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Chennai was in shock as hundreds of residents woke up with burning eyes and faces and difficulty breathing after ammonia gas leaked from an underwater supply pipeline to a fertilizer plant on Tuesday night.
M.E. Selvam of Periyakuppam said that around 10.30 p.m., people returning home from nearby industrial units could not take the beach road where the pipeline is located.
Ammonia
Ammonia is a fascinating and versatile chemical compound with a wide range of properties and uses.
Chemical Formula: NH₃
Structure: Ammonia consists of one nitrogen atom bonded to three hydrogen atoms in a pyramid-shaped arrangement. This structure gives it unique properties like strong hydrogen bonding and polarity.
Fertilizer: Around 70% of industrially produced ammonia is used to make fertilizers like urea and diammonium phosphate.
Refrigerant: Ammonia is used as a refrigerant in industrial and commercial applications due to its efficient heat transfer properties.
Household cleaning: Diluted ammonia solution is a common ingredient in household cleaning products due to its degreasing and disinfecting.
Ammonia emissions from agricultural activities can contribute to air pollution and acid rain.
Leaks from industrial facilities can also pose environmental risks.
Issues due to Ammonia leakage
Ammonia leaks can lead to a range of issues, depending on the severity and duration of the exposure.
Immediate health effects:
Respiratory irritation: The most common effect is irritation of the eyes, nose, throat, and lungs. Symptoms can include coughing, wheezing, difficulty breathing, and burning sensations.
Skin and eye irritation: Contact with ammonia gas or liquid can cause burns and blistering on the skin and eyes.
Central nervous system effects: High concentrations of ammonia can cause dizziness, headache, confusion, and even loss of consciousness.
Pulmonary edema: In severe cases, ammonia can cause fluid buildup in the lungs, leading to respiratory failure.
Environmental impact:
Air pollution: Ammonia contributes to air pollution by forming ammonium salts, which can react with other pollutants to create hazardous compounds.
Acid rain: Ammonia emissions can contribute to acid rain, which harms plant and animal life.
Water pollution: Leaks near water sources can contaminate the water and harm aquatic life.
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