Ammonia laser cleaning visualization showing process effects
Todd Dunning
Todd DunningMAUnited States
Optical Materials for Laser Systems
Published
Jan 6, 2026

Ammonia Compound

Ammonia Compound safety information for laser cleaning. Health hazards, exposure limits, and protective equipment requirements.

Chemical Properties

Chemical Identity

CAS Number
7664-41-7
Formula
NH₃
Molecular Weight
17.03 g/mol

Exposure Limits Comparison

Health Effects

Respiratory Irritation
Yes
Eye Irritation
Yes
Chemical Burns
Yes
Pulmonary Edema
Yes
Detection Monitoring
SensorTypes
  • Electrochemical
  • Infrared
  • Catalytic bead
  • Colorimetric
DetectionRange
0-100 ppm typical
AlarmSetpoints
Low
25 ppm (NIOSH REL/ACGIH TLV)
High
35 ppm (NIOSH STEL/ACGIH STEL)
Evacuate
300 ppm (NIOSH IDLH)
ColorimetricTubes
  • Dräger Ammonia 0.25/a
  • Gastec 3L
  • Kitagawa 105
AnalyticalMethods
MethodTechniqueDetectionLimit
NIOSH 6016Ion chromatography0.03 ppm
OSHA ID-188Ion chromatography0.02 ppm
OdorThreshold
5-50 ppm - provides good warning below toxic levels
Environmental Impact
AquaticToxicity
Toxic to fish at high concentrations. LC50 (fish, 96h): 0.5-2.0 mg/L un-ionized NH3. Unionized form highly toxic.
Biodegradability
Readily biodegradable. Nitrifying bacteria convert to nitrate.
Bioaccumulation
Does not bioaccumulate. Log Kow: -1.69.
SoilMobility
High mobility as gas. Volatilizes from soil. Absorbed as ammonium ion.
AtmosphericFate
Reacts with acids forming ammonium salts. Washed out by rain. Atmospheric residence: days.
OzoneDepletion
false
ReportableReleases
Water
100 lbs to navigable waters
Air
100 lbs/day (CERCLA RQ)
Ppe Requirements
Respiratory
SCBA or supplied-air respirator for >25 ppm or unknown concentrations. Air-purifying with ammonia cartridge acceptable for ≤25 ppm.
Eye Protection
Chemical safety goggles, full face shield. Extremely irritating and corrosive to eyes.
Skin Protection
Neoprene, nitrile, or butyl rubber gloves. Chemical-resistant clothing. Liquid ammonia causes severe burns and frostbite.
Reactivity
Stability
Stable under normal conditions.
Polymerization
Will not polymerize
IncompatibleMaterials
  • Strong acids (violent exothermic)
  • Halogens (explosive reactions)
  • Heavy metal compounds
  • Mercury
  • Silver oxide
  • Oxidizers
  • Calcium hypochlorite
HazardousDecomposition
  • Nitrogen
  • Hydrogen
  • Nitrogen oxides (in fire)
  • Ammonia vapors
ConditionsToAvoid
  • Heat
  • Acids
  • Halogens
  • Oxidizers
  • Sparks
  • Open flames
ReactivityHazard
Reacts violently with strong acids producing heat and ammonium salts. Explosive reaction with halogens. Attacks copper, brass, zinc, aluminum, and alloys.
Regulatory Classification
UnNumber
UN1005 (anhydrous), UN2672 (solution)
DotHazardClass
2.2 (Non-flammable gas) or 2.3 (Toxic gas) depending on concentration
DotLabel
Non-flammable Gas or Poison Gas
NfpaCodes
Health
3
Flammability
1
Reactivity
0
Instability
0
EpaHazardCategories
  • Acute toxicity (inhalation)
  • Flammability
  • Skin corrosion
  • Serious eye damage
SaraTitleIii
true
CerclaRq
100 pounds (45.4 kg)

Contaminants That Produce Ammonia

Ammonia is produced as a gaseous or particulate byproduct during laser ablation of contaminated surfaces. The generation rate and chemical form depend on the source contaminant and substrate combination. Proper exhaust ventilation and gas monitoring ensure safe working concentrations in laser cleaning enclosures.
No metadata available

Biological Blood Residue

Chemical Properties

Molecular formula, CAS number, molecular weight, and chemical structure
Type
chemical_properties
Id
ammonia-physical-data

