Ammonia leak contained in Kainuu

An ammonia leak at a berry processing plant in Kainuu prompted authorities to urge residents in Kuhmo and Suomussalmi to stay indoors, close ventilation, and avoid industrial areas on Wednesday morning, according to Yle. The danger has since passed.

Ammonia is a pungent, toxic gas that can irritate the eyes and lungs, with high concentrations capable of causing suffocation, said on-duty fire chief Mikko Heikkilä of the North Ostrobothnia Rescue Department. For healthy individuals, exposure may cause stinging in the eyes and respiratory tract, while those with pre-existing conditions are at greater risk.

Heikkilä noted that ammonia has an extremely low odor threshold, making its presence easily detectable. In severe cases, exposure can lead to shortness of breath and vomiting.

Ammonia is widely used in Finland, primarily in industry and fertilizers, as well as in some refrigeration systems. It is corrosive and typically transported by road or produced on-site.

Taking shelter indoors and shutting off ventilation is an effective way to avoid ammonia exposure, as the gas usually moves as a cloud that tends to bypass buildings, Heikkilä explained.