IPCS INTERNATIONAL PROGRAMME ON CHEMICAL SAFETY
Health and Safety Guide No. 37
AMMONIA
HEALTH AND SAFETY GUIDE
UNITED NATIONS ENVIRONMENT PROGRAMME
INTERNATIONAL LABOUR ORGANISATION
WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION
WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION, GENEVA 1990
This is a companion volume to Environmental Health Criteria 37:
Ammonia
Published by the World Health Organization for the International
Programme on Chemical Safety (a collaborative programme of the United
Nations Environment Programme, the International Labour Organisation,
and the World Health Organization)
This report contains the collective views of an international group of
experts and does not necessarily represent the decisions or the stated
policy of the United Nations Environment Programme, the International
Labour Organisation, or the World Health Organization
WHO Library Cataloguing in Publication Data
Ammonia: Health and safety guide.
(Health and safety guide ; no. 37)
1.Ammonia - standards I.Series
ISBN 92 4 151037 4 (NLM Classification: QV 233)
ISSN 0259-7268
The World Health Organization welcomes requests for permission to
reproduce or translate its publications, in part or in full.
Applications and enquiries should be addressed to the Office of
Publications, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland, which
will be glad to provide the latest information on any changes made to
the text, plans for new editions, and reprints and translations
already available.
(c) World Health Organization 1990
Publications of the World Health Organization enjoy copyright
protection in accordance with the provisions of Protocol 2 of the
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The designations employed and the presentation of the material in this
publication do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on
the part of the Secretariat of the World Health Organization
concerning the legal status of any country, territory, city or area or
of its authorities, or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers or
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The mention of specific companies or of certain manufacturers'
products does not imply that they are endorsed or recommended by the
World Health Organization in preference to others of a similar nature
that are not mentioned. Errors and omissions excepted, the names of
proprietary products are distinguished by initial capital letters.
CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION
1. PRODUCT IDENTITY AND USES
1.1. Identity
1.2. Physical and chemical properties
1.3. Analytical methods
1.3.1. Air
1.3.2. Water
1.4. Production and uses
2. SUMMARY AND EVALUATION
2.1. Exposure to ammonia
2.2. Fate
2.3. Uptake, metabolism, and excretion
2.4. Effects on animals and human beings
2.5. Effects on organisms in the environment
3. CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
4. HUMAN HEALTH HAZARDS, PREVENTION AND PROTECTION, EMERGENCY ACTION
4.1. Main human health hazards, prevention and protection, first
aid
4.1.1. Advice to physicians
4.1.2. Health surveillance advice
4.2. Explosion and fire hazards
4.3. Storage
4.4. Transport
4.5. Spillage and disposal
4.5.1. Spillage
4.5.2. Disposal
5. HAZARDS FOR THE ENVIRONMENT AND THEIR PREVENTION
6. CURRENT REGULATIONS, GUIDELINES, AND STANDARDS
6.1. Exposure limit values
6.2. Specific restrictions
6.3. Labelling, packaging, and transport
6.4. Waste disposal
BIBLIOGRAPHY
INTRODUCTION
The Environmental Health Criteria (EHC) documents produced by the
International Programme on Chemical Safety include an assessment of
the effects on the environment and on human health of exposure to a
chemical or combination of chemicals, or physical or biological
agents. They also provide guidelines for setting exposure limits.
The purpose of a Health and Safety Guide is to facilitate the
application of these guidelines in national chemical safety
programmes. The first three sections of a Health and Safety Guide
highlight the relevant technical information in the corresponding EHC.
Section 4 includes advice on preventive and protective measures and
emergency action; health workers should be thoroughly familiar with
the medical information to ensure that they can act efficiently in an
emergency. The section on regulatory information has been extracted
from the legal file of the International Register of Potentially Toxic
Chemicals (IRPTC) and from other United Nations sources.
The target readership includes occupational health services, those in
ministries, governmental agencies, industry, and trade unions who are
involved in the safe use of chemicals and the avoidance of
environmental health hazards, and those wanting more information on
this topic. An attempt has been made to use only terms that will be
familiar to the intended user. However, sections 1 and 2 inevitably
contain some technical terms. A bibliography has been included for
readers who require further background information.
