Professional Documents
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GAS (LC50): Acute: 5040 ppm (Mouse.) (1 hour(s)). 7650 ppm (Rat) (1 hour(s)).
The odour threshold for ammonia is on average 17 PPM although the range of sensitivity ranges from 0.7
PPM to 50 PPM for acclimatized individuals. Generally, concentrations of up to 25 PPM are tolerated
although unpleasant and pungent. Above this concentration, irritation of the eyes, nose and throat may
begin. The extent of irritation increases with increasing ammonia concentration.
Eye and throat irritation is more pronounced between 100 and 400 PPM. Above 400 PPM, skin irritation is
noticeable and immediate throat irritation and coughing will result. NIOSH has established 500 PPM as the
concentration immediately dangerous to life and health (IDLH), which is defined as the concentration above
which self-rescue may be difficult or impossible due to physiological effects. At concentrations between
1000 and 2500 PPM increasing chest tightness, brochospasm and severe eye and skin irritation will result.
Delayed effects such as chemical pneumonitis and pulmonary edema may develop several hours after
exposure. At concentrations above 2500 PPM, laryngeal spasm may occur resulting in rapid asphyxia.
Effects may be more pronounced at lower concentrations in children, the elderly, and persons with impaired
lung function.
Eyes:
Eye irritant. May cause severe eye irritation with corneal injury and permanent vision impairment.
Skin:
Skin irritant. Contact may cause severe skin irritation, chemical burns, and blistering. Contact with
vaporizing liquid may cause frostbite due to rapid evaporative cooling. Cooling effect may mask the extent
of corrosive injury received.
Inhalation:
Irritating to entire respiratory tract. Excessive overexposure may cause severe irritation to the upper
respiratory tract and potential lung damage.
Ingestion:
Ingestion is not likely route of exposure due to the physical state of the substance (a compressed, liquefied
gas).
POTENTIAL CHRONIC HEALTH EFFECTS CARCINOGENIC EFFECTS: NONE by ACGIH, EPA, IARC,
OSHA. MUTAGENIC EFFECTS: NONE by ACGIH, EPA, IARC, OSHA. TERATOGENIC EFFECTS: NONE
2
by ACGIH, EPA, IARC, OSHA. The substance is harmful to the lungs and mucous membranes. Repeated
or prolonged exposure to the substance can produce target organ damage.
Section IV. First Aid Measures
EYE CONTACT IMMEDIATELY FLUSH EYES WITH WATER for at least 30 minutes, keeping eyelids
open. SEND FOR MEDICAL ATTENTION IMMEDIATELY.
MINOR SKIN CONTACT Dermal contact may freeze tissue and cause severe skin irritation. FLUSH
IMMEDIATELY WITH RUNNING WATER FOR AT LEAST 30 MINUTES. SEEK MEDICAL ATTENTION.
EXTENSIVE SKIN CONTACT No additional information.
MINOR INHALATION Loosen tight clothing. Allow the victim to rest in a well ventilated area. Give artificial
respiration if breathing has stopped. Get immediate medical attention.
SEVERE INHALATION If gases or vapours are present, rescuers must WEAR SELF-CONTAINED
BREATHING APPARATUS and an impervious suit or full bunker gear. Evacuate the victim to a safe area
as soon as possible. Loosen tight clothing around the victim’s neck and waist. If the victim is not breathing,
perform artificial respiration. If breathing is difficult, administer oxygen. Maintain an open airway. Seek
immediate medical attention. Observation may be warranted. Pulmonary edema may occur several hours
after exposure.
SLIGHT INGESTION
Product is a liquified compressed gas. If liquid anhydrous ammonia has entered the mouth and throat, roll
victim onto stomach and begin artificial respiration. Continue until victim is breathing. Seek immediate
medical attention.
UPPER: 25%
SPECIAL REMARKS ON FIRE HAZARDS When heated to decomposition it emits toxic fumes. Hazardous
Combustion Products:
Nitrogen oxides.
