Emergency at Rhode Island Food Processing Plant: Ammonia Leak Sends 13 to Hospital, 2 in Critical Condition

On Thursday night, over a dozen individuals fell ill due to an ammonia leak at the Infinity Fresh Kitchen facility in North Kingstown, Rhode Island. Of the 13 hospitalized, two are in critical condition.

Hazmat teams worked quickly to ventilate the facility after the leak was reported around 6 p.m. The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management confirmed that the leak involved ammonia vapor, not liquid. Fire Chief John Linacre noted that people were leaving the building with symptoms like eye and throat irritation.

A technician managed to turn off the ammonia system, preventing a full evacuation. Investigations are ongoing to pinpoint the leak’s source. Initial suspicions point to a valve on the roof that may have come loose, allowing ammonia to enter the facility.

This isn’t the first incident for Taylor Farms; in 2020, they were fined $650,000 following a similar ammonia leak that hospitalized 15 employees. The previous incident raised concerns about safety regulations and enforcement in food processing plants. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, ammonia is a common refrigerant but poses serious health risks when mishandled. Experts suggest that regular safety audits can help prevent accidents like these.

In a stark reminder of how widespread ammonia incidents can be, just last week, 36 individuals were hospitalized in Oklahoma after an ammonia leak from a tanker truck. This incident forced around 600 locals to shelter in place until it was safe.

Despite the serious risks, many food facilities still rely on ammonia due to its efficiency as a refrigerant. However, as the recent data shows, better safety protocols could help avoid potential tragedies. Ammonia exposure can cause symptoms ranging from irritation to life-threatening conditions, making safety a vital focus in food processing environments.

As the investigation continues, it serves as a crucial time to reflect on safety practices in industries that handle hazardous materials. Ensuring a proactive approach can protect workers and the surrounding community.

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