Intro to Ammonia
Ammonia gas is a chemical compound comprised of one nitrogen and three hydrogen atoms commonly referred to as the ammonia molecule with the formula NH3. In its pure form, ammonia is a colorless gas, but is easily identifiable by smell, as it has a pungent odor. Ammonia is normally found as a gas, which is caustic and harmful with long-term exposures, requiring a hazardous safety permit.
Ammonia gas is commonly found in the production of fertilizers, refrigerants and cleaning solutions, however, you are likely to smell it well before it will be harmful to you. The degree of danger that ammonia gas poses varies significantly depending on how much is present, and how long you've been exposed for.
Industrial ammonia production is one of the highest for inorganic chemicals with numerous large-scale ammonia plants worldwide producing 235 million tones in 2021. Ammonia produced industrially through the Haber-Bosch process, which combines nitrogen from the air with hydrogen, typically derived from natural gas, under high pressure and temperature in the presence of a catalyst.
It's important to note that ammonia occurs naturally in the environment, such as in soil and water. However, human activities, particularly industrial processes, have increased the amount of ammonia released into the atmosphere. This can contribute to air pollution and acid rain.
In the human body, ammonia is a byproduct of protein metabolism. Blood ammonia levels are closely monitored as elevated levels can indicate liver dysfunction or other medical conditions.
Ammonia Toxicity: Exposure to high ammonia concentration can be harmful to human health. Inhalation of ammonia gas can irritate the respiratory tract, causing coughing, wheezing, and difficulty breathing. In severe cases, it can lead to pulmonary edema, a condition where fluid accumulates in the lungs.
Gas Characteristics
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Colorless
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Gas state
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Compressed
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Toxic
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Flammable
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Corrosive
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Lighter than air
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Water soluble
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Explosive (at high concentrations and confined spaces)
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Pungent, suffocating odor
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Can decompose at high temperatures forming very flammable hydrogen gas
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Ammonia based fertilizers and agricultural land management can cause emissions of nitrous oxide.
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Ammonia molecules have a trigonal pyramid shape
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OTHER NAMES: Anhydrous ammonia, ammonia, azane, hydrogen nitride
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CAS 7664-41-7
FIRST AID
- Inhalation: Take precautions to ensure your own safety before attempting rescue (e.g., wear appropriate protective equipment). Move victim to fresh air. If breathing is difficult, trained personnel should administer emergency oxygen. DO NOT allow victim to move about unnecessarily. Symptoms of pulmonary edema may be delayed. Immediately call a Poison Centre or doctor. Treatment is urgently required. Transport to a hospital.
- Skin Contact from Gas: flush with lukewarm, gently flowing water for 5 minutes. If irritation or pain persists, see a doctor.
- Eye Contact from Gas: immediately flush the contaminated eye(s) with lukewarm, gently flowing water for 5 minutes, while holding the eyelid(s) open. If irritation or pain persists, see a doctor.
IF ACCIDENTALLY RELEASED
- Handling: Immediately report leaks, spills, or failures of the safety equipment (e.g., ventilation system). In event of a spill or leak, immediately put on escape-type respirator and exit the area. Do NOT work alone with this product. Get medical attention for all exposures. Symptoms can be delayed. Prevent accidental contact with incompatible chemicals.