One of the most produced chemicals in the United States is anhydrous ammonia. Ammonia is a gaseous compound composed of nitrogen and hydrogen (NH3) that releases a unique pungent odor. Ammonia is commonly used in the agriculture industry as fertilizer, but is can be utilized for many other industrial applications. This naturally occurring element is used for many different applications, of which include: industrial refrigeration, elimination of microbial contamination, water purification, mercerization of cotton, as well as manufacturing of pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, plastics, explosives, fabrics, pesticides, and dyes. This gaseous compound is very beneficial to modern society, but it since it is a chemical danger still exists. Hazardous effects can vary, depending on the amount and duration of the exposure. The most common form of injury from ammonia is caused by breathing in its noxious and poisonous vapor. The fact is, ammonia can be found in many household chemicals and cleaning solutions. Ammonia is generally lighter than air except when moisture is added the gas becomes heavier and can linger on ground level and other low lying areas. Inhalation of from these cleaning fluid scan cause mild coughing, nose irritation, throat irritation and burns. More severe exposure can typically occur on industrial settings such as farms and commercial manufacturing facilities. Should ammonia be accidentally swallowed or come in contact with the skin, it can be extremely harmful to one’s health. Standard safety procedure calls for the rapid removal all clothing contaminated and rinsing of the exposed area with large amounts of soap and water.

Extended raw exposure can cause blindness, permanent cell and respiratory damage and unfortunately death.When industrial ammonia is transported, it is compress into a clear, colorless liquid and pumped into steel cylinders, tanker trucks and rail cars. Should the liquefied ammonia leak into the surrounding air, it could potentially form a white toxic cloud.While ammonia is not flammable, it can still explode under extreme heat when pressurized. To better to prepare for accidents, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requires facilities that handle more than 10,000 pounds of ammonia to submit an emergency response program as well as undergo hazard assessment. It’s recommended a gas detection system be installed to increase safety. The ammonia detector will continuous monitor the air quality and level alert personnel should the gas concentration become dangerously saturated by. Regulations forbid workers to be exposed to more than 25ppm (Parts per Million) during an eight-hour shift


This article is provided by Conspec-Controls.com – A Industrial Gas Detection company that specializes in Gas Leak Detection and Ammonia Gas Monitor.