Dec 8, 2010 - What You Need To Know About. Anhydrous Ammonia. Michael D McGonigal MD. Director of Trauma Services. Regions Hospital ...
What You Need To Know About
Anhydrous Ammonia
Michael D McGonigal MD Director of Trauma Services Regions Hospital
Anhydrous Ammonia Leak – 12/8/2010
Anhydrous Ammonia • What is it? • Why is it dangerous? • What should I do if there is a leak?
What Is It? • Common chemical used d in i agricultural i lt l areas – Fertilizer – Cleaning solutions – Chemical manufacture
• Illegally used in meth labs
Why Is It Dangerous? • Pure ammonia – normally a gas – Kept in liquid form at -28 degrees
• Effects Eff t – – – –
Draws water from skin Forms an alkali which burns Freezes the skin These effects are even more dangerous if it is inhaled
What Should I Do? 1. Find out what your local authorities recommend regarding staying in your home 2. Determine if you have been exposed d 3. If so, seek medical care
What Should I Do? 1. Should I stay at home? •
Don’t use your home phone. Your local authorities may call people in the area with instructions.
•
Listen to your local radio and news stations.
•
Look outside to see if the air is clear.
What Should I Do? 2. Have I been exposed? • • •
Burning of the eyes, nose, throat Skin contamination is obvious Nausea is usually not a sign of exposure
What Should I Do? 3. Seek medical care • • • • •
Go to your local hospital If it’s safe to be outside, you can ride in your own car If not safe, call 911 for transport Most care will take p place at your y local hospital p If you have more serious exposure, you may be transferred to a hospital with more advanced d decontamination t i ti capabilities biliti
Questions • For additional information, contact your local Fi / EMS agencies Fire i • State of Minnesota – Agriculture Department – http://www.mda.state.mn.us/chemicals/spills/ammoniaspills.aspx
Printable Copy • For a printable copy of these slides, visit The T Trauma Blog: Bl – http://www.regionstrauma.com
• @regionstrauma • #trauma #t • Regionstrauma.com Regionstrauma com
• www.regionstrauma.org/facebook • Mi Michael.D.McGonigal@ h l D M G i l@ HealthPartners.com
