Ammonia (NH₃)

Description:

At low concentrations, ammonia irritates the eyes and respiratory system; at high concentrations, it is even corrosive and can be life-threatening.

The irritating effect occurs even at a concentration of 200 ppm (parts per million). It manifests as a cough and irritation of the nose and throat.

At concentrations of 1,500 ppm or higher, the gas is very harmful—even deadly—to humans.

At a concentration of 16–27% in the ambient air, there is also a risk of explosion.

The largest amounts of ammonia are released in industrialized countries through agriculture, since ammonia serves as a raw material for many fertilizers. It is thus carried through the air and binds to atmospheric particles and pollutants, forming fine particulate matter.

Ammonia also serves as the chemical basis for many other substances, such as those used in the manufacture of plastics and synthetic fibers, solvents, and surface finishing products. For this reason, ammonia fumes are also very commonly found indoors.

Ammonia limit values:

In ambient air, the concentration of ammonia varies depending on geographical proximity to industrial and agricultural areas. On average, it is below the recommended concentration of 1 ppm.

The olfactory perception threshold for ammonia in humans is 1 to 5 mg/m³ (= 0.16–0.84 ppm). High concentrations of around 100 ppm are perceived as so unpleasant that panic reactions are common. The occupational exposure limit (AGW) is set at 14 mg/m³ (= 20 ppm).

Consequences of a concentration that is too high:

Ammonia causes severe burns to the skin, eyes, and respiratory tract. Coughing, nausea, headache, impaired sense of smell, and increased salivation may be signs of an excessively high concentration of ammonia.

Exposure lasting more than 15 minutes already poses a high risk to the skin. Prolonged exposure can also cause damage to the eyes, the immune system, and the gastrointestinal tract.

As a safety measure, it is recommended to ventilate rooms where ammonia gas is used on a regular basis to prevent oxygen depletion or dangerous gas concentrations.

Source of NH₃:

Ammonia occurs naturally only as a free gas in small quantities. It is formed primarily through the decomposition of plants and excrement. Very small amounts of ammonia are also present on human skin and in the stomach, as a metabolic byproduct of bacteria.

As a raw material for numerous chemical compounds, ammonia is produced industrially on a large scale. It is produced under high pressure and at high temperatures from the elements nitrogen and hydrogen (the Haber-Bosch process): in 2017, for example, 150 million metric tons were produced worldwide.

Sensor used:

Ammonia is measured in the air-⁠Q using an electrochemical sensor. NH₃ molecules “bind” to the sensor’s surface and generate a measurable current. The ammonia sensor we have chosen is highly accurate. The disadvantage of all electrochemical sensors is cross-sensitivity. The only known cross-sensitivity of the NH₃ sensor is to hydrogen sulfide: if H₂S is present, an increase in NH₃ is also indicated.

Measure ammonia:

Use the air-⁠Q air analyzer to measure ammonia and other gases and indoor air pollutants in real time. The ammonia sensor is available for purchase in the store.

What does ammonia smell like? An unmistakable odor

Ammonia is a chemical compound often used in cleaning products and industrial processes. Butwhat exactlydoes ammonia smell like? Many people ask themselves this question, especially when they come into contact with this substance for the first time. The smell of ammonia is very distinctive and easy to identify. It is often described as intense and pungent, similar to the smell of urine or strong sweat. This intense odor is due to the volatile ammonia molecules, which spread rapidly through the air.

The smell of ammonia is not only unpleasant, but it can also have health effects. Even at low concentrations, ammonia can irritate the eyes, nose, and throat. At higher concentrations, it can cause breathing difficulties, coughing, and, in extreme cases, lung damage. That is why it is important to ensure adequate ventilation when handling products containing ammonia and, if necessary, to take protective measures.

In nature, ammonia is present in small amounts, for example, during the decomposition of organic matter. But the odor is usually noticeable only at higher concentrations, such as those found in household cleaning products or industrial applications. If you're wondering what ammonia smells like, imagine a smell that immediately catches your attention and makes you want to breathe fresh air.

For those who work with ammonia or use it at home, it is important to recognize its odor and know how to handle it safely. Understanding the characteristic odor of ammonia can help prevent potential hazards and ensure that you work or live in a safe environment.