KOCHI: The recurring incidences of ammonia leak from seafood processing units and ice plants in west Kochi during the last few months have created serious apprehensions over the safety features of such units. Local residents including the elderly and infants have experienced serious health problems during ammonia leaks.
Several seafood processing units using ammonia gas as refrigerant are in close proximity to residential areas. A major reason cited for the ammonia leak is the lack of periodical maintenance of tanks storing the gas and the pipelines attached to it.
“In the last few months, nearly five cases of major and minor ammonia leaks have been reported. In the Karuvelipady incidence, some local residents had serious health problems and were admitted to hospital. The minor leaks in ammonia pipelines increases when workers carry out repair works carelessly,” said Thampi Subramanian, councillor from Palluruthy division.
Meanwhile, Corporation Health Committee chairperson Adv. V.K Minimol told DC that the health inspectors in zonal offices had been instructed to get details of all industrial units within Corporation limits which use ammonia. “Strict action will be taken against the plants which flout norms,” she said.
The licensing, registration and quality control standards of seafood processing units are coordinated by a panel of agencies including Marine Products Exports Development Authority (MPEDA), State Pollution Control Board, Department of Factories and Boilers and Export Inspection Agency.
“MPEDA provides registration to only those seafood processing units which comply with all other safety and pollution norms,” said B. Sreekumar, secretary of MPEDA. Meanwhile, Pollution Control Board chairman K. Sajeevan told DC that strict guidelines had been given to ice plants on how to prevent ammonia leaks and emergency steps to be taken in case of leak.
“The Board will conduct a detailed inquiry into recurring instances of ammonia leak in Kochi,” he said. Exposure to high concentration of ammonia gas can cause suffocation and damage to lungs.
