...

Amonium nitrate + Islam = bombs.

Amonium nitrate also has a positive use, which is to grow food for the hungry.

Islam has... none that I can think of.

Soooo... why are we getting rid of the fertilizer?

(this is of course after we got rid of McVeigh)

 

[DavoNF]

Well, there are other sources of fertiliser nitrogen.

The point is, if you have a terrorist attack, caused by some deviant from overseas, he cannot enter the country with 50kg's of AN in his bags.

The ideal situation, for him/her,is to enter the country and then purchase the bomb materials locally. No heavy suitcases to lug around.

Dave