Thursday, January 30, 2020

Study Details Injuries from Chemical Spill


By Walter F. Roche Jr.

A study just released by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention details how the accidental release of anhydrous ammonia in Illinois a year ago sickened some 83 area residents some requiring intubation and up to a week of hospitalization.
Anhydrous ammonia is one of the products produced at the Greene County plant of US Nitrogen and the study states, "Exposure to anhydrous ammonia gas can cause severe respiratory and ocular damage."
The chemical was released when a tractor hauling two large tanks of anhydrous ammonia on a local road in Lake County Illinois malfunctioned releasing at least 500 gallons of the chemical in a residential neighborhood.
US Nitrogen, according to its own website, produces anhydrous ammonia by converting methane and then uses the anhydrous ammonia to produce "nitric acid, ammonium nitrate and a product called hydroxy-503, a compound used by its parent company, Austin Powder, to produce explosives.
US Nitrogen officials did not respond to a request for comment.
The federal study of the 2019 Illinois incident involved a review of medical records and a series of interviews with victims, some of who were first responders.
The release of the gas in April of last year in Illinois not only injured residents but stripped trees, leaving 81 trees visibly damaged.
A total of 83 persons were affected and 14 were hospitalized including seven who suffered respiratory failure, the study states. Eight victims ended up in intensive care units.
The incident occurred at 4:24 a.m when the tractor was going down a two lane main highway and experienced equipment failure on the two two ton tanks of anhydrous ammonia.
"Release of the ammonia created a large, low-lying plume of white gas, which, because of cool, humid air and calm winds, lingered in the area and surrounded nearby homes," the report states.
Cars and trucks on the highway stalled out when they encountered the plume and drivers and passengers "were overcome by gas, reporting an acrid smell and taste, throat irritation, coughing, difficulty breathing and choking."
There were no deaths, the report states.
Citing communication problems in the response to the incident, the study recommends a series of steps to ensure injuries are minimized in the event of any future incidents.
"Preparation for hazardous materials responses should ensure timely and informative public communication, effective communication among first responders," the report states, adding that regular hazmat exercises should be conducted for all response and support personnel.
Noting that some health care workers were sickened after coming in contact with the clothing of victims, the study states,"Hospitals also need to review institutional policies and procedures for chemical mass casualty events, including decontamination."
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