What is ammonia used for?

How is ammonia used? About 80\% of the ammonia produced by industry is used in agriculture as fertilizer. Ammonia is also used as a refrigerant gas, for purification of water supplies, and in the manufacture of plastics, explosives, textiles, pesticides, dyes and other chemicals.

Is ammonia harmful to humans?

Ammonia is corrosive. Exposure to high concentrations of ammonia in air causes immediate burning of the eyes, nose, throat and respiratory tract and can result in blindness, lung damage or death. Inhalation of lower concentrations can cause coughing, and nose and throat irritation.

What exactly is ammonia?

Ammonia, also known as NH3, is a colorless gas with a distinct odor composed of nitrogen and hydrogen atoms. It is produced naturally in the human body and in nature—in water, soil and air, even in tiny bacteria molecules. In human health, ammonia and the ammonium ion are vital components of metabolic processes.

Where is ammonia found?

Ammonia has been found in air, soil, and water samples at hazardous waste sites. In the air near hazardous waste sites, ammonia can be found as a gas. Ammonia can also be found dissolved in ponds or other bodies of water at a waste site. Ammonia can be found attached to soil particles at hazardous waste sites.

Is ammonia the same as bleach?

Ammonia is known as a weak base, while bleach is said to be a strong oxidizing agent. Ammonia consists of one nitrogen atom and three hydrogen atoms. Bleach is made from water, caustic soda and chlorine. In disinfectant quality, bleach is considered to be a stronger disinfectant than ammonia.

Is ammonia safe for cleaning?

Pure chemical ammonia can cause severe burns and respiratory issues if it comes into contact with skin or is ingested. Even diluted in water, as is recommended for most cleaning purposes, ammonia can still be harmful. The most important safety rule to remember is: Never mix ammonia with chlorine bleach.

Is ammonia a bleach?

Not only is it found in bleach, but also many other disinfectants. Similarly, ammonia is also found in some window and glass cleaners, certain exterior and interior paints and a few other products.

Is cleaning with ammonia safe?

The harsh smell serves as a warning, though: Working with ammonia absolutely requires caution. Pure chemical ammonia can cause severe burns and respiratory issues if it comes into contact with skin or is ingested. Even diluted in water, as is recommended for most cleaning purposes, ammonia can still be harmful.

How do you make homemade ammonia?

Add a catalyst such as ferric oxide and exactly enough air to the hydrogen gas to provide one nitrogen atom for every three hydrogen atoms. Subject this gas mixture to very high pressure to produce ammonia according to the following reaction: 3 H2 + N2 –> 2 NH3.

Is Vinegar a ammonia?

While there is no real danger in mixing ammonia and vinegar, it’s often counterproductive. Because vinegar is acidic and ammonia basic, they cancel each other out, essentially creating salt water and robbing both components of their cleaning properties.

How do you produce ammonia?

A typical modern ammonia-producing plant first converts natural gas, liquified petroleum gas, or petroleum naphtha into gaseous hydrogen. The method for producing hydrogen from hydrocarbons is known as steam reforming. The hydrogen is then combined with nitrogen to produce ammonia via the Haber-Bosch process.

Is vinegar a ammonia?

Because vinegar is acidic and ammonia basic, they cancel each other out, essentially creating salt water and robbing both components of their cleaning properties.