The occupiers damaged the pipeline with ammonia in the Kharkiv region: advice to the population

As a result of rocket strikes by Russians in the Kharkiv region, an ammonia pipeline was damaged. Due to its depressurization, a chemical leak occurred. He announced this in his telegram channel Head of the Kharkiv Regional State Administration Oleg Sinegubov.

“In the Kupyansky district, Russian invaders damaged the pipeline with ammonia,” - wrote Sinegubov.

In connection with the emergency situation, the Headquarters for the Elimination of Consequences has been deployed in the region, and all specialized services are working on the spot.

“We will announce all the details later. Trust information only from official sources!”called the official.

Later, Sinegubov said that according to the results of air measurements, it was established that there were no hazardous substances in the Kupyansky society.

“Today, measurements in the city of Kupyansk show that there is no ammonia in the air. According to preliminary reports from specialists working on the spot, there is no threat of the spread of hazardous substances in the Kupyansky community. In the settlements of Kucherovtsy, Sinkovtsy, Petropavlovtsy, closer to the border with the Russian Federation, measurements continue,” – wrote the head of HOGA.

FACTS remind that ammonia is a colorless gas with a pungent odor and a pungent taste. In the air, it forms a faint smoke. Ammonia is flammable and poisonous, especially to the eyes. If a person inhales a large concentration of ammonia, he can get seriously poisoned.

Among its symptoms are burning of the mucous membranes of the mouth and nose, severe coughing, suffocation, and even burns of the respiratory tract.

The eyes also suffer - ammonia can cause severe irritation, up to blindness.

Ammonia also has a negative effect on the heart - the substance can cause a strong increase in heart rate.

What to do in case of ammonia release

If possible, immediately leave the affected area perpendicular to the direction of the wind.

If you cannot leave the contaminated area, you need to use shelters, basements and lower floors of houses to protect yourself, because ammonia is lighter than air.

Also observe the following rules:

• seal windows, doors, ventilation (preferably with a cloth soaked in citric acid or a weak solution of vinegar or water);

• in the apartment, turn on the shower to a fine spray. The water will absorb the air from the ammonia;

• do not turn on ventilation - it will draw out clean air and draw in polluted air;

• if you smell ammonia, breathe through a moistened gauze bandage. It is better to moisten it with a 5% solution of acetic or citric acid.

Formerly FACTS doctor Svetlana Fedorova told how to recognize ammonia poisoning and provide first aid. FACTS also published instructions from the Ministry of Health on what to do in the event of a threat of chemical contamination.