Revision of the information in this Guide will take place in due
course, and the eventual aim is to use standardized terminology.
Comments on any difficulties encountered in using the Guide would be
very helpful and should be addressed to:
The Manager
International Programme on Chemical Safety
Division of Environmental Health
World Health Organization
1211 Geneva 27
Switzerland
THE INFORMATION IN THIS GUIDE SHOULD BE CONSIDERED AS A STARTING POINT
TO A COMPREHENSIVE HEALTH AND SAFETY PROGRAMME
1. PRODUCT IDENTITY AND USES
1.1 Identity
Chemical formula: NH3
Chemical structure: H
'
H - N
'
H
Common synonyms: none
CAS registry number: 7664-41-7
RTECS number: BO 0875000
UN number: 1005
Conversion factor: 1 ppm = 0.70 mg/m3; 1 mg/m3 = 1.42 ppm
approximately, depending on temperature
and pressure
1.2 Physical and Chemical Properties
Ammonia is a colourless acrid-smelling gas at room temperature and
normal atmospheric pressure. Most people can identify its odour at
35 mg/m3 in air. It can be stored and transported as a liquid at a
pressure of 10 atmospheres at 25°C. Spilled liquid ammonia boils
immediately, cooling its surroundings as it vaporizes. The gas
dissolves readily in water; in solution it forms, and is in
equilibrium with, ammonium ions (NH4+). Ammonia solutions are
alkaline and react with acids to form ammonium salts.
Gaseous ammonia is usually very pure and the purity of solutions
depends on the purity of the water used, e.g., chlorinated water may
give rise to chloramines and nitrogen trichloride.
1.3 Analytical Methods
1.3.1 Air
In the alkalimetric method, air is drawn through sulfuric acid until
the bromophenol indicator changes colour. The volume of air causing
the change is inversely proportional to the ammonia concentration. The
method is subject to interference by acidic or alkaline contaminants.
With the Nesslerization technique, the ammonia/ammonium is collected
in dilute sulfuric or boric acid and reacted with alkaline mercuric
and potassium iodide solution; distillation can precede analysis.
Absorbance at 440 nm is compared with a standard curve. Interference
can be caused by amines, cyanates, alcohols, aldehydes, ketones,
colour, turbidity, and residual chlorine. Ammonia can be measured
using the indophenol reaction in which ammonia in solution is reacted
with hypochlorite and phenol. The method is subject to interference by
monoalkyl amines and formaldehyde.
In the potentiometric method, the ionization potential of
NH3 -> NH4+ is measured. There can be interference from mercury
and volatile amines. Chemiluminescent, ultraviolet spectrophotometric,
or fluorescent derivatization techniques are available for the
continuous measurement of ammonia concentrations in air. In the
chemiluminescent method, air is passed through high- and low-
temperature catalytic converters, which respectively measure
NOx + NH3, and NOx. The ammonia concentration is obtained by
subtraction. In ultraviolet spectrophotometry, ammonia (gas) exhibits
several strong absorption bands between 190 and 230 nm. Absorption at
204.3 nm is usually used. In the fluorescent derivatization technique,
1-phthaldehyde derivatization is used. Gas chromatography, with a
thermal conductor detector, has been used, for example, to measure
ammonia in tobacco smoke.
1.3.2 Water
Ammonia at high concentrations can be measured by a titrimetric
method. The ammonia in water is distilled into distilled water, which
is titrated with acid to a methyl red/methylene blue end-point. The
Nesslerization, indophenol, and potentiometric methods are also
suitable for measuring ammonia in water.
1.4 Production and Uses
Ammonia is one of the most extensively used industrial chemicals,
production in the USA alone being of the order of 20 million tonnes
per year. Most of this is used in fertilizers, fibres and plastics,
and explosives. It is also widely used as a cleaning and descaling
agent and in food additives, applications that may result in general
population exposure.
2. SUMMARY AND EVALUATION
2.1 Exposure to Ammonia
Ammonia is present in the environment as a result of natural processes
and industrial activity, including certain types of intensive farming.
