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Ammonia
Ammonia
2 1 0 2 = Moderate Hazard
3 = Serious Hazard
REACTIVITY = YELLOW
OTHER = WHITE
ALK = Alkali
COR = Corrosive
4 = Severe Hazard W = Use No Water
INHALATION: Eye, nose, and throat irritant. Toxic effects include lachrymation, respiratory distress,
chest pain, and pulmonary edema.
SKIN & EYES: Ammonia is corrosive to skin because it reacts with moisture to form caustic
ammonium hydroxide. Long exposure may result in destruction of tissue.
INGESTION: Headache, dizziness, nausea, may cause vomiting.
Carcinogenicity NTP Listed? IARC Cancer Review Group? OSHA Regulated? Target Organs?
29 CFR 1910.1000 Respiratory system; skin;
Insufficient data No No (Table Z-1) eyes.
Medical Conditions Generally Aggravated by Exposure
Respiratory function impairments (bronchitis, asthma, etc.); Skin conditions (dermatitis).
Emergency and First-aid Procedures
Eye contact: Immediately flush large amounts of water for 15 minutes (minimum), occasionally lifting
eyelids, seek medical attention. Skin contact: Remove all contaminated clothing. Immediately wash
area with large amounts of soap and water. For inhalation: Remove the person from exposure. Provide
respiratory assistance and CPR. Transfer promptly to medical facility. Observation for 24 - 48 hours
since pulmonary edema is possible. If swallowed, seek medical attention immediately.
SECTION VII - PRECAUTIONS FOR SAFE HANDLING AND USE
Steps to be Taken in Case Material is Released or Spilled
Remove all ignition sources. Ventilate area. Stop flow of gas. If the source of leak is a cylinder and
cannot be stopped, remove to safe place in open air; repair leak or let cylinder empty. For liquid spills,
neutralize with hydrochloric acid. Wipe with mop or use water aspirator.
Preferred Waste Disposal Method
None specified in the references (incineration of a gas may be the only alternative).
Precautions to be Taken in Handling and Storage
Do not store with incompatible chemicals since violent reactions can occur. Store in tightly closed
containers in a cool, dark, well-ventilated area away from sunlight. Keep away from ignition sources
such as fire, sparks, and flame.
Other Precautions and Warnings
Bulk storage of ammonia is not recommended. Containers may explode in fire or under conditions of
extreme heat (do not store outdoors or in direct sunlight).
SECTION VIII - CONTROL MEASURES AND PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT
Respiratory Protection (specify type)
Exposures above 50 ppm: MSHA/NIOSH approved full-facepiece respirator with an ammonia vapor car-
tridge. Greater protection is obtained from a self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) with full face-
piece and pressure demand or other positive pressure mode.
Ventilation
Local exhaust or general mechanical systems recommended.
Protective Gloves Eye Protection Other Protective Clothing
Butyl Rubber Chemical Goggles and/or Face Mask Rubber Apron
Work/Hygiene Practices
Always wash hands thoroughly after using chemical; never bring food, drink, or smoking materials into
vicinity of chemicals.
AMMONIA
NH3 CAS: 7664-41-7
1
2 0
NH3
IDENTIFICATION AND TYPICAL USES Higher exposures can lead to pulmonary edema
(fluid in the lungs), a medical emergency which
Ammonia is a colorless gas with a strong, intense, suf- can be fatal.
focating odor. It is a common molecule given off by
living organisms. It is used to make fertilizers, animal CNS: Data on the acute effects of ammonia on the
foods, synthetic fibers, glues and explosives. It is also central nervous system are inconclusive. How-
used in the treatment and refining of metals; in the ever, exposure can result in headaches and the
manufacture of nitric acid, hydrazine hydrate, and loss of sense of smell (exact mechanism for re-
acrylonitrile. It is often used in refrigeration. action not completely understood).
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