At 1600 hours EPA OSC Mark Bellis arrived on scene and met with the NYSDEC responder. Conditions at the facility had stabilized since the initial report. Multiple local news outlets were at the scene reporting on the incident.  IIMAK uses solvent-borne ink to print bar codes, signs, etc.  At the time of the explosion a portion of the plant was shut down for a process change.  An upset of unknown cause in the operating process occurred in the vent system for printing ink solvent vapors, which is a mixture of the above mentioned chemicals.
 

Both the vent pipe and associated connecting flanges were involved in the explosion. Any residual vapors in other parts of the vent line at the time of the incident were released to the atmosphere through a broken skylight. An estimated 1 gallon of solvent was released to the atmosphere and an unknown amount of chemicals were involved in the actual explosion.  Any chemicals present within the fire suppression water is contained within the facility and did not enter any drains. IIMAK has an on-site environmental response team that will address the spilled materials.

One worker was injured in the explosion and was transported to a local hospital; he is in stable condition. The injuries were believed to be from the physical effects of the explosion and not from chemical exposure.   The cause of the explosion is under investigation by the local fire department and IIMAK's insurance company.