Ammonia leak detected at food distribution center

CHARLOTTE — Firefighters responded to a food distribution center for an ammonia leak late Thursday night.

The leak occurred at the 7800 block of Statesville Road. Google Maps shows a U.S. Foods plant located at the address provided by the Charlotte Fire Department.

The Charlotte Fire Department tweeted that the leak was secured just before 9 p.m.

Firefighters and the HAZMAT team attempted to ventilate the residual ammonia.

The ammonia was identified as anhydrous ammonia, which is different than household ammonia.

Household ammonia is diluted with water, containing only 5 to 10 percent ammonia. Anhydrous ammonia is essentially pure ammonia, according to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration.

They say that anhydrous ammonia is used a refrigerant for frozen and chilled food at this facility.

According to the CDC, exposure to ammonia in sufficient quantities can be fatal.

There were no reports of injuries, and the cause of the leak has not been released yet.

(WATCH: Busy Huntersville road reopened after gas leak, officials say)

Busy Huntersville road closed due to gas leak, officials say

©2023 Cox Media Group