What type of hazard is ammonium hydroxide?

Potential health effects: Ammonia is an irritant and corrosive to the skin, eyes, respiratory tract and mucous membranes. May cause severe chemical burns to the eyes, lungs and skin. Skin and respiratory related diseases could be aggravated by exposure.

Is ammonium hydroxide a hazardous waste?

Hydroxide as a HAZARDOUS WASTE. Contact your state Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) or your regional office of the federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for specific recommendations. Prior to working with Ammonium Hydroxide you should be trained on its proper handling and storage.

How does ammonium hydroxide affect the environment?

Ammonia is one of the main sources of nitrogen pollution, alongside nitrogen oxides. Ammonia pollution also effects species composition through soil acidification, direct toxic damage to leaves and by altering the susceptibility of plants to frost, drought and pathogens.

How do you dispose of ammonium hydroxide?

In some localities, ammonium hydroxide may be disposed of down the drain after appropriate neutralization and dilution. In a fume hood, the concentrated solution should be diluted with water to about 4% concentration in a suitably large container, and neutralized with a nonoxidizing strong acid such as HCl.

Why is ammonium hydroxide harmful?

Ammonium hydroxide causes skin irritation; contact can lead to severe irritation and burns. Ingestion can cause vomiting, nausea, gastric irritation and, in severe cases, perforation, central nervous system depression, shock, convulsions and pulmonary edema.

Is ammonia toxic to humans?

Ammonia is corrosive. Exposure to high concentrations of ammonia in air causes immediate burning of the eyes, nose, throat and respiratory tract and can result in blindness, lung damage or death. Inhalation of lower concentrations can cause coughing, and nose and throat irritation.

What happens when ammonium hydroxide reacts with water?

When ammonium hydroxide is dissolved in water, the ion-water attraction overcomes the attraction between ions, so it dissociates into the ammonium cation and hydroxide anion.

Can ammonia cause breathing problems?

Exposure to high concentrations of ammonia in air causes immediate burning of the nose, throat and respiratory tract. This can cause bronchiolar and alveolar edema, and airway destruction resulting in respiratory distress or failure. Inhalation of lower concentrations can cause coughing, and nose and throat irritation.

What happens if you inhale ammonia?

Exposure to high concentrations of ammonia in air causes immediate burning of the eyes, nose, throat and respiratory tract and can result in blindness, lung damage or death. Inhalation of lower concentrations can cause coughing, and nose and throat irritation.