Odor - Sharp, repelling. Commercial Form - Compressed liquefied gas in steel cylinders, pressurized tank cars, barges, pipelines. Uses - Fertilizer, chemical intermediate, condensation catalyst, latex preservative, bactericide, refrigerant, rocket fuel component, nitriding of steel, explosives intermediate. Ammonia in containers may explode in heat of fire. Water used to dilute large ammonia spills must be added cautiously to avoid violent fuming.
Ammonia is extremely corrosive to the skin, eyes, and mucous membranes.
Contact with the liquified gas may cause frostbite. Caution is advised. Pulmonary edema and pneumonia may also result from inhalation. A pink frothy sputum, convulsions, and coma are often seen following exposure to high concentrations. Loss of vision is possible.