Exposure to high concentrations is immediately and overtly toxic, generally providing an adequate basis for diagnosis. Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry.
ToxFAQs for Ammonia. Division of Toxicology, U. Department of Health and Human Services. Accessed May 6, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. This fact sheet is based on the most current information. It may be updated as new information becomes available. Navigation menu. What is ammonia? In pure form, it is known as anhydrous ammonia and is hygroscopic readily absorbs moisture.
Ammonia has alkaline properties and is corrosive. Ammonia gas dissolves easily in water to form ammonium hydroxide, a caustic solution and weak base. Ammonia gas is easily compressed and forms a clear liquid under pressure. Ammonia is usually shipped as a compressed liquid in steel containers. Ammonia is not highly flammable, but containers of ammonia may explode when exposed to high heat.
Home Ammonia Ammonium hydroxide Ammonia. Ammonia in Household Cleaning Products Ammonium hydroxide — commonly known as household ammonia — is an ingredient in many household cleaning products used to clean a variety of surfaces including tubs, sinks, toilets, countertops and tiles.
Back to Top. Safety Information When using cleaning products containing ammonia, follow all instructions on the product label, make sure the area is well ventilated open windows and doors and wear proper clothing and eye protection. Answering Questions What is ammonia used for? What is ammonia? What happens to ammonia in the environment? What does ammonia smell like? How might I be exposed to ammonia? How can ammonia exposure affect my health?
What is ammonia used for? Relevant Articles. Ammonia is also used as a refrigerant gas for purification of water supplies, and in the manufacture of plastics, explosives, textiles, pesticides, dyes, and other chemicals.
It is found in many household and industrial-strength cleaning solutions. Most people are exposed to ammonia from inhalation of the gas or vapors. Since ammonia exists naturally and is also present in cleaning products, exposure may occur from these sources. The widespread use of ammonia on farms and in industrial and commercial locations also means that exposure can occur from an accidental release or from a deliberate terrorist attack. Anhydrous ammonia gas is lighter than air and will rise so that generally it dissipates and does not settle in low-lying areas.
However, in the presence of moisture such as high relative humidity , the liquefied anhydrous ammonia gas forms vapors that are heavier than air. These vapors may spread along the ground or into low-lying areas with poor airflow where people may become exposed. Ammonia interacts immediately upon contact with available moisture in the skin, eyes, oral cavity, respiratory tract, and particularly mucous surfaces to form the very caustic ammonium hydroxide.
Ammonium hydroxide causes the necrosis of tissues through disruption of cell membrane lipids saponification leading to cellular destruction.
As cell proteins break down, water is extracted, resulting in an inflammatory response that causes further damage. But most ammonia is produced by bacteria in water and soil as an end product of plant and animal waste decomposition. It is found in relatively low nontoxic concentrations in soil, air, and water and provides a source of nitrogen for plants.
First Responder Resources. External Links. Nitrogen Cycle - University of Minnesota. What is LD50 or LC50? Contact Us. Jorgenson state.
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