Atmospheric ammonia is volatilized from the earth's surface in
quantities of about 108 tonnes/year, mostly from natural biological
activity. Industrial activity may cause local and regional elevations
in emission and atmospheric concentrations. Surface waters receive
ammonia from point sources, such as effluent from sewage treatment and
industrial plants, and also through atmospheric deposition, the
breakdown of vegetation and animal wastes, applied artificial
fertilizers, and urban run-off.
Exposure of the skin and eyes or the respiratory tract may occur, but
the chief effect of ammonia is local irritation due to its alkalinity
when dissolved in body fluids. Ammonia is an important molecule in the
intermediate metabolism of nitrogenous compounds and large amounts are
produced within the intestine each day by the digestion and bacterial
breakdown of food and food residues. Amounts absorbed from this source
are much greater than amounts absorbed through occupational exposure
or the ingestion of food or drinking-water. Atmospheric concentrations
of ammonia in the community are normally lower than 25 µg/m3 but, in
areas with intensive manure production or use, levels may be as high
as 200 µg/m3. Occupational atmospheric exposure is usually regulated
to a limit within the range of 18-40 mg/m3, but exposures of up to
100 mg/m3 are well tolerated for short periods in such situations as
poultry houses. Ammonia is present in raw foods and is added to
processed foods. It has been calculated that the daily human intake of
ammonia and ammonium salts from this source is about 18 mg/day.
2.2 Fate
Ammonia released into the atmosphere is deposited on the ground,
chiefly as ammonium sulfate and ammonium nitrate. Ammonia applied to
the ground as fertilizer and discharged from point sources, such as
sewage treatment plants, is similarly converted, though high levels of
ammonia may occur locally. Ammonia is a key compound in the nitrogen
cycle. It is converted by soil bacteria to nitrate, which is then
taken up by plants and incorporated into amino acids and other
nitrogenous compounds. Plants cannot excrete ammonia and levels
exceeding those that can be incorporated are toxic.
2.3 Uptake, Metabolism, and Excretion
Ammonia is absorbed readily through mucous membranes and the
intestinal tract, but not through the skin. About 80% of inhaled
ammonia dissolves in the mucous lining of the upper respiratory tract
and does not reach the alveoli. Absorbed ammonia joins the body pool
of ammonia and is rapidly distributed throughout the body. It reacts
with hydrogen ions, according to the pH, to form ammonium ions. These
are less mobile than ammonia but are taken up by glutamic acid in many
tissues and thereafter take part in various transamination reactions.
In mammals, most ammonia nitrogen is excreted in the urine as urea
together with a small quantity of ammonium ions. Some is lost in
desquamated skin; elimination in exhaled air and in faeces is
insignificant.
2.4 Effects on Animals and Human Beings
Acute effects on mammalian and human health occur because of the
caustic nature of concentrated solutions, the irritant effects of
ammonia gas, and the extreme cooling that arises on contact with
liquid ammonia. There are no significant long-term problems for
terrestrial animals and human beings; atmospheric levels of ammonia
seldom reach sustained toxic levels.
The extreme corrosiveness of ammonia has precluded most types of
toxicological testing, but a 2-h LC50 of 5137 mg/m3 and oral
LD50s in the range of 4070-5020 mg/kg body weight have been reported
for rats. A dermal LD50 of > 1000 mg/kg body weight (corrosive) has
been reported. Because of the physiological nature of its hydrolyric
products, complex toxicological effects, such as mutagenic,
reproductive, or carcinogenic effects, would not be expected from
exposures insufficient to cause local effects.
Because of the predominance of local effects of little clinical
interest in cases of accidental contamination, very few clinical cases
have been described in the literature. Nevertheless, the effects on
human beings are well known. Skin contact with liquid ammonia results
in cold burns, usually without blistering or charring. Concentrated
solutions produce caustic burns on the skin and cause severe corrosive
injury to the eyes. Long-term contact with more dilute ammonia
solutions that are not immediately irritant may produce damage to the
skin as a result of alkaline saponification of protective fats. The
vapour is irritant to the eyes and the respiratory tract at
concentrations above about 50 mg/m3 (70 ppm).