3
SPECIAL REMARKS ON EXPLOSION HAZARDS Explosive when mixed with chlorinated materials such
as hypochlorites. Forms nitrogen trichloride which explodes spontaneously in air. Reacts similarly with
other halogenated materials.
Section VI. Accidental Release Measures
SMALL SPILL Warn personnel to move away. Keep unprotected personnel upwind of spill area. DO NOT
APPROACH LIQUID OR VAPOR CLOUD WITHOUT ENCAPSULATING SUIT AND SCBA. If possible to
do so without hazard, isolate leak by shutting off supply of ammonia from containing vessel. Use water fog
to suppress airborne vapors from leak or spill. DO NOT DIRECT WATER INTO SPILED LIQUID!
ANHYDROUS AMMONIA WILL AUTOREFRIGERATE REDUCING VAPOR RELEASE. ADDITION OF
WATER WILL WARM CRYOGENIC LIQUID RESULTING IN GREATER GASIFICATION. Contain run-off
water for later recovery and treatment. Call emergency number on this MSDS sheet for assistance.
LARGE SPILL Corrosive gas. Material will autorefrigerate under accidental release presenting a cold dense
heavier than air vapour cloud or fog. Warn personnel to move away. Keep unprotected personnel upwind of
spill area. Evacuate any unprotected personnel who are downwind of spills. Consider an exclusion zone of
1500 metres around incident area. Incident Commander may adjust size of exclusion zone based on the
circumstances of the emergency and analysis of the threat presented by the release. See Exposure Limits
Section for Evacuation Guidelines.
PRECAUTIONS
Keep ammonia handling facilities locked. Keep storage vessels away from direct heat. Ground all
equipment. Keep away from incompatible materials such as oxidizing agents, reducing agents, metals, and
acids. Keep children away from ammonia storage and handling equipment.
STORAGE
Keep away from combustible materials, heat and incompatible materials, especially dry or liquid bleach.
Ensure facilities are well maintained and emergency response and first aid equipment is readily available.
Always ensure there is s a nearby source of water for first aid purposes and spill response. Facilities storing
or handling ammonia should be equipped with an eyewash and safety shower.
4
ENGINEERING CONTROLS
Workers must be trained in the safe handling and use of ammonia. Adequate, well engineered systems
must be provided for storage, transfer and use. Process block valves, equipment enclosures and other
isolation facilities may be necessary. Provide adequate general or local exhaust systems to maintain
concentrations within exposure guidelines.
PERSONAL PROTECTION
The selection of personal protective equipment varies, depending upon conditions of use.
Respiratory Protection:
Use a NIOSH approved chemical cartridge respirator with full facepiece for ammonia concentrations up to
300 PPM. Use a positive pressure (pressure demand) SCBA for concentrations above 300 PPM, for
emergency response, or for entry into unknown concentrations.
Eye Protection:
Contact lenses should not be worn when handling anhydrous ammonia. Use chemical goggles and a face
shield or full facepiece air purifying or air supplied respirator.
Skin Proection:
Where chemical contact is unlikely, wear butyl rubber, nitrile, or polyvinyl chloride boots, gloves, rain jacket
and pants.
EXPOSURE LIMITS
TLV-TWA 25 ppm from ACGIH. Consult local authorities for acceptable exposure limits.
MOLECULAR WEIGHT
17.03
COLOR
Colorless.
pH (10%SOLN/WATER)
12
ODOR
Ammoniacal. (Strong.)
BOILING POINT
-33.35ºC (-28ºF)
ODOR
THRESHOLD
MELTING POINT
-77.7ºC (-107.9ºF)
TASTE
Burning. (Strong.)
CRITICAL TEMPERATURE
Not applicable.
IONICITY (in
Water)
Not available.
DISPERSION
PROPERTIES
See solubility in water, methanol.
VAPOR PRESSURE
6610mm of Hg (@ 20ºC)
WATER/OIL DIST.
COEFF.
Between 50 and 5000.
VAPOR DENSITY
6
0.6 (Air = 1)
VOLATILITY
100% (w/w).
STABILITY
The product is stable.
