Material Safety Data Sheet
Aqua Ammonia
Terra Industries Inc.
Terra Centre 鈥? 600 Fourth Street
(19% NH3)
Sioux City, Iowa 51101
MSDS Number 2050A (Revised February 16, 2007) 8 Pages
1. CHEMICAL PRODUCT and EMERGENCY TELEPHONE CONTACT
Product Name:............................................ Aqua Ammonia (19% NH3)
Chemical Family: ....................................... Inorganic Nitrogen Compound
Synonyms:.................................................. Ammonium Hydroxide; Ammonia Solution,
Aqueous Solution; Ammonia Monohydrate;
Ammonia Water; Ammonia Liquor
Formula: ..................................................... NH4OH in H2O
Product Use:鈥︹?︹?︹?︹?︹?︹?︹?︹?︹?︹?︹?? Fertilizers; Pharmaceuticals; Lubricants;
Household Cleaners; SCR NOx Control
EMERGENCY TELEPHONE NUMBERS
CHEMTREC (U.S.): .................................. 800-424-9300
CANUTEC (Canada): 鈥︹?︹?︹?︹?︹?︹?? .. 613-996-6666
2. COMPOSITION/INFORMATION ON INGREDIENTS
Ingredient Name/CAS Number Concentration Exposure Limits (NH3)
Ammonium Hydroxide / 1336-21-6 39.1% 25 ppm TWA
Water / 7732-18-5 60.9% 35 ppm STEL
50 ppm PEL
Contains 19% ammonia as NH3 300 ppm IDLH
3. HAZARDS IDENTIFICATION
EMERGENCY OVERVIEW
Corrosive liquid! May be fatal if swallowed. Vapor is toxic and irritating to eyes, nose,
throat and skin. Liquid will burn skin and eyes. Vapor is flammable under limited
conditions. Use water to control fire and disperse vapors.
NFPA Hazard Classification Health Hazard (Blue) 鈥︹?︹?︹?︹?︹?︹?︹?? 3
(for ammonia vapor) Flammability (Red) 鈥︹?︹?︹?︹?︹?︹?︹??... 1
Reactivity (Yellow) 鈥︹?︹?︹?︹?︹?︹?︹??... 0
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POTENTIAL HEALTH EFFECTS
Primary Routes of Entry: Inhalation, skin contact/absorption and eye contact.
General Acute Exposure: Aqua ammonia may cause caustic injury. The severity of
injury depends upon the concentration and duration of exposure. The extent of injury
ranges from mild skin irritation or cough to severe burns or laryngeal edema and life-
threatening pulmonary edema.
Inhalation:
Corrosive! Ammonia vapor is toxic and a severe irritant of the respiratory tract. It may
cause a running nose, coughing, chest pain, cessation of respiration and death. It may cause
severe breathing difficulties, which may be delayed in onset. ADDITIONAL MEDICAL
INFORMATION: Bronchospasm, laryngitis, tracheitis, wheezing, dyspnea, and laryngeal
stridor may be noted. Mucosal burns to the tracheobronchial tree, Pulmonary Edema, and
associated hypoxemia frequently occur following exposure to concentrated ammonia.
Skin Contact:
Corrosive! Aqua ammonia is a severe irritant of the skin. Skin exposure to high
concentrations may cause pain and deep and severe burns to the skin. ADDITIONAL
MEDICAL INFORMATION: Corrosive effects on the skin and other tissues may be
delayed, and damage may occur without the sensation or onset of pain. Strict adherence to
first aid measures following exposure is essential.
Eye Contact:
Corrosive! Vapors cause irritation. Effects as a result of direct contact with aqua ammonia
may range from irritation and lacrimation to severe injury and blindness. ADDITIONAL
MEDICAL INFORMATION: Eye exposure may result in conjunctivitis, lacrimation
and/or corneal irritation. Total corneal epithelial loss may occur.
Ingestion:
Toxic! May cause corrosion to the esophagus and stomach with perforation and peritonitis.