Mild irritation can occur with short-term exposure to concentrations
below about 150 mg/m3 (210 ppm). Irritant damage to the bronchial
epithelium produces oedema and bronchospasm resulting in bronchial
narrowing, which will be manifested progressively by tightness of the
chest, wheeze, and dyspnoea. Reactive hypersecretion of mucus produces
cough and sputum and there is the possibility of bronchial obstruction
and atelectasis. Irritant damage to the alveolar membrane leads to
exudative pulmonary oedema with restricted diffusion and hypoxia,
frothy blood-tinged sputum, and the possibility of healing by scarring
with a permanent restrictive defect. Severe acute over-exposures can
lead to death within minutes. It is possible that repeated exposure to
irritant levels insufficient to cause severe immediate symptoms may
give rise to progressive impairment of lung function. Apart from
scarring at the site of contact (including corneal opacity and
pulmonary fibrosis), permanent or delayed effects following over-
exposure are not expected in survivors.
2.5 Effects on Organisms in the Environment
Concern regarding ammonia is related to its environmental effects;
there is extensive literature on the effects on both plant and aquatic
life and on the circumstances giving rise to high levels in the
aquatic environment, air, or soil.
Ammonia in the form of a liquid, concentrated solution, or at a high
vapour concentration, will destroy most living organisms. However, the
material is so readily diluted and degraded in the environment that
accidental spillages or emissions will not persist or be widely
dispersed and will not have any impact other than the degradation
processes. Nevertheless, persistently high concentrations of ammonia
may occur in the atmosphere where there is intensive use or production
of animal manure in farming. High concentrations may also occur in
water in certain elevated, isolated lakes, and where sewage is
discharged. Ammonia present in water as ammonium ions at sufficiently
high concentrations can be highly toxic for fish and toxic for aquatic
plants.
3. CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
The effects of ammonia on human beings are mainly due to its alkaline
corrosiveness. Severe vapour exposures may leave a residual
restrictive defect in lung function. Strict adherence to an
occupational exposure limit of about 20 mg/m3 (25 ppm) and care in
the handling of solutions and liquid ammonia effectively prevent
health effects. Spillages will sterilize the area immediately
affected; long-term discharges and/or emissions may have adverse
effects on organisms in the environment.
4. HUMAN HEALTH HAZARDS, PREVENTION AND PROTECTION, EMERGENCY ACTION
4.1 Main Human Health Hazards, Prevention and Protection, First Aid
The main human health hazard is the extreme irritancy and
corrosiveness of both concentrated solutions and the vapour, and the
possibility of cold burns from splashes with liquid ammonia.
As far as possible, ammonia, in the form of a liquid, gas, or
concentrated solution, should be handled remotely in entirely closed
systems. Impervious clothing and gloves, and eye and face protection,
should be used for sampling and other operations where there is open
exposure. Particular care should be taken to wash out thoroughly pumps
and other equipment that has contained or been used for transferring
ammonia prior to disassembly or maintenance.
The human health hazards, together with preventive and protective
measures and first-aid recommendations, are listed in the following
Summary of Chemical Safety Information.
4.1.1 Advice to physicians
No specific antidote is known. Irrigate affected eyes and skin burns
with water and treat conventionally. Severe and extensive burns will
require fluid replacement and correction of metabolic acidosis and
will benefit from treatment in a specialist burns unit. Eye injuries
should be assessed by an ophthalmologist, where possible. In case of
ingestion of ammonia solution, the oral cavity should be examined for
burns. If burns are noted, the oesophagus and stomach should be
examined (gastroscope/fibreoptoscope). Treat symptomatically according
to the degree and extent of burns.
After severe vapour exposure, the risk of delayed pulmonary oedema may
be sufficient to admit the patient to hospital for observation for
24-48 h. An initial chest X-ray will be useful for later assessment of
the development of pulmonary oedema. Bronchodilators by nebulizer or
metered-dose aerosol maybe given to reduce bronchospasm and dyspnoea.