INSTABILITY
TEMPERATURE Not applicable.
CONDITION OF
INSTABILITY
No additional remark.
CORROSIVITY
Highly corrosive in presence of copper and its alloys. Slightly corrosive to corrosive in presence of
aluminum and zinc. Very slightly corrosive in presence of mild steel. Non- corrosive in presence of glass, or
stainless steel (304 or 316).
SPECIAL REMARKS ON CORROSIVITY Corrosive to brass. Incompatible with copper alloys (stress
cracking). Will corrode a wide variety of metals.
ROUTES OF ENTRY
Inhalation. Eye contact. Skin contact.
TOXICITY TO ANIMALS
Acute oral toxicity (LD50): 350 mg/kg (Rat).
Acute toxicity of the gas (LC50): 2520 ppm (Mouse.).
SPECIAL REMARKS ON
7
TOXICITY TO ANIMALS
Hazardous for humans or animal life. Corrosive to skin and eyes on contact. Severe over- exposure can
produce lung damage, choking, unconsciousness or death. May cause severe eye irritation.
OTHER EFFECTS ON
HUMANS
Slightly dangerous to very dangerous in case of skin contact, of eye contact, of inhalation. Material may be
irritating or corrosive.
SPECIAL REMARKS ON
CHRONIC EFECTS ON
HUMANS
Exposure can cause coughing, chest pains, difficulty in breathing. Repeated significant overexposure can
cause permanent lung function damage, edema and chemical pneumonitis. May cause serious damage to
the eyes.
SPECIAL REMARKS ON
OTHER EFFECTS ON
HUMANS
No additional remark.
ECOTOXICITY
Hazardous for humans or animal life. Ammonia is a toxic hazard to fish. In low concentrations in water and
soil, ammonia acts as a fertilizer to promote plant growth. Under aerobic conditions ammonia will oxidize to
nitrate and does not accumulate in the environment. Sub-lethal concentrations in water can have adverse
physiological effects on marine species. Free ammonia concentrations of 2.5 mg per litre at pH 7.4 to 8.5
are considered harmful to marine life. In water, free NH3 is considered to be the primary toxic form while
the much more prevalent NH4OH form is much less harmful.
PRODUCTS OF BIODEGRADATION
Nitrogen oxides (NO, NO2…), nitrates.
SPECIAL REMARKS ON
THE PRODUCTS OF BIODEGRADATION
Product may degrade water quality and taste. Notify downstream water users. Will dissolve and disperse in
water.
WASTE DISPOSAL OR
RECYCLING
Call for assistance on treatment and disposal.
TDG CLASSIFICATION
TDG CLASS 2.4: Corrosive gas.
TDG CLASS 9.2: Environmentally hazardous material.
PIN
PIN: UN1005 PG: X
Transportation of anhydrous ammonia into the United States from Canada is regulated by 49CFR Part
171.12a which states:
(b): "…a hazardous material that is classed, marked, labelled, placarded, described on a shipping paper,
and packaged in accordance with the Transportation of Dangerous Goods (TDG) Regulations issued by the
Government of Canada may be offered for transportation and transported to or through the United States
by motor vehicle or rail car."
(b)(5)(iii): Except for a package containing anhydrous ammonia, the package must be labelled and
placarded with "POISON" or "POISON GAS", as appropriate,… For shipments of anhydrous ammonia, the
shipping paper must contain an indication that the markings, labels, and placards have been applied in
conformance with the TDG regulations and this paragraph (b)(5).
TDG (Pictograms)
OTHER REGULATIONS
OSHA: Hazardous by definition of Hazard Communication Standard (29 CFR 1910.1200).
CANADIAN ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION ACT (CEPA): This product is on the Domestic Substances
List (DSL) and is acceptable for use under the provisions of CEPA.
OTHER
CLASSIFICATIONS
HCS (U.S.A) HCS CLASS: Toxic.
Printed 03/29/2001.
FOR FURTHER SAFETY, HEALTH,
OR ENVIRONMENTAL
INFORMATION ON THIS PRODUCT,
CONTACT
10
SHERRITT INTERNATIONAL
CORP.
