According to NBC, the terrorists who perpetrated the attacks in Brussels Tuesday morning, used ammonium nitrate bombs weighing about 44 pounds each.
During a raid on the suspect's apartment, investigators found other bomb components including more than 30 pounds of high explosive known as TATP was found along with 150 liters of acetone and 30 liters of hydrogen peroxide, both chemicals that can be used to make bombs. Investigators also seized detonators, a suitcase full of nails and screws, plastic tubs, ventilators and glass utensils.
The ammonium nitrate was detected with swipe tests, sources said. It is a relatively stable high explosive, detonating at a speed of more than 5,000 feet per second. It is used as a key component of ANFO (ammonium nitrate/fuel oil), a popular industrial explosive. Ammonium nitrate is also a widely used fertilizer.