Where there are immediate respiratory symptoms suggesting lower airway
exposure, it will probably be beneficial to administer steroids to
minimize chemical pneumonitis and scarring. Steroid administration may
be by the intravenous injection of methylprednisolone in doses up to
30 mg/kg initially with subsequent smaller doses, or by the use of
steroids in metered-dose aerosol form at several times the normal
maintenance dosage. Prophylactic antibiotics are generally indicated
in all but mild cases, since secondary bacterial infection of the
airways often occurs.
If pulmonary oedema develops, the patient should be nursed with the
torso upright and oxygen should be administered. Diuretics, morphine,
and theophylline derivatives are of little benefit, since the oedema
is an exudate rather than a transudate arising from raised pulmonary
capillary pressure. If further measures are necessary, intermittent
positive-pressure ventilation combined with bronchial toilet and
suction are the important elements of treatment.
4.1.2 Health surveillance advice
It may be advisable to exclude persons with pre-existing respiratory
disease from working with respiratory irritants such as ammonia.
Wherever measured exposures are close to the occupational exposure
limit or there is dependence on personal respiratory protection to
limit exposure, it is wise to undertake regular measurements of
pulmonary function to ensure that there is no deterioration beyond
that normally expected with ageing.
4.2 Explosion and Fire Hazards
Ammonia does not readily burn or explode. Fire-fighters should wear
compressed-air breathing apparatus.
4.3 Storage
Ammonia solutions should be stored in suppliers' properly sealed and
labelled drums or in a suitable bulk container. These should be housed
in a cool, dry, well-ventilated place. Handle drums carefully to avoid
puncturing. Liquid ammonia can only be stored in pressure vessels at
ambient temperature or refrigerated. Refrigeration systems should be
able to withstand pressures of the order of 10 bar, in case the
refrigeration fails. Precautions appropriate for the inspection and
maintenance of pressure vessels should be taken to prevent rupture or
leaks.
4.4 Transport
In case of accident, stop the engine and keep upwind. If the vapour
cloud drifts towards an inhabited area, warn the inhabitants. Evacuate
areas close to spillage if this can be done without risking exposure.
4.5 Spillage and Disposal
4.5.1 Spillage
Spillages of liquid or concentrated solutions should only be dealt
with by trained personnel wearing protective clothing and full-face
mask, positive-pressure breathing apparatus. Liquid spillages will
rapidly vaporize and disperse.
4.5.2 Disposal
Liquid spillages may be washed into a drain and vapour may be "knocked
down" with water spray. Drainage into a sewer or large water body is
possible when the effect of the resulting solution is judged to be
less severe than the effect of the vapour. Spillages of solutions
should be washed away with plenty of water. If ammonia has entered a
watercourse or sewer, or has contaminated soil or vegetation, advise
the police or public authorities.
SUMMARY OF CHEMICAL SAFETY INFORMATION
AMMONIA
CAS registry number: 7664-41-7; RTECS number: BO 0875000
In aqueous solution, ammonia forms ammonium (NH4+) and hydroxyl (OH-) ions
PHYSICAL PROPERTIES OTHER CHARACTERISTICS
Melting point (°C) -77.7 Ammonia is a colourless, acrid-smelling, low
Boiling point (°C) -33.35 density gas at ambient temperature and
Solubility in water high; reacts pressure; it can be stored and transported
Relative density (0°C) 0.771 as a liquid at a pressure of 10 atm;
Relative density (-79°C) 0.817 ammonia dissolves readily in water
Relative vapour density (25°C) 0.6 where it forms and is in equilibrium with
Vapour pressure (25.7°C) 10 bar ammonium ions; solutions are highly
Autoignition point (°C) 651 alkaline; splashes of liquid ammonia
Lower explosion limit 16% evaporate rapidly, extracting latent heat
Upper explosion limit 25% of vaporization from their surroundings
Relative molecular mass 17.03 and thus causing cold burns when splashed
on the skin; ammonia burns to form oxides
of nitrogen and water and will explode
within a rather narrow range of
concentrations
HEALTH HAZARDS/SYMPTONS PREVENTION AND PROTECTION FIRST AID
Ammonia vapour/fumes
EYES: severe irritation and Proper containment or efficient local Remove patient from exposure; irrigate
lacrimation exhaust ventilation so that breathing eyes for at least 15 minutes with a gentle
