Ammonia

Key Points

Fire

• Non-flammable, but mixtures of ammonia and air may explode when ignited
• Chemically stable under normal conditions
• Emits poisonous fumes 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
• Short-term inhalation may result in irritation of eyes and nose with sore throat, cough, chest tightness, headache and confusion
• Short term ingestion of ammonia solutions may result in burns to the mouth and throat
• Short term skin exposure may result in deep burns
• Short term eye exposure may cause swelling, watering and sensitivity to light
• Long-term inhalation has been associated with increased cough, phlegm production, wheeze and asthma
• Ammonia is not considered to be carcinogenic to humans
• Ammonia is not considered to be cause damage to the unborn child

Environment

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

 

All sections are available to download in PDF format below:

 

Background