A Kent mill was closed for several hours Tuesday morning following a leak of ammonia gas inside the building.
Continental Mills, in the 7800 block of South 192nd Street, was evacuated at 8:30 a.m. when a small amount of ammonia gas began to leak from a refrigeration system, according to a Kent Fire Department media release.
All of the employees were able to get out safely. The ammonia gas was confined to a portion of the building.
Hazardous materials technicians entered the affected area and shut off the flow of gas. Technicians vented the gas out of the building into the atmosphere in controlled amounts where a light wind quickly dispersed the gas.
There was no danger to any of the businesses in the area at any time.
Fire departments from throughout south King County responded to the call as part of the dispatch for a major hazardous materials incident. Teams from Tukwila, Kent, South King Fire and Rescue, Port of Seattle and Renton assisted in the call. King County Paramedics responded to provide advanced life support if needed.
The management of Continental Mills worked closely with the Kent Fire Department to ensure the safety of employees and the other local businesses.
Ammonia, also known as NH3, is a chemical that is used both residentially as well as commercially. Most people are familiar with it as a cleaning agent and the pungent odor it emits. Ammonia is also used industrially for refrigeration, in the manufacturing of plastics, and for agriculture.
If inhaled, ammonia can cause respiratory distress, burns to the lungs, and in severe cases, pulmonary edema (fluid in the lungs). Ammonia can also cause burns if it comes in contact with moist skin. Because of its distinct odor, ammonia can be detected with as little as 1 part per million.
Due to the concentration involved in this incident, there was no danger of an explosion or fire.
Continental Mills makes dry bakery mix products for a variety of brand names including Krusteaz, Alpine, Classic Hearth, Eagle Mills, Snoqualmie Falls, Ghirardelli and Albers, according to the company Web site.
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