zone concentrations are below the flow of fresh potable water or sterile eye-
occupational exposure limit; otherwise, irrigation fluid; seek medical attention
positive-pressure demand compressed-
air breathing apparatus or other effective
respiratory protection with a full
(cont'd)
HEALTH HAZARDS/SYMPTONS PREVENTION AND PROTECTION FIRST AID
facepiece should be worn so that
complete protection of the eyes and
respiratory tract is assured
INHALATION: sensory irritation at See above Remove patient from exposure; if not
lower concentrations; at higher breathing, give artificial respiration;
concentrations, bronchial and lower maintain airway;, keep patient at rest and
airway irritation leading to tightness seated upright if conscious and breathless;
in the chest, coughing, wheezing, administer oxygen; send to hospital or a
breathing difficulty, blueness of the doctor
lips
Anhydrous liquid ammonia
SKIN/EYES: severe cold and Proper containment in well-maintained Do not overheat affected part; apply dry
possibly frostbite, in which pressure vessels and lines; when dressing; usually, healing will take place
skin will be pale and usually sampling, making connections, and at without grafting or other intervention;
anaesthetic, but without blistering other times when exposure could irrigate eyes as for any chemical splash;
occur, full eye, face, and respiratory send patient to a doctor, preferably an
protection, gloves, boots, and ophthalmological specialist
an impervious suit should be worn
Ammonia solutions
EYES: injuries from concentrated Solutions must be held in properly Irrigate eyes immediately and thoroughly
solutions are severe; conjunctival constructed and vented containers; with large quantities of fresh potable
and corneal damage and penetration hand and full-face protection and water for at least 15 minutes; seek medical
of the bulb will occur boots, gloves, and an impervious advice; if there is corneal damage, instill
apron or suit should be worn whenever antibiotics and, if possible, obtain advice
containers or pipework are opened; from an ophthalmological specialist
if local exhaust ventilation is
inadequate to reduce vapour concentrations
(cont'd)
HEALTH HAZARDS/SYMPTONS PREVENTION AND PROTECTION FIRST AID
below the occupational exposure limit,
respiratory protection should be worn
SKIN: irritation, redness, and See above Remove all contaminated clothing
caustic burns immediately, wash skin liberally with water
hydrocortisone cream may reduce pain
and inflammation in areas of superficial
damage and erythema; full-thickness
damage may require grafting,
according to its extent and position
INGESTION: irritation, caustic Avoid ingestion of ammonia solutions Do not induce vomiting; rinse the mouth
burns with water; if the concentration of the
ammonia solution is known to be 10% or
less, give water by mouth to dilute the
solution; if the concentration is unknown or
is greater than 10%, give nothing by mouth
and send the patient to hospital without
delay for examination and treatment
SPILLAGE STORAGE FIRE AND EXPLOSION
Take appropriate personal Ammonia solutions should be stored Fire: not flammable under normal
precautions; spillages will tend to in sealed drums or bulk containers in conditions
vaporize and disperse; to assist a dry, well-ventilated place; liquid Explosion: none
disposal, liquid may be washed away ammonia must be stored in pressure Fire-extinguishing agents: foam, carbon
and vapour "knocked down" by vessels and refrigerated dioxide, dry chemical
water spray; if ammonia enters a
watercourse or sewer, public
authorities must be informed
5. HAZARDS FOR THE ENVIRONMENT AND THEIR PREVENTION
Ammonia is alkaline and is toxic for animals and plants, causing
convulsions in the former and interference with carbohydrate
metabolism in the latter. Potassium transport across membranes is
affected in both animals and plants. Persistently high levels of
discharge into the atmosphere or into water bodies will have adverse
effects on the environment, animals, and plants. There will only be a
localized environmental hazard in the vicinity of a spillage,
emission, or improper disposal (see section 4.5).
6. CURRENT REGULATIONS, GUIDELINES, AND STANDARDS
The information given in this section has been extracted from the
International Register of Potentially Toxic Chemicals (IRPTC) legal
file. A full reference to the original national document from which
the information was extracted can be obtained from IRPTC. When no
effective date appears in the IRPTC legal file, the year of the
reference from which the data are taken is indicated by (r).
