EXPOSURE OF AMMONIA Syllabus GS Paper 3 – Sci and Tech)

Context: Ammonia gas leaked from an underwater supply pipeline to an industrial unit, near Periyakuppam in Ennore, Tamil Nadu.

Ammonia

• About: Ammonia is an inorganic chemical compound of nitrogen and hydrogen with the formula NH 3
• Found: Environment in the air, soil, and water, and in plants and animals, including humans. 
• Affect to Human: High levels of ammonia can irritate and burn the skin, mouth, throat, lungs, and eyes. 

oVery high levels of ammonia can damage the lungs or cause death. Workers may be harmed from exposure to ammonia. 

Uses of Ammonia

• Ammonia is either stored in a liquid state under high pressure or as a gas under low temperatures for industrial purposes.
• Ammonia plays a crucial role in the production of fertilizers and stands as one of the most extensively manufactured synthetic chemicals globally.
• Over 80% of the produced ammonia is utilized in the manufacturing of fertilizers, highlighting its predominant role in this industry.
• The remaining portion of ammonia not dedicated to fertilizer production is primarily utilized in the synthesis of formaldehyde.