Ammonia

7664-41-7

H3-N

Toxic Gases & Vapors

Anhydrous ammonia; Aqua ammonia; Aqueous ammonia [Note: Often used in an aqueous solution.] [NIOSH] UN1005

Corrosive Gases

Colorless gas with a pungent, suffocating odor. [Note: Shipped as a liquefied compressed gas. Easily liquefied under pressure.] [NIOSH] Vapor density = 0.59 (lighter than air); [HSDB]

"About 80% is used in fertilizers; it also is used as a refrigerant gas, and in the manufacture of plastics, explosives, pesticides, detergents, and other chemicals. Small amounts of ammonia occur naturally from decomposition of organic matter." [ATSDR Medical Management] Also used in illicit methamphetamine labs; Anhydrous ammonia is the most commonly reported agent in accidental spill or release incidents. [PMID 19225422]

Liquid causes first degree burns on short exposure; [CHRIS] Ammonia gas and liquid are corrosive to skin. [Quick CPC] Can cause contact urticaria; [Kanerva 2004, p. 103] Ingestion of industrial strength ammonia (27-30%) causes esophageal burns with liquefaction necrosis and the possibility of later perforation and stricture formation. Inhalation of concentrated ammonia can cause acute lung injury. Household ammonia (5-10%) is not likely to cause serious burns. [HSDB] "The concentration of aqueous ammonia solutions for household use is typically 5% to 10% (weight:volume), but solutions for commercial use may be 25% (weight:volume) or more and are corrosive." [ATSDR Medical Management] Listed as one of "major irritant airborne toxicants"; [LaDou, p. 523] The following chemicals can release ammonia when spilled in water: Lithium nitride & Magnesium diamide. Ammonia solutions with more than 50% ammonia are classified as TIH (Toxic Inhalation Hazard). [ERG 2012] Ammonia is fibrogenic to the lungs in the context of an acute inhalation exposure complicated by bronchiolitis obliterans.

OSHA Technical Links: Ammonia Refrigeration

Insufficient data

Yes

25 ppm

35 ppm

50 ppm

20 ppm

300 ppm

Other human data: The maximum short exposure tolerance has been reported as being 300 to 500 ppm for 0.5 to 1 hour [Henderson and Haggard 1943]. A change in respiration rate and moderate to severe irritation has been reported in 7 subjects exposed to 500 ppm for 30 minutes [Silverman et al. 1946].

0.04 ppm

53 ppm

303 ppm

LC50 (rat) = 2,000 ppm/4H

Detection odor threshold from AIHA (mean = 17 ppm); The Guide from the Emergency Response Guidebook is for "Anhydrous ammonia" or "Ammonia solution, with more than 50% Ammonia."

Whole body (following ingestion): 1-2 days; [TDR, p. 88]

ATSDR Medical Management - Ammonia

1: Must be preheated

Yes

Yes

Yes

Human Health Effects from Hazardous Substances Data Bank:

• AMMONIA

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Occupational diseases associated with exposure to this agent:

• Bronchiolitis obliterans
• Contact urticaria
• Pneumonitis, toxic
• Pulmonary disease, chronic obstructive

Industrial Processes with risk of exposure:

• Burning Synthetic Polymers
• Electroplating
• Farming (Respiratory Hazards)
• Firefighting
• Fur Dressing and Dyeing
• Heat Treating
• Leather Tanning and Processing
• Molding and Core Making
• Petroleum Production and Refining
• Photographic Processing
• Pulp and Paper Processing
• Semiconductor Manufacturing
• Sewer and Wastewater Treatment

Activities with risk of exposure:

• Applying metallic patinas
• Lithography printing
• Smoking cigarettes