[Ides of March]

I suppose coal dust or flour or something similar could also cause such an explosion (but do these exist in a pharmceutical plant?)

"Carbon black" is often used to make the latex rubber stoppers "jet black" -- just like automobile tires. Combustible powders are sometimes explosive.

Beware.

[bobsatwork]

"I suppose coal dust or flour or something similar could also cause such an explosion (but do these exist in a pharmceutical plant?)"

""Carbon black" is often used to make the latex rubber stoppers "jet black" -- just like automobile tires. Combustible powders are sometimes explosive."

West files TRI (Toxic Release Inventory)data available at http://d1.rtknet.org/tri/. This site makes rubber products, and has chemical processes using zinc and barium compounds. No details beyond this.