Physical Properties

Chemical and physical characteristics
BoilingPoint
-33.34°C (-28°F)
MeltingPoint
-77.73°C (-107.9°F)
VaporPressure
7510 mmHg @ 20°C
VaporDensity
0.60 (Air=1)
SpecificGravity
0.682 (liquid @ -33°C)
FlashPoint
Not applicable (gas)
AutoignitionTemp
651°C (1204°F)
ExplosiveLimits
LEL: 15%, UEL: 28%
Appearance
Colorless gas, colorless liquid under pressure
Odor
Sharp, pungent, suffocating odor @ 5-50 ppm

Alternative Names

Synonyms and chemical identifiers
Synonyms
  • Anhydrous ammonia
  • NH3
  • Ammonia gas
  • Ammonia solution (aqueous)
CommonTradeNames
    OtherIdentifiers
    RtecsNumber
    BO0875000
    EcNumber
    231-635-3
    PubchemCid
    222

    Health Effects

    Adverse health impacts from exposure to this compound
    Route
    inhalation
    Effect
    Respiratory tract irritation, coughing, and potential pulmonary edema at high concentrations
    Severity
    severe
    Onset
    immediate
    Route
    eye_contact
    Effect
    Severe corneal burns and possible permanent vision impairment
    Severity
    severe
    Onset
    immediate
    Route
    skin_contact
    Effect
    Chemical burns and severe irritation of the skin
    Severity
    high
    Onset
    immediate
    Route
    ingestion
    Effect
    Severe burns to the mouth, throat, and gastrointestinal tract, potentially leading to perforation
    Severity
    severe
    Onset
    immediate

    Personal Protective Equipment

    Required safety equipment for handling this compound
    Respiratory
    SCBA or supplied-air respirator for >25 ppm or unknown concentrations. Air-purifying with ammonia cartridge acceptable for ≤25 ppm.
    Skin
    Neoprene, nitrile, or butyl rubber gloves. Chemical-resistant clothing. Liquid ammonia causes severe burns and frostbite.
    Eye
    Chemical safety goggles, full face shield. Extremely irritating and corrosive to eyes.
    MinimumLevel
    Level C for known <25 ppm, Level B for >25 ppm or liquefied ammonia
    SpecialNotes
    Extremely irritating at low concentrations. Immediately dangerous above 300 ppm. Cryogenic liquid causes frostbite. Emergency eyewash/shower within 10 seconds.

    Exposure Limits

    OSHA, NIOSH, and ACGIH exposure thresholds
    OshaPelPpm
    50
    OshaPelMgM3
    35
    NioshRelPpm
    25
    NioshRelMgM3
    18
    AcgihTlvPpm
    25
    AcgihTlvMgM3
    17
    WorkplaceExposure
    OshaPel
    twa8Hr: 50 ppm
    stel15Min: null
    ceiling: null
    NioshRel
    twa8Hr: 25 ppm
    stel15Min: 35 ppm
    ceiling: null
    idlh: 300 ppm
    AcgihTlv
    twa8Hr: 25 ppm
    stel15Min: 35 ppm
    ceiling: null
    BiologicalExposureIndices

    Storage Requirements

    Safe storage conditions and compatibility
    TemperatureRange
    Store cylinders <52°C. Keep away from heat.
    Ventilation
    Outdoor storage preferred. Indoor: mechanical ventilation with emergency backup. Ammonia gas detection mandatory.
    Incompatibilities
    • Acids (violent reaction)
    • Halogens (chlorine, bromine)
    • Heavy metals
    • Oxidizers
    • Mercury
    • Silver compounds
    • Calcium hypochlorite
    ContainerMaterial
    Steel cylinders for compressed gas. Stainless steel for solutions.
    Segregation
    Separate from acids by 20 feet or firewall. Separate from oxidizers and halogens. Flammable gas storage.
    QuantityLimits
    Per fire code. Refrigeration systems subject to special regulations.
    SpecialRequirements
    Cylinder restraints mandatory. Leak detection system required. Post "FLAMMABLE GAS" and "CORROSIVE" signs. Emergency eyewash/shower within 25 feet. Avoid contact with copper, brass, zinc in piping.

