The Kansas man who was exposed to ammonia at the Simplot plant recently in Power County died Wednesday, according to a University of Utah Hospital public relations representative.

    Derrick E. Martinez, a Blick's Phosphate Conversion employee, was exposed to ammonia last week. The 23-year-old was found unconscious in a mobile testing trailer at the plant on May 18 around 12:40 p.m. Blicks has been hired on as a subcontractor by Simplot.

   Martinez was transported to Portneuf Medical Center in Pocatello and was eventually taken to the Utah-based hospital by air ambulance.

    Exposure to high concentrations of ammonia in the air causes immediate burning of the nose, throat and respiratory tract. This can cause bronchiolar and alveolar edema and airway destruction, resulting in respiratory distress or failure.

    Power County deputies were assisted by a fire and ambulance team from Pocatello.

    The exact cause of the accident remains to be determined.

    The Simplot plant in American Falls is located at 2836 Pacific Rd.