Symptoms may include pain in the mouth, chest, and abdomen, with coughing, vomiting
and collapse. Ingestion of as little as 3-4 ml of ammonium hydroxide may be fatal.
Note to the Physician: Pneumonitis should be anticipated after severe inhalation or
ingestion. If severe exposure is suspected, observe for 48-72 hours for delayed pulmonary
edema.
Carcinogenicity:
NTP: .................................................. Not Listed
IARC: ................................................ Not Listed
OSHA:............................................... Not Regulated
Medical Conditions Aggravated by Exposure: Chronic respiratory or skin disease.
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4. FIRST AID MEASURES
First Aid for Eyes: Immediately flush eyes with copious amounts of tepid water for at
least 15 minutes. If irritation, pain, swelling, excessive tearing, or light sensitivity persists,
the patient should be seen in a health care facility and referral to an ophthalmologist
considered.
First Aid for Skin: Immediately flush exposed area with copious amounts of tepid water
for at least 15 minutes followed by washing area thoroughly with soap and water. The
patient should be seen in a health care facility if irritation or pain persists.
First Aid for Inhalation: Move patient to fresh air. Monitor for respiratory distress. If
cough or difficulty in breathing develops, evaluate for respiratory tract irritation,
bronchitis, or pneumonitis. If trained to do so administer supplemental oxygen with
assisted ventilation as required. Administer artificial respiration if patient is not breathing.
First Aid for Ingestion: Call a physician. If conscious, give the patient 4 to 8 ounces of
milk or water to drink immediately. Do not induce vomiting.
5. FIRE FIGHTING MEASURES
Flash Point: ................................................. Not Applicable
Lower Flammable Limit:............................ 15.5 % Volume in Air (for NH3)
Upper Flammable Limit: ............................ 27.0 % Volume in Air (for NH3)
1204o F (651o C) (for NH3)
Autoignition Temperature ..........................
Extinguishing Media: Stopping the flow of gas rather than extinguishing the fire is
usually the best procedure to follow when escaping gas is burning.
Small Fire: .........................................Dry chemical or CO2
Large Fire: .........................................Water spray, fog or foam
Special Fire Fighting Procedures: Use water to keep fire exposed containers cool. Use
water fog or foam to reduce vapor concentrations if necessary. Full protective equipment
including a self-contained breathing apparatus should be worn in a fire involving the
material.
6. ACCIDENTAL RELEASE MEASURES
Spill or Leak Measures: Stop leak if you can do so without risk. Keep unnecessary
people away, isolate hazard area and deny entry. Stay upwind, out of low areas, and
ventilate closed spaces before entering. Evaluate the affected area to determine whether to
evacuate or shelter-in-place by taping windows and doors, shutting off outside air intake
(attic fans, etc.), and placing a wet towel or cloth over the face (if needed). Self-contained
breathing apparatus (SCBA) and structural firefighter鈥檚 protective clothing used in
conjunction with water spray will provide limited protection in outdoor releases for short-
term exposure. Fully encapsulating, vapor-protective clothing should be worn for spills
and leaks with no fire. Use water spray to control vapors.
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CAUTION:
Runoff from vapor control or dilution of spilled product may cause pollution.
Determining Spill Size: Generally, a small spill is one that involves a single, small
Package (i.e. up to a 55 gallon drum), small cylinder, or a small (non-continuing) leak
from a large container. Small Spill:
a. Flush area with flooding amounts of water.
b. First isolate 100 feet in all directions and then protect persons downwind 0.1 miles
during daylight and 0.1 miles at night (recommended for ammonia vapor).
Large Spill:
a. Dike far ahead of liquid spill for later disposal.
b. Follow local emergency protocol for handling.
c. First isolate 200 feet in all directions, than protect persons downwind 0.4 miles
during daylight and 1.4 miles at night (recommended for ammonia vapor).
7. HANDLING AND STORAGE
Handling: Avoid contact with either liquid or vapors. Direct contact with mercury must
be avoided. Use proper PPE when working with or around aqua ammonia (See section 8).
