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Iran's defence ministry denied reports that the explosion was caused by the improper handling of a shipment of sodium perchlorate, a solid fuel used for ballistic missiles.

The advocacy group looked at 196 samples of 63 supermarket products and 10 fast food items, which were chosen because prior scientific research suggested these foods may contain perchlorate.

This raises safety concerns during experiments involving complex compounds that contain perchlorate ions, since explosions can be triggered even by the slightest shock or heat.

Once in the lab, the team modified the ionic liquid's formula, replacing the chlorine with perchlorate.

The soil of Mars, for instance, contains perchlorate compounds that some Earth microbes can turn into chloride and oxygen.