Ammonia

Ammonia Safety Measures

Ammonia is characterized by a sharp and pungent odour that acts as a warning sign of potentially
dangerous exposure. The odour threshold for most people is around 5 ppm in the air, which is considered
well below any dangerous level.
However, if this sign is ignored, exposure to high levels over prolonged periods can result in serious health
damage or even death. Full safety measures can be downloaded from the website.

As ammonia’s boiling point is -33°C, safe storage is essential to avoid any problems even at room
temperature. In addition, containers with ammonium compounds should be kept separate from bases, as
dangerous amounts of ammonia could be released in the reaction.

Household Uses of Ammonia
Solutions of ammonia around 5-10% can be used as cleaners, especially suitable for glass. However, even at
low concentrations, these solutions can be irritant to the respiratory tract and skin. Again, safe storage is
essential, particularly to avoid contact with bleach, which would generate a poisonous gas.