Since ammonia exists naturally and is also present in cleaning products, exposure may occur from these sources. Most people are exposed to ammonia from breathing its gas or vapors. Cleaning solutions for industrial use contain higher concentrations of ammonia and can quickly cause irritation and burns. It is found in many household and industrial-strength cleaning solutions. Ammonia is also used as a refrigerant gas, to purify water supplies, and in the manufacture of plastics, explosives, fabrics, pesticides, dyes and other chemicals. How is ammonia used?Ībout 80% of the ammonia produced in industry is used in agriculture as fertilizer. Ammonia is not highly flammable, but containers of ammonia may explode when exposed to high heat. It is usually shipped as a compressed liquid in steel cylinders. Ammonia gas is easily compressed and forms a clear, colorless liquid under pressure. It dissolves easily in water to form ammonium hydroxide solution which can cause irritation and burns. What are the properties of ammonia?Īmmonia is a colorless highly irritating gas with a sharp suffocating odor. It is also produced when plants, animals and animal wastes decay. In nature, ammonia occurs in soil from bacterial processes. It is essential in the body as a building block for making proteins and other complex molecules. Ammonia is also produced in the human body and is commonly found in nature. In pure form, it is known as anhydrous ammonia. Chemical Terrorism Wall Chart (PDF, 97KB, 1pg.)Īmmonia is one of the most widely produced chemicals in the United States.Chemical Terrorism Preparedness and Response Card (PDF, 45KB, 7pg.).For information on preparedness and response (e.g., for first responders and emergency medical personnel), please refer to the following Department resources: Note to reader: This fact sheet is intended to provide general awareness and education on a specific chemical agent. The Facts About Ammonia General InformationĪ copy of the The Facts About Ammonia (General Information) is available in Adobe Portable Document Format (PDF, 63 KB, 3pg.) All Health Care Professionals & Patient Safety.Clinical Guidelines, Standards & Quality of Care.Health & Safety in the Home, Workplace & Outdoors. Birth, Death, Marriage & Divorce Records.
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