Storage: Ambient temperature. Store in dry, well-ventilated area away from incompatible
materials. Protect against physical damage. Keep out of direct sunlight and away from
heat sources.
8. EXPOSURE CONTROLS, PERSONAL PROTECTION
Respiratory Protection Requirements: (for NH3)
<25 ppm: No protection required.
25 to 35 ppm: Protection required if the daily TWA is exceeded.
35 to 50 ppm: Protection required if exposed for more than 15
minutes.
50 to 250 ppm: Minimum of an air-purifying respirator equipped with
ammonia canister(s) or cartridge(s).
250 to 300 ppm: Minimum of a full-face air-purifying respirator
equipped with ammonia canister(s) or cartridge(s).
>300 ppm: A fresh air supply system must be used (i.e. SCBA)
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Skin Protection Requirements: Nitrile rubber, neoprene, or PVC gloves and protective
clothing should be used.
Eye Protection Requirements: Use chemical (indirectly vented) goggles when there is a
potential for eye contact. A full-face shield is recommended in addition to goggles for
added protection.
Other Protective Equipment: Safety shower and eyewash fountain should be provided
in the aqua ammonia handling area. When transporting, provide at least 5 gallons of
readily accessible, clean water and personal protective equipment.
Engineering Controls: Maintain adequate ventilation to keep ammonia concentrations
below applicable standards.
NOTE: See Section 2 for regulatory exposure limits.
9. PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL PROPERTIES
Physical Form: .............................................. Liquid
Color: ............................................................ Colorless
Odor: ............................................................. Strong pungent penetrating odor, ammonia.
pH:................................................................. 12.0 (neat)
Specific Gravity: ........................................... 0.9277 (@ 20o C)
Vapor Density: .............................................. 0.60 (@ 15.5o C) for NH3
Vapor Pressure: ............................................. 236 mm Hg (@ 15.5o C)
Molecular Weight: ........................................ 35.05
Relative Density:........................................... 0.9261 kg/l (@ 20o C)
10. REACTIVITY
Stability:.........................................................This is a stable material.
Hazardous Polymerization:............................Will not occur.
Decomposition: Will liberate ammonia if heated. Hydrogen is released on heating
ammonia above 850o F (454o C). The decomposition temperature may be lowered to 575o
F (300o C) by contact with certain metals such as nickel. At 12900 F (6900 C) or in the
presence of electric spark ammonia decomposes into nitrogen and hydrogen gases, which
may form a flammable mixture in the air.
Conditions to avoid: Excessive heat.
Materials to avoid: Contact with calcium hypochlorite, bleaches, gold, mercury, and silver may
form highly explosive products. Contact with iodine, bromine or chlorine may cause violent
spattering.
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11. TOXICOLOGICAL INFORMATION
Toxicity
Acute Oral Toxicity
LD50 Rat:..................................................350 mg/kg bw
LD50 Cat:鈥︹?︹?︹?︹?︹?︹?︹?︹?︹?︹?︹??...750 mg/kg bw
Acute Toxicity, Other Routes
LDLO Rabbit:鈥︹?︹?︹?︹?︹?︹?︹?︹?︹?︹??..10 mg/kg bw
Skin Irritation / Corrosion
Rabbit:鈥︹?︹?︹?︹?︹?︹?︹?︹?︹?︹?︹?︹?︹?︹??.Corrosive at 20% but not 10%
Eye Irritation / Corrosion
Rabbit:鈥︹?︹?︹?︹?︹?︹?︹?︹?︹?︹?︹?︹?︹?︹??.Irritating
Genetic Toxicity in vitro
Gene Mutation E. Coli:..................................Negative
Genetic Toxicity in vivo
Gene Mutation Drosophila melanogaster: ....No evidence for mutagenicity
Ecotoxicity
Acute Toxicity to Fish
LC50 Cyprinus carpio: .............................1.34 鈥? 1.70 mg un-ionized NH3/L (48 hr
semi-static)
Acute Toxicity to Aquatic Invertebrates
LC50 Daphnia magna: .............................32 mg NH4OH/L (48 hr static)
Chronic Toxicity to Fish
LC50 Ictalurus punctatus: ........................37.5 ppm (8 days)
Source: TFI Product Testing Program April 2003
12. ECOLOGICAL INFORMATION
a. Ammonia is harmful to aquatic life in very low concentrations and may be
hazardous if it enters water intakes.
