1.
Ammonia
gas leak:
Prelims:
Environment & Ecology, Disaster
Management,
Mains:
GS Paper III- Disaster Management, Environment, Science & Technology,
Internal Security
Current
relevance:
Tamil Nadu has witnessed
its worst industrial ammonia gas leak
accident, leading to the deaths of eight migrant women workers at a private
seafood processing unit.
About
Ammonia (NH₃):
1.
It is
a colourless, pungent-smelling, alkaline gas composed of one nitrogen
atom and three hydrogen atoms.
2. Occurrence:
Naturally in the environment through the decomposition of
organic matter and is also produced industrially.
3. Major
uses:
(i) Primarily
used in the manufacture of nitrogenous fertilizers such as urea,
ammonium nitrate, ammonium sulphate, and diammonium phosphate (DAP).
(ii) An
efficient industrial refrigerant in cold storage systems, seafood
processing units, food industries, and ice production plants.
(iii) Role
in the clean energy transition as a hydrogen carrier and carbon-free
fuel for shipping and power generation.
(iv) key
raw material in the manufacture of nitric acid, explosives, plastics,
synthetic fibres, pharmaceuticals, and dyes.
4. Health
Hazards:
Exposure to ammonia can cause eye irritation, skin burns,
respiratory distress, lung damage, pulmonary oedema, and in severe cases,
may be fatal.
Industrial Safety Measures:
5. Leak Detection Systems: Enable early
identification of gas leaks.
6. Proper Ventilation: Prevents the accumulation of
toxic gases.
7. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Protects
workers from hazardous exposure.
8. Gas Detectors: Monitor ammonia concentration
levels.
9. Emergency Response Plans: Ensure prompt
evacuation and effective accident management.
10. Regular Safety Audits: Identify risks
and ensure compliance with industrial safety standards.
SOURCE: THE HINDU -https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/death-toll-rises-in-ammonia-gas-leak-inicident-at-seafood-processing-unit-in-tiruvallur/article71131720.ece