Environment, Health and
Safety Department
Telephone: (780) 992 7007 or
The buyer assumes all risk in connection with the use of this material. The buyer assumes all responsibility
for ensuring this material is used in a safe manner in compliance with applicable environmental, health ad
safety laws, policies and guidelines. Sherritt International Corp. assumes no responsibility or liability for the
information supplied on this sheet, including any damages or injury caused thereby. Sherritt International
Corp. does not warrant the fitness of this material for any particular use and assumes no responsibility for
injury or damage caused directly or indirectly by or related to the use of the material. The information
contained in this sheet is developed from what Sherritt International Corp. believes to be accurate and
reliable sources, and is based on the opinions and facts available on the date of preparation.
SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS
STORAGE AND HANDLING:
Store in cool (26.7ºC / 80ºF) and well-ventilated area, with containers tightly closed. OSHA 29 CFR 1910.111 prescribes
handling and storage requirements for anhydrous ammonia as a hazardous material.
WORK-PLACE PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT:
Protective equipment should be stored near, but outside of ammonium hydroxide area. Water for first aid, such as an eyewas
station and safety shower should be kept available in the immediate vicinity.
DISPOSAL:
See WASTE DISPOSAL. Classified as RCRA Hazardous Waste due to corrosivity with designation D002, if disposed of in
original form.
LABELING AND SHIPPING
HAZARD CLASS: 8 [Corrosive Material]
PROPER SHIPPING DESCRIPTION: Ammonia Solutions, 8, UN2672, PG III, RQ
PLACARD: Corrosive IDENTIFICATION NO: UN 2672
National Fire Protection Assoc. Hazardous Rating and Hazardous Materials Identification System Labels:
AMMONIUM HYDROXIDE
HEALTH = 3
FLAMMABILITY = 1
REACTIVITY = 0
PERSONAL PROTECTION = H
SOLUTION-SPECIFIC PHYSICAL DATA
20.5° Baume 25° Baume 26° Baume
Ammonia Percentage: 18.5% to 19.5% 26.5% to 27.5% 29.0% to 29.9%
Water Percentage: 81.5% to 80.5% 73.5% to 72.5% 71.0% to 70.1%
Specific Gravity (water = 1): 0.9341 to 0.9276 at 60°F 0.9061 to 0.9032 at 60°F 0.8974 to 0.8960 at 60°F
Boiling POINT: 124°F at 14.7 psia 88°F at 14.7 psia 84.9°F at 14.7 psia
Vapor Pressure: 3.9 psia at 60°F 6.9 psia at 60°F 9.1 psia at 60°F
APPROXIMATE FREEZING POINT: -32°F -89°F -110°F
OTHER REGULATORY REQUIREMENTS
Under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 (CERCLA), Section 103, any
environmental release of this chemical equal to or over the reportable quantity of 1,000 pounds must be reported promptly to
the National Response Center, Washington, D.C. (1-800-424-8802).
The material is subject to the reporting requirements of Section 304, Section 312 and Section 313, Title III of the Superfund
Amendments and Reauthorization Act of 1986 and 40 CFR 372. Under Section 313, as of June 30, 1995, this material is
reportable with the following qualifications: 10% of total aqueous ammonia is reportable as Ammonia (CAS #: 7664-41-7)
under this listing.
EPA Hazard Categories - Immediate: Yes; Delayed: No; Fire: No; Sudden Release: No; Reactive: No.
Clean Air Act – Section 112(r): Material is listed under 40 CFR 68.130 (EPA’s Risk Management Program) at concentrations
greater than 20% and amounts greater than 20,000 pounds of contained Ammonia (CAS #: 7664-41-7).
DISCLAIMER
The information, data, and recommendations in this material safety data sheet relate only to the specific material designated
herein and do not relate to use in combination with any other material or in any process. The information, data, and
recommendations set forth herein are believed by us to be accurate. We make no warranties, either expressed or implied, wi
respect thereto and assume no liability in connection with any use of such information, data, and recommendations.
