About 130 residents were sickened, with 29 admitted to the hospital and seven in intensive care after an ammonia leak was discovered on Monday, August 23 at a coastal Alabama chicken distribution plant.

Residents within one mile of the leak were told by emergency officials to remain inside with their air conditioners turned off.

Up to 800 gallons of ammonia, which is used during the chicken freezing process, were found to have leaked with workers at the plant reporting breathing difficulties as well as throat pain and dizziness.

Also evacuated were 65 oil spill cleanup workers from energy company BP who were at a nearby staging area, with their personnel being among those who were taken to hospitals.

We appreciate the quick actions of local officials and pray for the swift and complete recovery of all who have fallen ill. May such dangerous incidents cease as humans forsake the harmful substances associated with animal raising practices, turning instead to compassionate and eco-friendly plant-based lifestyles for the benefit of all.  

http://www.nytimes.com/aponline/2010/08/23/us/AP-US-Alabama-Ammonia-Leak.html?_r=1&hp
http://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory?id=11464617
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/08/24/us/24brfs-AMMONIALEAKS_BRF.html