Composition of mysterious white powder that covered Omsk district in Russia analyzed

On August 16, residents of few Omsk district cities, in Russia, saw streets covered with mysterious white and gray, odorless, fine powder. The white powder was reported in Barkhatova, Zaozernaya, Strelnikova, Glinka, Grounds, Pushkin tract and other cities in Omsk district.



Residents reported the discovery of mysterious odorless powder to the Center for Crisis Management EMERCOM Russia's Omsk region, Rospotrebnadzor and State Civil Defense and Emergency Administration of Omsk Region which conducted test to determine the nature of the powder. According to their preliminary data, the selected powder samples were just - usual ash. However, some researchers didn't rule out that the substance may be a product of the refinery, possibly some kind of catalyst.



However, white powder that fell in Omsk, turned out to be a aluminium silicate, a non-toxic substance. Office of Epidemiology in the Omsk region reported that the powder is  not environmentally harmful and dangerous to the health. They found that toxic index corresponds to the hygienic standards that proves safety for human life. No harmful substances were detected in soil and air samples.



Aluminium silicates are a group of natural and synthetic silicates, common in nature. Aluminosilicate minerals are minerals composed of aluminium, silicon, and oxygen, plus counteraction. They are a major component of kaolin and other clay minerals. It is a non-toxic substance. It is used in many industries. It is used as a refractory in the ceramics industry and in the manufacture of many things, including high voltage electrical insulation, glass, and heating elements.

Meteorologist confirmed northwest winds that day. But for now, the source or location is still unknown.

Sources: EMERCOM, Rospotrebnazor, Newsru, Gorod55, Life.ru

All images, except map - Credit: Gorod55