Ammonia - NH3 - Concentration in Air and Health Effects
Ammonia and health symptoms - smell and threat to life. Analyze ammonia concentration levels in air and their corresponding health effects and safety limits.
Ammonia (NH3) Health Effects Reference
Ammonia is a colorless gas with a very sharp odor commonly used as a refrigerant. In small concentrations it is detectable by smell, but in high concentrations it is an immediate hazard to life.
Health Effects by Concentration Level:
| Concentration (ppm) | Health Symptoms |
|---|---|
| < 25 | Detectable by smell. Maximum Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL) |
| 30 | Uncomfortable, breathing support required. Maximum exposure 15 minutes |
| 50 | OSHA maximum exposure limit |
| 100 | Irritated eyes, throat and mucous membranes. Mild irritation, may develop tolerance in 1-2 weeks |
| 140 | Moderate eye irritation, no long-term effect in exposures less than 2 hours |
| 400 | Moderate throat irritation. Damage of mucous membranes with more than one hour exposure |
| 500 | Immediate danger to life limit (IDLH) |
| 1000 | Caustic to airway |
| 1700 | Fatal after short exposures - less than half an hour |
| 5000 | Immediate hazard to life |
| > 15000 | Full body protection required |
| 160000 - 170000 | Flammable in air at 50°C |
Lower Flammable Limit (LFL): 15-16% by volume