Accidentology

Dust explosions" have been recorded in the food industry for over 200 years. In 1785, a flour dust explosion is said to have occurred in a warehouse in Turin. In 1887, explosions occurred in Germany at the new Weser mills in Hameln, resulting in a large number of casualties.

As in many sectors, the development of industrialization in the 20th century increased the frequency and severity of accidents. The United States was particularly hard hit. Nearly 200 deaths were recorded between 1960 and 1980.

The 1970s and 1980s were marked by particularly devastating dust explosions. The USA and Germany were particularly hard hit. The explosions at Continental's silos in Westwego, Louisiana (36 dead, 15 injured) and at...