A recent tragedy on one Saskatchewan farm claimed the lives of three individuals over-come by manure gases. The accident occurred in an enclosed space, inside the transportation tanker. The following information has been assembled from various sources and is presented as a reminder to all those involved in moving manure this fall.
Ammonia is released by bacterial action of urine and faeces found on floors and in manure pits.
Very high concentrations of ammonia are irritating and would most likely drive a person from the building before posing an immediate health threat. Because of ammonia's affinity for water, it affects the moist surfaces it contacts causing irritation of the eyes, nose and throat. It is suspected that long-term exposure to high ammonia levels may damage the cilia that sweep most mucus and foreign material out of the upper airways. Hydrogen sulfide is produced by bacteria in manure pits. When manure is agitated before or during pumping, hydrogen sulfide gas is rapidly released from the manure and can reach life-threatening levels within minutes.