The reader should be aware that regulatory decisions about chemicals
taken in a certain country can only be fully understood in the
framework of the legislation of that country. The regulations and
guidelines of all countries are subject to change and should always be
verified with appropriate regulatory authorities before application.
6.1 Exposure Limit Values
Some exposure limit values are given in the following table.
6.2 Specific Restrictions
In Japan, Sweden, the United Kingdom, and the USA, ammonia is listed
as a poison and sale is controlled. In Czechoslovakia and the EEC, the
use of ammonia in cosmetics is restricted.
In Sweden and the USA, the use of ammonia as a pesticide is regulated.
In the EEC, the United Kingdom, and the USA, the storage of ammonia is
regulated. For the EEC and the United Kingdom, the levels at which
regulations apply are 60 tonnes and 100 tonnes, respectively.
6.3 Labelling, Packaging, and Transport
In the EEC, anhydrous ammonia is classified as toxic and flammable for
labelling and packaging purposes. The label must read:
Toxic by inhalation. Keep container tightly closed and in a well
ventilated place. Keep away from sources of ignition. No
smoking; in case of insufficient ventilation, wear suitable
respiratory equipment.
For ammonia solutions with concentrations of more than 35%, the
percentage concentration must be stated on the label which must read:
Causes burns; irritating to respiratory system and skin; keep
container tightly closed and dry. In case of contact with eyes,
rinse immediately with plenty of water and seek medical advice.
EXPOSURE LIMIT VALUES
Medium Specification Country Exposure limit description Value Effective
organization date
AIR Occupational Argentina Maximum permissible concentration (MPC) 1979
- Time-weighted average (TWA) 18 mg/m3
- Short-term exposure limit (STEL) 27 mg/m3
Austria Threshold limit value (TLV) 1985 (r)
- Time-weighted average (TWA) 18 mg/m3
- Short-term exposure limit (STEL) 27 mg/m3
Belgium Threshold limit value (TLV) 1989 (r)
- Time-weighted average (TWA) 18 mg/m3
- Short-term exposure limit (STEL) 27 mg/m3
Canada Threshold limit value (TLV) 1980
- Time-weighted average (TWA) 18 mg/m3
- Short-term exposure limit (STEL) 27 mg/m3
Czechoslovakia Maximum allowable concentration (MAC) 1985
- Time-weighted average (TWA) 20 mg/m3
- Ceiling value (CLV) 40 mg/m3
Finland Maximum permissible concentration (MPC) 1989 (r)
- Time-weighted average (TWA) 18 mg/m3
German Maximum allowable concentration (MAK) 1988 (r)
Democratic - Short-term exposure limit (STEL) 20 mg/m3
Republic
Germany, Maximum workplace concentration (MAC) 1989 (r)
Federal - Time-weighted average (TWA) 35 mg/m3
Republic of - Short-term exposure limit (STEL) 70 mg/m3
(5 min, 8×/shift)
(cont'd)
Medium Specification Country Exposure limit description Value Effective
organization date
AIR Occupational Hungary Maximum allowable concentration (MAC) 1985 (r)
- Time-weighted average (TWA) 20 mg/m3
- Short-term exposure limit (STEL) 20 mg/m3
(30 min)
Italy Threshold limit value (TLV) 1985 (r)
- Time-weighted average (TWA) 20 mg/m3
Japan Maximum allowable concentration (MAC) 1986 (r)
- Time-weighted average (TWA) 18 mg/m3
Netherlands Maximum limit (MXL) 1987 (r)
- Time-weighted average (TWA) 18 mg/m3
Poland Maximum permissible concentration (MPC) 1985 (r)
- Ceiling value (CLV) 20 mg/m3
Romania Maximum permissible concentration (MPC) 1985 (r)
- Time-weighted average (TWA) 20 mg/m3
- Ceiling value (CLV) 30 mg/m3
Sweden Hygienic limit value (HLV) 1983
- Time-weighted average (TWA) 18 mg/m3
- Ceiling value (CLV) 35 mg/m3
(5-min time-weighted average)
Switzerland Maximum workplace concentration (MAK) 1987 (r)
- Time-weighted average (TWA) 18 mg/m3
United Recommended exposure limit (RECL) 1987 (r)
Kingdom - Time-weighted average (TWA) 18 mg/m3
