“The Impact Of Heat Waves On Industrial Explosions“

OBJECTIVE: In this study, the effects of Heatwaves (HW) on industrial explosions in Turkey were investigated. METHODS: Industrial explosion data that occurred in Turkey between the years 2020, 2021, 2022, and 2023 were obtained for the study. Using this data, the cities where industrial explosions occurred between May and September, when HWs are observed in Turkey, were identified. In the analyses, risk ratios (RR) were calculated by comparing the number of industrial explosions during HWs with those on normal days. RESULT: The analyses identified excessive heating and excessive pressure as recorded causes of explosions. It was also found that 80% of dust explosions occurred during HWs. 51% of those killed and 73% of those injured in explosions occurred during HWs. CONCLUSION: The study's results indicate that heat waves increase industrial explosions.