Evaluation of the toxic effects of ammonia dispersion

Abstract

Ammonia is a toxic compound and has many toxic effects on humans and the environment. This study was designed to model the consequences of ammonia leakage in an industrial slaughterhouse. Given the potential hazard of ammonia, only the toxic dimension of this gas was evaluated. The scenarios were evaluated in the worst possible condition and in the case of the complete rupture. Findings showed that in case of a catastrophic rupture scenario in reservoir 1 in the first and second 6 months of the year, the distances of 920.37 and 569.38 m from the reservoir in the wind direction were at Emergency Response Planning Guidelines, level 3 (ERPG3), respectively. In reservoir 2, in the first and second 6 months of the year, the distances of 699.58 and 384.86 m from the reservoir were at the ERPG3 level, respectively. In reservoir 3, in the first and second 6 months of the year, the distances of 203.48 and 748.28 m from the reservoir were at the ERPG3 level, respectively. Examination of the probit values showed that in reservoirs 1 and 2, the probit values were more than 4.28 up to 100 m from the reservoirs, and in the reservoir 3, the mortality rates were lower. The findings revealed that the catastrophic rupture of ammonia reservoirs in the studied slaughterhouse and the release of ammonia could lead to the fatality of large numbers of people in ERPG2 and ERPG3 areas. Therefore, it is necessary to take control measures to reduce the vulnerability against such accidents.

Does exposure to ammonia concentrations lower than the threshold limit value cause acute pulmonary effects?

“…Generally, exposure to considerable amounts of ammonia can generate burning in the depths of the mouth, larynx, and trachea, as well as obstruction of the airways and alveolar edema. Moreover, exposure to high concentrations of ammonia gas may be fatal within minutes (Anjana et al, 2018;Duijm et al, 2005;Yarandi et al, 2021;Zala and Kavishvar, 2012) Ammonia irritates the respiratory tract, skin, and eyes and can cause death by damaging the lungs due to exposure to considerable volumes of the gas (Yarandi et al, 2021).…”

“…Ammonia is a widely used compound used to produce fertilizers, chemical materials, explosives, plastics, fiber, and medicine. About 80% of the produced ammonia is used in producing sulfate, ammonium nitrate, ammonium phosphate, and urea for agricultural purposes worldwide (Ouyang et al, 2018; Vecino et al, 2019; Yarandi et al, 2021).…”

“…Generally, exposure to considerable amounts of ammonia can generate burning in the depths of the mouth, larynx, and trachea, as well as obstruction of the airways and alveolar edema. Moreover, exposure to high concentrations of ammonia gas may be fatal within minutes (Anjana et al, 2018; Duijm et al, 2005; Yarandi et al, 2021; Zala and Kavishvar, 2012)…”

“…Ammonia irritates the respiratory tract, skin, and eyes and can cause death by damaging the lungs due to exposure to considerable volumes of the gas (Yarandi et al, 2021).…”

Simulation Analysis of Ammonia Leakage and Dispersion in a Large-Scale Refrigeration System

“…According to statistics, 193 ammonia poisoning and explosion accidents occurred from 2007 to 2019 because of ammonia leakage, of which more than 200 people died, and more than 3,500 people were poisoned or injured. Ammonia poisoning accidents far outnumbered ammonia explosion accidents [3][4][5]. Therefore, protective measures need must be considered when designing ammonia refrigeration to ensure safety [6].…”