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Farmers Reminded of Anhydrous Ammonia Dangers
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) _ Illinois officials are urging farmers to review safety procedures before applying anhydrous ammonia following last year's high number of accidental releases.

Exposure to the fertilizer can be fatal. It can cause breathing difficulty, burns and irritation to the eyes, nose and throat.

The Illinois Department of Agriculture says there were 50 accidental releases of anhydrous ammonia last year, twice the annual average for the preceding five years.

Investigations show the improper management of ammonia hoses was to blame in most of the accidental releases last year.

Applicators must report releases to regulators within 15 minutes if possible, or they could face financial penalties.

The agriculture department and the Illinois Fertilizer and Chemical Association have produced an ammonia safety training video designed specifically for farmers.

(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
03 29 11 by Newsroom
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