What makes ammonium

And yet, if something more efficient can replace the Haber-Bosch process, it would lower the energy input of the production of one of the worlds most important chemicals and lead to a notable reduction in global CO 2 emissions.

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By using our site, you acknowledge that you have read and understand our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. Share Twit Share Email. Home Chemistry Materials Science. August 8, Greener fertilisers are coming your way. More information: "Ammonia synthesis by N2 and steam electrolysis in molten hydroxide suspensions of nanoscale Fe2O3," by S. Licht et al. Science, www. This will almost certainly have contributed to the tragic circumstances that resulted in a commonplace industrial fire causing such a devastating explosion.

An ammonium nitrate explosion produces massive amounts of nitrogen oxides. Images from Beirut reveal a distinct reddish colour to the plume of gases from the blast. Nitrogen oxides are commonly present in urban air pollution, and can irritate the respiratory system. Elevated levels of these pollutants are particularly concerning for people with respiratory conditions.

The fumes in Beirut will present a health risk to residents until they naturally dissipate, which could take several days depending on the local weather. Here in Australia, we produce and import large amounts of ammonium nitrate, mostly for use in mining. It is made by combining ammonia gas with liquid nitric acid, which itself is made from ammonia.

Ammonium nitrate is classified as dangerous goods and all aspects of its use are tightly regulated. For decades, Australia has produced, stored and used ammonium nitrate without a major incident. This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the original article.

As a result of this natural process, ammonia does not last long in the environment, and it also does not bioaccumulate. Ammonia has a very distinct, pungent odor, described as similar to sweat or cat urine. Strong, briny cheeses like brie can also smell like ammonia. Cheeses even have small amounts of ammonia in them, as a natural by-product of the cheese aging process. Ammonia occurs naturally in the environment , so everyone is exposed to low levels at one point or another.

It is possible for a person to be exposed to higher levels of ammonia when using cleaning products containing ammonia, or if they live on or near farms where fertilizers are used. No health effects have been found in humans exposed to typical amounts of ammonia that exist in the environment.

Tweets by AmChemistry. Home Ammonia Ammonium hydroxide Ammonia. Ammonia in Household Cleaning Products Ammonium hydroxide — commonly known as household ammonia — is an ingredient in many household cleaning products used to clean a variety of surfaces including tubs, sinks, toilets, countertops and tiles. Back to Top. Safety Information When using cleaning products containing ammonia, follow all instructions on the product label, make sure the area is well ventilated open windows and doors and wear proper clothing and eye protection.

Contact with liquefied ammonia can also cause frostbite injury. Ingestion: Exposure to high concentrations of ammonia from swallowing ammonia solution results in corrosive damage to the mouth, throat and stomach. Ingestion of ammonia does not normally result in systemic poisoning. There is no antidote for ammonia poisoning, but ammonia's effects can be treated, and most people recover. Immediate decontamination of skin and eyes with copious amounts of water is very important.

Treatment consists of supportive measures and can include administration of humidified oxygen, bronchodilators and airway management. Ingested ammonia is diluted with milk or water. Laboratory testing for ammonia exposure will not be useful in making emergency treatment decisions. Medical tests that can detect ammonia in blood or urine are available. However, because ammonia is normally found in the body, these test results cannot serve as biomarkers of exposure.

After exposure to low levels, ammonia is either rapidly cleared from the body or metabolized to compounds found endogenously at appreciable levels. Clinical indices of body ammonia or nitrogen levels after exposure to exogenous ammonia have shown no or minimal change from prior levels. Exposure to high concentrations is immediately and overtly toxic, generally providing an adequate basis for diagnosis.

Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry. ToxFAQs for Ammonia. Division of Toxicology, U. Department of Health and Human Services.