Anhydrous, or “without water” (from Greek) Ammonia is a colorless, liquified gas with a distinctive sharp, pungent smell that can form explosive mixtures in air. A flammable chemical compound that is considered hazardous by the OSHA HazCom Standard (29 CFR 1910.1200). Anhydrous ammonia is a lung damaging agent, irritant and corrosive agent that absorbs moisture from any source, thus potentially causing severe burns, tissue damage, and damage to the lungs/respiratory tract. Ammonia can be absorbed into the body by inhalation, ingestion, eye contact, and skin contact.
Industrial and Chemical Uses
Anhydrous ammonia is used in the manufacture of nitric acid, explosives, synthetic fibers and fertilizers. Liquified anhydrous ammonia is often used a refrigerant in the food manufacturing industry. Because it boils rapidly when released from a pressurized container, it becomes a gas that evaporates and creates a cooling effect. However, a poisonous vapor cloud is produced when ammonia encounters water.
Hazards – Pressurization and Gas
The hazards inherent in anhydrous ammonia are doubled by the fact that compound must be stored under pressure to retain its liquid state. Because of its low boiling point of -28 F at regular atmospheric pressure the gas must remain under pressure to stay liquified. If it is exposed to air or leaks into the environment, it rapidly evaporates and boils and turns into a gas. Ammonia increases tremendously in volume when it changes from a liquid to gas form. In its gaseous state, it enters much more easily into the respiratory tract. This deadly duo – pressure and gas – poses an extreme hazard to workers who might need to stop a leak.
Anhydrous ammonia is a highly toxic pressurized liquid/gas that is extremely harmful to tissues upon contact and can be fatal. Do not take a chance if you must handle this chemical, and if you are responsible for handling or carrying it, take it seriously.
DON’T TAKE CHANCES…WITH ANHYDROUS AMMONIA!
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