Air pollution

AMMONIUM HYDROXIDE

Properties of ammonium hydroxide is described below

PHYSICAL STATE; APPEARANCE:
VERY VOLATILE, COLOURLESS SOLUTION OF AMMONIA IN WATER , WITH PUNGENT ODOUR.

PHYSICAL DANGERS:


CHEMICAL DANGERS:
Reacts with many heavy metals and their salts forming explosive compounds. Attacks many metals forming flammable/explosive gas (hydrogen - see ICSC 0001). The solution in water is a strong base, it reacts violently with acids.

OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE LIMITS:
TLV: (as NH3) 25 ppm as TWA; 40 ppm as STEL; (ACGIH 2004).
MAC: 20 ppm, 14 mg/m³;
Peak limitation category: I(2); Pregnancy risk group: C;
(DFG 2004).

ROUTES OF EXPOSURE:
The substance can be absorbed into the body by inhalation of its vapour or aerosol and by ingestion.

INHALATION RISK:
A harmful contamination of the air can be reached very quickly on evaporation of this substance at 20°C.

EFFECTS OF SHORT-TERM EXPOSURE:
The substance is corrosive to the eyes, the skin and the respiratory tract. Corrosive on ingestion as well. Inhalation of high concentrations of vapour may cause laryngeal oedema, inflamation of the respiratory tract, and pneumonia. The effects may be delayed.

EFFECTS OF LONG-TERM OR REPEATED EXPOSURE:
Lungs may be affected by repeated or prolonged exposure to the vapour or aerosol.

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For more information see website:
http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/ipcsneng/neng0215.html
www.infomil.nl