Ammonia is considered a high health hazard because it is corrosive to the skin, eyes, and lungs. Exposure to 300 parts per million (ppm) is immediately dangerous to life and health. Ammonia is also flammable at concentrations of approximately 15% to 28% by volume in air.
Is 19% aqueous ammonia flammable?
Decomposition products may include the following materials: nitrogen oxides Ammonia In a fire or if heated, a pressure increase will occur and the container may burst. Apply water from a safe distance to cool container and protect surrounding area. Non-flammable . Material will not burn.
Is ammonia a hazardous substance?
The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) rates anhydrous ammonia as a 3 (on a scale of 4) – a most severe toxic health hazard and as a 1 (on a scale of 4) – a flammable gas.
How can you protect yourself from ammonia?
- Always keep water handy–in your shirt pocket, on the tractor or truck, and with the nurse tank. ...
- Always wear protective gear, such as rubber gloves, ventless goggles or a full-face shield, and a long-sleeved shirt whenever you work with anhydrous ammonia.
What are the long term effects of ammonia?
OSHA says there are no long term effects from exposure to ammonia , but the ATSDR says that repeated exposure to ammonia may cause chronic irritation of the respiratory tract. Chronic cough, asthma and lung fibrosis have been reported. Chronic irritation of the eye membranes and dermatitis have also been reported.
What are the dangers of ammonia?
Exposure to high concentrations of ammonia in air causes immediate burning of the eyes, nose, throat and respiratory tract and can result in blindness, lung damage or death. Inhalation of lower concentrations can cause coughing, and nose and throat irritation
What do you do if you inhale ammonia?
Ammonia in the respiratory system: If a worker breathes large amounts of ammonia, move him or her to fresh air immediately . If the worker has stopped breathing, administer artificial respiration. Keep the worker warm and at rest while waiting for medical assistance.
Why is ammonia explosive?
Ammonium nitrate prills provide a much more concentrated supply of oxygen than the air around us. ... At high enough temperatures, however, ammonium nitrate can violently decompose on its own . This process creates gases including nitrogen oxides and water vapour. It is this rapid release of gases that causes an explosion.
How does ammonia affect the brain?
Elevated concentrations of ammonia in the brain as a result of hyperammonemia
How much ammonia is toxic to humans?
Concentrations of 2500 to 4500 ppm can be fatal in approximately 30 minutes and concentrations above 5000 ppm usually produce rapid respiratory arrest. Anhydrous ammonia in concentrations above 10000 ppm is sufficient to evoke skin damage.
What does ammonia do to lungs?
Inhalation: Ammonia is irritating and corrosive. Exposure to high concentrations of ammonia in 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.
What does high ammonia indicate?
High ammonia levels in the blood can lead to serious health problems, including brain damage, coma, and even death. High ammonia levels in the blood are most often caused by liver disease . Other causes include kidney failure and genetic disorders.
Why is ammonia toxic to the body?
When ammonia enters the body as a result of breathing, swallowing or skin contact, it reacts with water to produce ammonium hydroxide . This chemical is very corrosive and damages cells in the body on contact.
What are symptoms of high ammonia levels?
Too much ammonia in your body can cause psychological problems like confusion, tiredness, and possibly coma or death . A child’s reaction to too much ammonia can include seizures, breathing trouble, lower response, and potentially death.
How do you remove ammonia from your lungs?
There is no antidote for ammonia poisoning. Treatment consists of supportive measures. These include administration of humidified oxygen and bronchodilators and airway management; treatment of skin and eyes with copious irrigation; and dilution of ingested ammonia with milk or water.
What kills ammonia smell?
The smell of ammonia is an offensive odor that will require a strong, and powerful solution to eliminate from both the air and the surfaces. Often people will turn to natural household deodorizers such as vinegar, baking soda , and even hydrogen peroxide to eliminate this odor.