14
Supplier/ Emergency
Address:
Manufacturer: Tel:
2302 Hanselman Ave., Saskatoon, SK S7L
5Z3 Canada (306)
ClearTech
See"Preparation Information" for a 664-2522
list of regional offices.
TDG/WHMIS INFORMATION:
Shipping Name: Ammonium hydroxide
PIN: Class: Group: WHMIS:
UN 2672 8(9.2) III E, D1B
MAIN/HAZARDOUS INGREDIENTS:
Ingredients: Weight % CAS #
Ammonia 15-29 1336-21-6
Water 71-85 7732-18-5
PHYSICAL DATA:
State: Liquid
Odour and Appearance: Clear, colourless liquid with a highly irritating odour
Odour Threshold: Detectable at 5 ppm
17.03 (NH3)
Molecular Weight:
35.05 (NH4OH)
Boiling Point: 50°C (29%)
15
-72.4°C (29%)
Freeze/Melting Point:
-30°C (16%)
0.897 (29%)
Specific Gravity (water=1):
0.937 (16%)
Bulk Density: Not applicable
Vapour Density (air=1): 0.618
Vapour Pressure: 475 mm Hg at 20°C (29%)
Evaporation Rate: Data not available
% Volatiles by Volume: 100%
pH: 13 for a 10% solution
Solubility in Water: Miscible (100%)
Water/Oil Distribution Coefficient: Data not available
FIRE AND EXPLOSION DATA:
Conditions of Flammability
Non-flammable
Explosion Hazards
None
Flash Point and its Method of Determination
Not applicable
Auto-ignition Temperature
651°C (ammonia gas)
Upper Flammable Limit (% by vol)
25
Lower Flammable Limit (% by vol)
15.5
Hazardous Combustion Products
Burning ammonia gas may form nitrogen oxides.
Means of Extinction
Product does not burn but at elevated temperatures, flammable ammonia gas is released.
Where fire is involved, use any fire fighting agent appropriate for surrounding material; use
water spray to cool fire-exposed surfaces.
16
REACTIVITY DATA:
Stability
Stable under normal conditions.
Incompatibility
Highly reactive with acids. Slightly reactive with oxidizing agents, reducing agents, metals,
and alkalis. (Copper, aluminum & zinc alloys, acrolein, mineral acids, dimethylsuphate,
mercury, chlorine, silver)
Reactions
Reacts exothermally with water. Reacts violently when mixed with acids. Copper, aluminum,
and zinc alloys corrode easily. Chlorine gas generated if mixed with hypochlorites. Burning
of ammonia gas may produce nitrogen oxides.
Polymerization
Will not occur
Inhalation
Causes burns to upper respiratory tract and chemical bronchitis. Higher concentrations can
cause pulmonary edema and death. Even brief exposure to 5000 ppm can be fatal.
Skin Contact/Absorption
Causes immediate burning pain to the affected areas.
Eye Contact
Causes irritation, pain, watering, burns, and permanent blindness.
Ingestion
Causes corrosion to the esophagus and stomach with perforation and peritonitis. Symptoms
include pain, in the mouth, chest, and abdomen, cramps, vomiting, coughing, diarrhea, and
collapse. As little as 3-4 mL may be fatal.
Chronic/Acute Effects
17
Repeated or prolonged exposure to spray mists or vapours may produce respiratory tract
irritation leading to frequent attacks of bronchial infection. People with pre-existing eye
disorders or impaired respiratory function may be more susceptible to the effects of this
material.
Exposure Limits
TLV-TWA = 25 ppm as NH3
TLV-STEL = 35 ppm
Irritancy
Corrosive
Carcinogenicity
Not considered carcinogenic by NTP, IARC, OSHA, ACGIH, or EPA.
Reproductive Toxicity
Data not available
Teratogenicity
Not considered a teratogen in "Dangerous Properties of Industrial Materials" 7th edition.
