What is it?

Anhydrous ammonia has a sharp odor and is both naturally occurring and commercially manufactured. The term “anhydrous” means “without water.”

How is it used?

Anhydrous ammonia is one of CALAMCO’s key fertilizer products. It is used as a direct application of nitrogen and as an ingredient in the manufacture of some specialty fertilizers. Anhydrous ammonia is also used as a refrigerant gas, in chemical manufacturing, and in numerous other industrial uses.

Potential Hazards

Anhydrous ammonia is transported as a liquid. In the event of a spill, it can form a vapor cloud that may be heavier than air until its temperature increases.

Anhydrous ammonia is corrosive to copper, silver, aluminum, zinc and zinc alloys. It reacts with body moisture and burns skin, eyes, mouth, throat, lungs and stomach tissues on contact if inhaled or swallowed.

Although the smell of ammonia is unpleasant and sharp, it is generally tolerable up to 25 parts-per-million (ppm). Above this concentration, irritation of the eyes, nose and throat may begin. 25ppm is also the OSHA permissible exposure limit. Above 400ppm, skin burns and coughing occur. The U.S. National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) has established 300ppm as the concentration that is immediately dangerous to life and health (IDLH).

Flammability / Explosion Risk

Anhydrous ammonia is considered a non-flammable gas; however, at certain concentrations in enclosed spaces it can be made to explode.

Emergency Response Procedures

In the event of a spill of anhydrous ammonia, local authorities will assess the scene. Possible actions include, but are not limited to, evacuation of the area or implementing Shelter-in-Place procedures.

Emergency responders will attempt to stop the leak. Water should not be mixed directly with anhydrous ammonia, as this may warm the product and cause the liquid to turn into a vapor cloud. Water spray downwind of the leak source can absorb ammonia gas and diminish the vapor cloud.

What to Do if You Are Exposed

Eye Contact: Immediately flush with running water for at least 30 minutes and obtain immediate medical attention.

Skin Contact: Remove contaminated clothing quickly and flush exposed skin with large amounts of water for at least 30 minutes.

Inhalation: Move affected individuals to fresh air using appropriate respiratory protection. Seek medical attention if irritation persists or breathing is difficult.

Ingestion: Do not induce vomiting. Contact a physician or poison control center and seek immediate medical attention.

In the Event of a Spill

• Follow instructions from someone in authority or emergency broadcasts.
• If there has been a fire or explosion, stay away from the incident site.
• Follow marked emergency routes or police directions.

In the Event of a Vapor Release

• Go indoors immediately and tightly close all doors, windows and openings.
• Listen to local radio or TV for emergency instructions.
• Shut off air conditioning units, fans, ventilation systems, clothes dryers and fireplace dampers.
• Evacuate only if advised to do so by local authorities.

Unless instructed by authorities, do not evacuate, travel, call 911 for information, or bring children or family members home from school or work. When advised of an all clear, open your house to air it out.