Let’s find out what ammonia and ammonia are, in what areas they are used and for what purposes. Let’s also take a look at their toxicity and their harm to the environment. Fortunately, there are several solutions to replace ammonia in all its forms, and it is highly recommended.
Ammonia, a naturally occurring gas
L’ammonia – whose molecular formula is NH3 – combines hydrogen and nitrogen. It is a colorless chemical substance with a very characteristic strong pungent odor, even suffocating. It is an irritant gas, which is found naturally in our bodies and in the environment.
In our bodyit is produced by the breakdown of food proteins and then eliminated from the body via urine after being transformed by the liver into urea. In the body, it performs important functions. For example, it helps to maintain the Hydrogen potential (pH), but if it is not eliminated quickly, it becomes highly toxic. In the event of an abnormally high rate, we speak of hyperammonemia. The health consequences of this metabolic disorder are extremely serious.
In natureammonia comes from the decomposition of bacteria and organic matter.
Difference Between Ammonia and Ammonia
When dissolved in water, ammonia (NH3) givesammonia or ammonium hydroxide whose chemical formula is NH4OH. They must therefore be clearly differentiated: ammonia is the gaseous form while ammoniwater is the solution aqueous basic.
Ammonia, which is ultimately a powerful derivative of nitrogen, is used in various fields relating, for example, to industry or even agriculture. As for individuals, they use its liquid form, ammonia therefore.
Ammonia and ammonia: what uses?
It is above all industry and agriculture that use ammonia (in its gaseous form), whose main properties are the following :
- Irritant,
- Corrosive,
- Hygroscopic (absorbs moisture).
In L’industryammonia (NH3) is used in different fields.
- The production of:
- Pesticides,
- Fabrics,
- Plastic,
- Explosive materials since it requires synthesizing nitric acid.
- As refrigerant gas.
In agriculture, 80% of ammonia production is used since it is used in the composition of nitrogen fertilizers that are injected into the soil intended for cultivation. This helps to boost plant growth.
Note that the individuals use ammonia (NH4OH) that they can obtain in bottles in supermarkets and DIY or gardening stores, in the household products or garden products section depending on the brand, sometimes under the term ammonia alkali. It is used for example to:
- Restore shine to the glass,
- Untie clothes, fabric sofas, mattresses,
- Revive the colors of the laundry,
- Remove dirt from windows, mirrors, parquet floors, carpets and rugs, aluminum pans,
- Eliminate stains due to perspiration,
- Clean the oven, the burners of the gas stove, the tiles,
- Shine the silverware,
- Clean leather luggage…
Be careful not to use ammonia indiscriminately and to respect the dosages on a case-by-case basis.
Ammonia, a dangerous substance whatever its form
Ammonia is irritating and dangerous due to its high degree of toxicity whether in case of contact, inhalation, ingestion. It can lead to:
- Burns,
- fainting spells,
- Vomitings,
- Severe abdominal pain,
- Brain problems, etc.
In the environmenthe may be responsible for:
- From the acidification of water,
- De l’acidification des sols,
- From a natural pollution called eutrophication.
What can you substitute for ammonia?
To limit the risks to health and the environment, it is better to replace the ammonia with a less dangerous product or no product at all. Excellent house and laundry cleaning results can be achieved with:
It is indeed possible to maintain your home perfectly, to shine your windows and glasses, and to have absolutely clean laundry without however risking very serious health problems. Ammonia in all its forms attacks the skin, the lungs, the eyes, the digestive tract, the brain… and has a serious impact on our environment. Also, it doesn’t smell very good. It can therefore be completely replaced, and it is even absolutely fundamental.