Trailer malfunction releases toxic gas in Kenosha
A pick-up truck hauling two tanks of anhydrous ammonia in the Town of Paris last Wednesday morning reportedly released the toxic gases after a valve on the tank trailer malfunctioned. According to an article by the Beloit Daily News, authorities gave the all-clear by about 3:40 p.m. Wednesday. Exposure to high concentrations of ammonia in […]
A pick-up truck hauling two tanks of anhydrous ammonia in the Town of Paris last Wednesday morning reportedly released the toxic gases after a valve on the tank trailer malfunctioned.
According to an article by the Beloit Daily News, authorities gave the all-clear by about 3:40 p.m. Wednesday.
Exposure to high concentrations of ammonia in air causes immediate burning of the nose, throat and respiratory tract, which can cause bronchiolar and alveolar edema, and airway destruction resulting in respiratory distress or failure. Inhalation of lower concentrations can cause coughing, and nose and throat irritation.
“Crews were able to close the valve, ending the leak,” the article reads. “But residents were told to stay indoors and close doors and windows, and roads entering the town were closed.”
The truck driver was not injured as a result of the leak and an elderly man who lived near where the leak occurred was evacuated from his home.
“By late afternoon authorities said roads had reopened and there was no longer any danger to the public. The incident remains under investigation,” the article reads.
Water is the most important emergency treatment given for anhydrous ammonia exposures before advanced medical services arrive, according to first aid safety information on the Minnesota Department of Agriculture website.
Anhydrous ammonia is hydrophilic, which is to say it has a strong affinity for water. When anhydrous ammonia vapor or liquid comes in contact with water it forms the corrosive alkaline ammonium hydroxide.
When anhydrous ammonia gas or liquid comes in contact with the human body three types of injuries may result:
- Dehydration. Is the result of ammonia’s great attraction for water. Anhydrous ammonia will extract water from body tissue.
- Caustic burning. Is the result of the strong base formed when ammonia combines with water from body tissue. Once ammonia extracts water from body tissue it forms ammonium hydroxide that can chemically burn tissue.
- Freezing. As liquid ammonia vaporizes it pulls heat away from body tissue causing frostbite in an instant. Released liquid anhydrous ammonia has a temperature of -28°F.
There is no cure for ammonia poisoning. First aid consists of decontamination, maintaining open airway, and respiration support followed by rapid transport to an advanced medical care facility. After decontamination, no special protective clothing is required for those caring for the injured.
Children, the elderly and those with weakened immune systems are more vulnerable to injury when exposed to ammonia.
