Environmental Protection Minister Gideon Ezra called...for an investigation into an explosion...at the Makhteshim Chemical Works factory. The blast was caused by a toxic chemical leak and lightly injured three people...The explosion damaged a tank containing...compounds used in the production of insecticides, releasing unknown quantities of the chemicals into the air...The substance could cause respiratory problems and nerve damage...Environmental Protection Ministry teams found traces of the dangerous chemicals in Bedouin communities in the surrounding area.