    Emergency Response

    Procedures for spills, exposure, and incidents
    FireHazard
    Flammable gas. Narrow explosive range but ignites easily. Vapors lighter than air - rise and disperse. May reignite after flame is extinguished.
    FireSuppression
    Stop flow if safe to do so. Do not extinguish flame unless leak can be stopped. Cool cylinders with water spray from safe distance. Use dry chemical, CO2 from maximum distance.
    SpillProcedures
    EVACUATE. Ventilate area. SCBA required for liquid releases or >300 ppm. Contain with water spray or fog. Dilute with water. Neutralize with acid (sulfuric, hydrochloric). Dike large liquid spills.
    ExposureImmediateActions
    Remove to fresh air immediately. Eyes: flush with water for 15+ minutes - CRITICAL. Remove contaminated clothing. Wash skin with water. If inhaled: administer oxygen. Seek immediate medical attention - severe irritation likely.
    EnvironmentalHazards
    Toxic to aquatic life at high concentrations. Rapid volatilization from water. Report releases >100 lbs.
    SpecialHazards
    Extremely irritating and corrosive to eyes, skin, and respiratory tract. Causes severe chemical burns. Cryogenic liquid causes frostbite. Forms explosive mixtures with air. Reacts violently with acids and halogens.

    Regulatory Classification

    DOT, UN, and NFPA hazard classifications
    UnNumber
    UN1005 (anhydrous), UN2672 (solution)
    DotHazardClass
    2.2 (Non-flammable gas) or 2.3 (Toxic gas) depending on concentration
    DotLabel
    Non-flammable Gas or Poison Gas
    NfpaCodes
    Health
    3
    Flammability
    1
    Reactivity
    0
    Special
    null
    Instability
    0
    EpaHazardCategories
    • Acute toxicity (inhalation)
    • Flammability
    • Skin corrosion
    • Serious eye damage
    SaraTitleIii
    true
    CerclaRq
    100 pounds (45.4 kg)

    Environmental Impact

    Toxicity, biodegradability, and environmental fate
    AquaticToxicity
    Toxic to fish at high concentrations. LC50 (fish, 96h): 0.5-2.0 mg/L un-ionized NH3. Unionized form highly toxic.
    Biodegradability
    Readily biodegradable. Nitrifying bacteria convert to nitrate.
    Bioaccumulation
    Does not bioaccumulate. Log Kow: -1.69.
    SoilMobility
    High mobility as gas. Volatilizes from soil. Absorbed as ammonium ion.
    AtmosphericFate
    Reacts with acids forming ammonium salts. Washed out by rain. Atmospheric residence: days.
    OzoneDepletion
    false
    ReportableReleases
    Water
    100 lbs to navigable waters
    Air
    100 lbs/day (CERCLA RQ)

    FAQ

    Common Questions and Answers
    What protective equipment and methods should I use to prevent ammonia exposure while performing laser cleaning in an industrial setting?
    Always ensure the work area is well-ventilated with local exhaust systems to dilute and remove ammonia gas, aiming to keep concentrations below the OSHA permissible exposure limit of 50 ppm (35 ppm time-weighted average over 8 hours). Wear appropriate personal protective equipment, including a full-face respirator with ammonia-specific cartridges (NIOSH-approved), chemical-resistant gloves, and protective clothing to shield skin and eyes from the gas's corrosive effects. If exposure is suspected, immediately evacuate the area, seek fresh air, and monitor for symptoms like eye irritation or respiratory distress before resuming work.

    Detection & Monitoring

    Methods for detecting and measuring this compound
    SensorTypes
    • Electrochemical
    • Infrared
    • Catalytic bead
    • Colorimetric
    DetectionRange
    0-100 ppm typical
    AlarmSetpoints
    Low
    25 ppm (NIOSH REL/ACGIH TLV)
    High
    35 ppm (NIOSH STEL/ACGIH STEL)
    Evacuate
    300 ppm (NIOSH IDLH)
    ColorimetricTubes
    • Dräger Ammonia 0.25/a
    • Gastec 3L
    • Kitagawa 105
    AnalyticalMethods
    • [object Object]
    • [object Object]
    OdorThreshold
    5-50 ppm - provides good warning below toxic levels

    Reactivity

    Chemical reactivity and incompatibilities
    Stability
    Stable under normal conditions.
    Polymerization
    Will not polymerize
    IncompatibleMaterials
    • Strong acids (violent exothermic)
    • Halogens (explosive reactions)
    • Heavy metal compounds
    • Mercury
    • Silver oxide
    • Oxidizers
    • Calcium hypochlorite
    HazardousDecomposition
    • Nitrogen
    • Hydrogen
    • Nitrogen oxides (in fire)
    • Ammonia vapors
    ConditionsToAvoid
    • Heat
    • Acids
    • Halogens
    • Oxidizers
    • Sparks
    • Open flames
    ReactivityHazard
    Reacts violently with strong acids producing heat and ammonium salts. Explosive reaction with halogens. Attacks copper, brass, zinc, aluminum, and alloys.

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