Ammonia - NH3
Ammonia - NH3
This page brings together the main information on ammonia or "ammonium hydroxide" (NH3) , its physical characteristics, its effects on health, the means of detecting it (NH3 gas detector) as well as the appropriate respiratory protection equipment (gas mask or assisted ventilation device with type K anti-gas filter).
Main characteristics of ammonia (NH3)
Ammonia (NH3), also called "ammonium hydroxide", is industrially synthesized from nitrogen (N) and hydrogen (H2) using a catalyst (Haber-Bosch process) essential for the manufacture of fertilizers and in the refrigeration industry. Dissolved in water to form ammonia, it is used in the manufacture of household products, in the textile industry and in many other sectors of activity.
| CASE | VME (8 hours) | VLE (15 minutes) | RELATED | IP | Density / Air | Filter / ARI |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7664-41-7 | 10 ppm | 20 ppm | 15.0% | 10.18 eV | 0.59 | K |
Health effects of ammonia
Ammonia is primarily a toxic gas (even at low concentrations) and highly irritating to the ocular and respiratory mucous membranes and identifiable by its pungent and asphyxiating acrid odor. It is also a flammable and explosive gas within the limits of 15 to 28% volume. Explosive reactions can form when it comes into contact with other substances such as halogens, mercury or acetic aldehyde.
NH3 (Ammonia) gas detector
Although discernible by smell, only an NH3 gas detector can accurately measure the concentrations of this gas. Two ammonia detection methodologies: either in toxicity with a measurement in ppm, or in explosiveness with a measurement in percentage of LEL (explosive gas detector).
For the calibration and gas testing of your fixed or portable gas detectors, ammonia standard gas bottles are available.
Respiratory protection Ammonia (NH3)
Ammonia is very irritating to the eyes, so we will opt for a full mask for short interventions or for a more comfortable assisted ventilation device with type K anti-gas filters. If the concentrations exceed 60 times the VLEP, an isolating breathing apparatus will be essential.