b. Local health and wildlife authorities, as well as operators of water intakes in the
vicinity, should be notified of water releases.
c. Waterfowl toxicity may occur at elevated concentrations.
d. Ammonia does not concentrate in the food chain.
e. The conversion of ammonia to nitrites/nitrates by bacteria in aquatic systems can
reduce the concentration of dissolved oxygen (referred to as nitrogenous oxygen
demand).
Effect on water treatment process: Chlorination will produce chloramines, which are more readily
detected by taste and odor.
Note: See Ecotoxicity information in section 11.
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13. DISPOSAL CONSIDERATIONS
Reclaim as fertilizer if possible. Otherwise, waste must be disposed of in accordance with federal, state,
and local environmental control regulations.
14. TRANSPORTATION INFORMATION
U.S. DOT and Canadian TDG Act
Shipping Name:............................................. Ammonia solutions, (more than 10% but not
more than 35 % ammonia)
Hazard Class/Division: ................................. 8
Label Code: ................................................... 8 Corrosive Liquid
Product Identification Number (PIN): .......... UN2672
Packing Group............................................... III
OSHA Label Required: ................................. Yes
RQ (Reportable Quantity):............................ 1000 pounds (as NH4OH)
TDG Reporting Quantity: ............................. 5 kg or 5 liters
15. REGULATORY INFORMATION
Controlled Products Regulations Classification:
D-1B: Toxic (Acute Lethality); E: Corrosive
OSHA: This product is considered a hazardous material under criteria of the Federal
OSHA Hazard Communication Standard 29 CFR 1910.1200 (Toxic; Corrosive).
CAA Chemical Accident Prevention:
Ammonia solution with a concentration less than 20% is not subject to the provisions of
40 CFR Part 68.
CERCLA Hazardous Substances List:
a. RQ (Reportable Quantity): 1000 pounds (as NH4OH)
b. Regulation: 鈥淒esignation, Reportable Quantities, Notification鈥? - 40 CFR Part 302
SARA TITLE III:
Ammonia (including ammonia solution) is subject to the reporting requirements of Section 313
鈥淪pecific Toxic Chemical Listings鈥? 40 CFR Part 372. Terra is required by 40 CFR Part 372.45
to notify certain customers as to which of its mixture or trade name products contain those
chemicals. The purpose of that notification is to ensure that facilities that may be subject to the
reporting requirements of Section 313 and that use products of unknown formulation will have
knowledge that they are receiving products that contain chemicals subject to those reporting
requirements.
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16. OTHER INFORMATION
May 5, 2003: This MSDS was written to comply with ANSI Standard Z400.1-1993.
July 1, 2003: Added toxicity information from the TFI Product Testing Program April 2003.
October 4, 2006: Added NFPA hazard classification information and updated isolation / protective action
distances per ERG 2004.
February 16, 2007: Created separate MSDS for 19% Aqua Ammonia.
The information and recommendations herein are taken from data contained in independent, industry-recognized
references including but not limited to NIOSH, OSHA, ANSI, NFPA, DOT ERG, the TFI Product Testing
Program, Global Engineering Documents, MEDITEXT, HAZARDTEXT, SARATEXT, CHRIS, OHM/TADS,
and IRIS. Terra Industries Inc. makes no guarantee, warranty or other representation concerning this substance,
since conditions of its use are beyond the control of the company. Terra Industries Inc. disclaims any liability for
loss or damage incurred in connection with the use of this substance.
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