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Ammonia - Incident Management

Key Points

Fire

  • Non-flammable, but mixtures of ammonia and air may explode when ignited
  • Chemically stable under normal conditions
  • Emits toxic fumes of ammonia and oxides of nitrogen when heated to decomposition
  • In the event of a fire involving ammonia, use fine water spray and liquid-tight protective clothing with breathing apparatus

Health

  • Exposure by any route may be dangerous
  • Secondary contamination may occur
  • Toxic and corrosive
  • Inhalation may result in irritation of eyes and nose with sore throat, cough, chest tightness, headache, ataxia and confusion
  • Ingestion of ammonia solutions may cause immediate burning of the mouth and throat, drolling, difficulty swallowing with retrosternal and abdominal pain
  • Dermal exposure may result in deep burns
  • Ocular exposure contact may result in pain, lacrimation, conjunctivitis, photophobia and corneal burns

Environment

  • Dangerous for the environment
  • Inform Environment Agency of substantial release incidents

Frequently Asked Questions       Hazard Identification

Prepared by J D Pritchard
CHAPD HQ, HPA
2008
Version 3

This document will be reviewed not later than 3 years, or sooner if substantive evidence becomes available.