Topic: Ammonium Nitrate

Steve Chaney from the Tarrant County Horticultural Center explains the extreme volatility of mixing ammonia and nitrates, comparing the chemical composition to the materials used in the Oklahoma City bombing. The blast was felt as far away as Arlington and Waxahachie, with Chaney noting that even small amounts of these agricultural chemicals can cause significant destruction.

A technical video explains the chemical production of ammonium nitrate and its dual use as fertilizer and a component in ANFO explosives. The footage documents tests conducted by Failure Analysis Associates on June 10, 1995, which proved that chemical additives like calcium carbonate do not effectively prevent the substance from being used in terrorist bombings. The video concludes that there is no easy way to render the fertilizer inert.