A chemical tank containing methyl methacrylate nearly exploded in Sacramento County, near Franklin. The substance is not regulated under key federal and state accident prevention programs, raising concerns about regulatory gaps.
- Methyl methacrylate can overheat and self-react, building pressure that may rupture tanks. - The chemical is excluded from the EPA's Risk Management Program and California's parallel system.
- Facilities storing it may be left out of community emergency planning, leaving residents uninformed. - The incident has prompted calls for a review of California's chemical safety regulations.