Call for safety checks in cold storage plants after ammonia leak in Navotas
MANILA, Philippines — A toxics watchdog group called on local government units to conduct safety checks in ice and cold storage plants following an ammonia leak and fire that killed a minor in Navotas City.
EcoWaste Coalition stressed Thursday that safety checks in industrial facilities can prevent ammonia leaks and explosions, which can put the lives of workers and residents at grave risk.
“As these facilities are often located near or within residential areas, it is imperative that ammonia poisoning prevention policies and procedures, including emergency response plans, are effectively communicated and complied with,” said Aileen Lucero, national coordinator of EcoWaste Coalition.
Ammonia—particularly anhydrous ammonia—is a common refrigerant used in facilities engaged in ice making, beverage and food manufacturing, and in cold storage or refrigerated warehousing.
Exposure to high levels of ammonia can irritate and burn the skin, mouth, throat and eyes, and can even cause death.
A 16-year-old with an underlying medical condition died, while 23 people were hospitalized after ammonia fumes leaked at a cold storage facility that later caught fire in Navotas on Monday evening.
The city government of Navotas said it will investigate the leak and the fire. Monday’s incident was not the first of its kind as there were also ammonia leaks in the city in 2021 and 2022.
“The time has come for the national government to review, with stakeholders’ participation, the current standards for ammonia-using ice and cold storage plants and related facilities to cut the string of toxic gas poisoning incidents that have already claimed the lives of people,” EcoWaste Coalition said.
- Latest
- Trending
