Ammonia facts

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NC Department of Health and Human Services
Hazardous Substances Emergency Events Surveillance Program
A m m o n i a   F a c t s
S i g n i f i c a n c e   o f   A m m o n i a   ( N H 3 )   i n   t h e   U n i t e d   S t a t e s
C A S   #   7 6 6 4 - 4 1 - 7         U N   #   2 6 7 2 ,   2 0 7 3 ,   1 0 0 5
Ammonia is often used for agricultural purposes, for refrigeration, and as a cleaner when dissolved in water. At
room temperature it is a colorless, flammable gas with a pungent, suffocating odor. It becomes a clear, colorless
liquid under increased pressure. Ammonia is usually shipped as a compressed liquid in steel cylinders.
Anhydrous ammonia is the form used primarily in refrigeration and agriculture. Ammonia dissolves in water to
form ammonium hydroxide, a corrosive solution. Concentrations of ammonium hydroxide vary from 5 percent to
10 percent for household use and 25 percent or more for industrial use. The sheer volume of ammonia required
to meet the needs of users places it on the list of the top ten chemicals produced in the U. S.
A m m o n i a   R e l e a s e s   i n   N o r t h   C a r o l i n a
The information in this report was collected by staff in the North Carolina Hazardous Substances Emergency
Events Surveillance ( HSEES) Program. Ammonia releases in North Carolina have resulted in injuries,
hospitalizations, and workplace evacuations ( Table 1). Some examples of ammonia releases in NC include:
n After exposure to industrial strength ammonia cleaner fumes, two clothing store employees suffered
nausea, skin irritation, and dizziness. They were transported to a hospital for observation.
n An ammonia cylinder ruptured at a distribution facility releasing 60 pounds. One worker was treated at the
scene for respiratory irritation, and 4 volunteer firefighters were transported to a nearby hospital and
treated for respiratory irritation.
n A chemical reaction of ammonia and solid cake deodorizer in a porta- john caused an emission of vapors.
The area was sealed until the vapors dissipated. One person was treated and released from the hospital
for respiratory and eye irritation.
n A poultry- processing plant was evacuated after 100 pounds of ammonia was released from a plate chiller
due to a malfunctioning relief valve. Seventeen employees were transported to the hospital for observation
due to respiratory irritation.
n Ninety- six pounds of anhydrous ammonia were released when a liquid- to- vapor crossover line on a
20,000- gallon tank was accidentally opened. Two workers complaining of respiratory irritation were
evaluated at a hospital.
T a b l e   o f   C o n t e n t s
Significance of Ammonia in US............................................................................ 1
Ammonia Releases in NC .................................................................................... 1
Common Routes of Ammonia Exposure.............................................................. 3
Acute Health Effects of Ammonia Exposure ........................................................ 4
Chronic Health Effects of Repeated Exposure to Ammonia ................................ 4
Proper Handling and Storage Procedures ........................................................... 4
Personal Protective Equipment ............................................................................ 4
First Aid Management .......................................................................................... 5
Decontamination .................................................................................................. 5
Spill Management ................................................................................................ 5
NC HSEES Program ............................................................................................ 6
Resources and Information .................................................................................. 6