- Short-term exposure limit (STEL) 27 mg/m3
(10-min time-weighted average)
(cont'd)
Medium Specification Country Exposure limit description Value Effective
organization date
AIR Occupational USA (ACGIH) Threshold limit value (TLV) 1987
- Time-weighted average (TWA) 18 mg/m3
- Short-term exposure limit (STEL) 27 mg/m3
USA (OSHA) Permissible exposure limit (PEL) 1987
- Time-weighted average (TWA) 35 mg/m3
USSR Maximum allowable concentration (MAC) 1977
- Ceiling value (CLV) 20 mg/m3
AIR Ambient USSR Maximum allowable concentration (MAC) 1984
- Daily average 0.04 mg/m3
- Peak concentration (1 per day) 0.12 mg/m3
Emissions Japan Maximum limit (MXL) 3.5 mg/m3 1982 (r)
WATER Surface Czechoslovakia Maximum allowable concentration (MAC) 3.0 mg/litre 1975
EEC Quality standard for surface water 1977
intended for abstraction of drinking-
water
- Normal water treatment 1.5 mgNH4/litre
- Intensive water treatment 4.0 mgNH4/litre
Guideline values
- Simple water treatment 0.05 mgNH4/litre
- Normal water treatment 1.0 mgNH4/litre
- Intensive water treatment 2.0 mgNH4/litre
Netherlands Basic quality standard for surface 0.02 mg N/litre 1986
water in general
USSR Maximum allowable concentration (MAC) 2.0 mg N/litre 1983
(cont'd)
Medium Specification Country Exposure limit description Value Effective
organization date
WATER Drinking- Czechoslovakia Maximum allowable concentration (MAC) 0.5 mg/litre 1975
EEC Maximum allowable concentration (MAC) 0.5 mg NH4/litre 1982
Guideline value 0.05 mg NH4/litre
Netherlands Limit value 10.0 mg N/litre 1986
FOOD FAO/WHO No ADI allocated 1982 (r)
For ammonia solutions with concentrations of 10-35%, the percentage
concentration must be stated on the label which must read:
Irritation to eyes, to respiratory system and skin; keep out of
reach of children; in case of contact with eyes, rinse
immediately with plenty of water and seek medical advice.
The maximum concentration of ammonia in finished cosmetic products
must not exceed 6% calculated as NH3. If the concentration exceeds
2%, the label must read:
Contains ammonia.
In the EEC, paints, varnishes, printing inks, adhesives, and similar
products that contain ammonia in solution at concentrations greater
than 35% are considered toxic and corrosive and, at concentrations of
10-35%, as harmful and irritant, and must be packaged and labelled
accordingly. Ammonia is also controlled by the EEC Dangerous Products
Directive (88/379/EEC).
6.4 Waste Disposal
No recommendations made by IRPTC.
BIBLIOGRAPHY
ACGIH (1986) Documentation of the threshold limit values and
biological exposure indices, Cincinnati, American Conference of
Governmental Industrial Hygienists.
CLAYTON, G.D. & CLAYTON, F.E. (1981) Patty's industrial hygiene and
toxicology, Vol. 2A, New York, Wiley - Interscience, John Wiley &
Sons.
GOSSELIN, R.E., HODGE, H.C., SMITH, R.P., & GLEASON, M.N. (1976)
Clinical toxicology of commercial products, 4th ed., Baltimore,
Maryland, Williams and Wilkins Company.
DUTCH CHEMICAL INDUSTRY ASSOCIATION (1980) Handling chemicals safely,
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IRPTC (1989) Data profile (legal file, waste disposal file, treatment
of poisoning file), Geneva, International Register of Potentially
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MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEETS COLLECTION PLUS UPDATING SERVICE (1984)
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SAX, N.I. (1984) Dangerous properties of industrial materials, New
York, Van Nostrand Reinhold Company.
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Health.
US NIOSH/OSHA (1981) Occupational health guidelines for chemical
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DC, US National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health,
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