READ MORE: Why is ammonia so poisonous ?
According to available scientific text, when excessive amounts of Ammonia enter the human central nervous system, the brain defences become severely compromised.
An accident on the N12 involving three trucks and a car was the start of chaos in Tasbet 1, 3 and Uthingo Park.
Amidst the chaos on Monday, May 4 after an ammonia solution spill, residents in these areas were evacuated from their homes.
According to available scientific text, when excessive amounts of Ammonia enter the human central nervous system, the brain defences become severely compromised.
“Inhalation exposure to high concentrations of ammonia in air causes immediate burning of the nose, throat and respiratory tract. This 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. Ammonia’s odour provides adequate early warning of its presence, but ammonia also causes olfactory fatigue or adaptation, reducing awareness of one’s prolonged exposure at low concentrations. Children are especially vulnerable due to their lower body weight and heights when compared to adults.”
Skin exposure to higher concentrations of ammonia may cause severe injury and burns. If ammonia comes into contact with the eyes it could cause permanent eye damage blindness. The full extent of eye injury may not be apparent for up to a week after the exposure,” said Ms Cherryl du Plessis a chemical engineer.
