The 1947 Texas City disaster was primarily caused by which substance?

The 1947 Texas City disaster was primarily caused by the explosion of a cargo ship carrying ammonium nitrate. This substance is a powerful oxidizer and can become highly unstable under certain conditions. When ammonium nitrate mixes with organic materials, such as oil, it can create a volatile reaction that may lead to explosions. In this case, the ammonium nitrate that was on board the S.S. Grandcamp reacted with the ship's burning cargo, which included oil and other materials, ultimately resulting in a catastrophic explosion that devastated the Texas City area.

This situation highlights the dangers of handling chemicals like ammonium nitrate, particularly when they are in proximity to fuels or other combustible materials. Understanding the chemical properties and potential hazards of materials involved in industrial processes is crucial for safety professionals in preventing such disasters.