(KYTX) — As firefighters continue to fight a mill fire in Winnsboro, the harmful fumes of ammonium nitrate escape into the air.
Ammonium nitrate is a crystal salt consisting of ammonia and nitric acid. It is odorless and is either colorless or white. It is typically used a fertilizer by providing nitrogen to plants. However, the chemical has also been used for to create explosions, most notably during the Oklahoma City Bombing.
If the chemical catches fire, the fumes from it can become toxic. They are characterized by a yellow smoke and distinctive smell.
If the chemical is inhaled, it can cause a respiratory tract infection. According to Nortech Labs, among the symptoms of infection from ammonium nitrate are:
- coughing
- sore throat
- shortness of breath
- suffocation
If you believe you have been affected by ammonium nitrate fumes, Nortech Labs advises you to:
- For minor inhalation
- Loosen tight clothing
- Rest in well ventilated area
- Seek out medical attention if symptoms continue
- For severe inhalation
- Use respiratory protection and evacuate the area
- Loosen tight clothing
- Administer oxygen if breathing is difficult
- Perform artificial respiration
- Seek out medication attention immediately
Nortech Labs says ammonium nitrate is not flammable, but if put under extreme heat and pressure, can explode.
There have been several notable accidental explosions of ammonium nitrate including in 1947 in Texas City that killed more than 500 people and is considered one of the largest accidental explosions in American history. More recently, a fertilizer plant in West Texas exploded in 2013, killing 15 people.
Ammonium nitrate may also help spark fires due to the chemical being an oxidizing agent.
According to the Pesticide Safety Education Program, how the chemical is stored may increase or decrease its sensitivity to fire. Among the factors are building construction, pile sizes, spacing and separation from ammonium nitrate from contaminating material.
The PSEP says "the vapors from decomposing ammonium nitrate during a fire are extremely toxic." To fight the fire, the PSEP says to put out an ammonium nitrate fire:
- The fire must be approached from upwind
- The area must be ventilated for gases, heat and smoke to escape
- The area must be flooded with water to reduce the temperature
Smothering the fire would have no effect.
Nortech Labs advises folks in the area of a ammonium nitrate fire to bring their pets inside and shut off all fans, ventilation systems and air conditioning. It is also a good idea to place damp towels underneath the doors or breathe through damp towels.
