An accident can result in serious injury, blindness or even death. It must be stored and handled properly. Anhydrous ammonia is dry or pure undiluted ammonia. At ordinary temperatures, it is a colorless gas, but under pressure it changes into a liquid. Agricultural ammonia is transported, stored and handled in pressurized tanks.
Anhydrous ammonia is a strong alkali that can cause painful skin burns.
Because of its low boiling point, anhydrous ammonia can burn by freezing as well as by caustic action. Even mild exposure can cause irritation to tissues of the eyes, nose and lungs. Prolonged breathing can cause suffocation. However, the water-absorbing nature of ammonia causes the greatest injury, especially to the eyes. Permanent damage can result.