WEST LAFAYETTE, INDIANA, US – The number of grain dust explosions in the United States declined slightly in 2021, although one fatality and five injuries were reported, according to an annual report released by Purdue University on Feb. 15.

Seven dust explosion incidents were reported last year, down from 8 in 2020. The 10-year average for explosions stands at 8, down from 8.1 in 2020.

Kingsly Ambrose, Purdue University associate professor of agricultural and biological engineering and author of the report, said the explosions occurred in one feed mill, one ethanol plant, one grain mill and four grain elevators. The probable ignition sources were identified as one case of a fire, two incidents of smoldering grain, while four cases were from unknown sources. Fuel sources for the explosions were identified as grain dust in five cases, and the remaining two cases were unknown.

The dust explosions occurred in six different states, Ambrose said, with two occurring in Minnesota, one in Georgia, one in Idaho, one in Indiana, one in Iowa and one in Oregon.

“Grain dust acts as a fuel for these explosions, and all it takes is a small spark for ignition to occur,” Ambrose said. “Controlling grain dust can significantly reduce the possibility and severity of explosions. Simple and effective housekeeping is the first line of defense.”

Ambrose said keeping good maintenance of equipment to ensure proper working order and properly training workers are measures to help eliminate grain dust explosions.