Sensitization
Data not available
Mutagenicity
Data not available
Synergistic Materials
Data not available
Animal Toxicity Data
LD50(oral,rat) = 350 mg/kg
LC50(inhalation,rat) = 2000 ppm
PREVENTATIVE MEASURES:
Respiratory Protection
Use NIOSH-approved respirator - full facepiece with ammonia cartridges or a self-contained
breathing apparatus (SCBA).
18
Skin Protection
Impervious gloves, body suits, boots, and other resistant protective clothing (neoprene,
rubber, or PVC). Use vapour-proof suit if concentration of NH3 exceeds 500 ppm.
Eye/Face Protection
Gas tight chemical googles or equivalent are to be worn at all times when product is handled.
Contact lenses should not be worn; they may contribute to severe eye injury.
Special Handling Procedures
Use sensible industrial hygiene and housekeeping practises. Wash thorougly after handling.
Avoid situations that could lead to harmful exposure.
Storage Requirements
Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated place. Keep container tightly closed. Store in containers
made of plastic, iron, or stainless steel.
Engineering Controls
Use general or local mechanical exhaust ventilation to control solution mist and ammonia
vapours and to meet TLV requirements.
Inhalation
Remove victim to fresh air. Give artificial respiration only if breathing has stopped. Loosen
tight clothing around the victim's neck and waist. Seek immediate medical attention.
Skin Contact
Irrigate affected area with water for at least 20 minutes. Remove contaminated clothing and
wash thoroughly before reuse. Seek immediate medical attention.
Eye Contact
Flush immediately with water for at least 20 minutes. Forcibly hold eyelids apart to ensure
complete irrigation of eye tissue. Seek immediate medical attention.
Ingestion
Do not induce vomiting. If vomiting occurs, lean victim forward to prevent breathing in
vomitus. Give milk or water if possible. Do not give anything by mouth to an unconscious or
convulsing person. Seek immediate medical attention. Stomach contents must be pumped out
by medical personnel.
Other Information
19
None
******* *********** ************
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General
Note: This data sheet is for anhydrous ammonia, in other words, ammonia gas. If you want data for
ammonium hydroxide (commonly called "ammonia solution"), click on this link.
Synonyms: ammonia gas, nitro-sil, ammonia, R 717, spirit of hartshorn, STCC 4904210, OHS01050
Molecular formula: NH3
CAS No: 7664-41-7
EC No:
Physical data
Appearance: colourless gas with a penetrating, suffocating odour
Melting point: -77.7 C
Boiling point: -33.3 C
Vapour density:
Vapour pressure: 0.597
Specific gravity: 0.77
Flash point: 11
Explosion limits: 16% - 25%
Autoignition temperature:
Water solubility: High
Stability
Stable. Hygroscopic. Flammable. Incompatible with acids, strong oxidizing agents. May react violently
with acids, aldehydes, alkylene oxides, amides, boron, boron halides, calcium, chlorine azide, chloric
acid, chlorine monoxide, chlorites, halogens, heavy metals and many other materials - check the
complete data sheet before use!
23
Toxicology
Toxic by inhalation or skin contact - may be fatal if inhaled. 500 ppm is immediately dangerous to life or
health. Corrosive - may cause serious burns. This material is extremely harmful to the eyes.
Respiratory irritant. Typical OEL 25 ppm. ATSDR Minimal risk levels: Inhalation acute 0.5 ppm, chronic
0.3 ppm, oral 0.3mg/kg/day.
Toxicity data
(The meaning of any toxicological abbreviations which appear in this section is given here.)
IHL-HMN TCLO 5000 ppm/5m
IHL-RAT LC50 1000 ppm/4h
IHL-MUS LC50 4230 ppm/1h
Risk phrases
(The meaning of any risk phrases which appear in this section is given here.)
R10 R23.
Personal protection
Safety glasses and gloves. Good ventilation.
[Return to Physical & Theoretical Chemistry Lab. Safety home page.]
This information was last updated on August 5, 2002. We have tried to make it as accurate and useful as
possible, but can take no responsibility for its use, misuse, or accuracy. We have not verified this
information, and cannot guarantee that it is up-to-date.