Omissions? 20 Uses for Ammonia metal (dispersed) ⇌ metal(NH3)x ⇌ M+(NH3)x + e−(NH3)y Here are 20 smart ways to use ammonia all around the house. Fermentation. When using cleaning products containing ammonia, follow all instructions on the product label, make sure the area is well ventilated (open windows and doors) and wear proper clothing and eye protection. It also is used in the manufacture of pharmaceuticals. It leaves a streak-free shine making it great for cleaning glass, stainless steel, and porcelain. In addition, it is employed in the dyeing and scouring of cotton, wool, and silk. Because ammonia evaporates quickly, it is commonly used in glass cleaning solutions to help avoid streaking. Ammonia is super cheap and great to use as a homemade household cleaner by itself or mixed with other on-hand products. Ammonia is used in agricultural farming as a great source of nitrogen fertilizer. 2e−(NH3)y ⇌ e2(NH3)y Ammonia serves as a catalyst in the production of some synthetic resins. No health effects have been found in humans exposed to typical amounts of ammonia that exist in the environment. Updates? In order to maintain healthy crops, farmers rely on fertilizers to keep their soils productive. Ammonia also is renewed naturally as part of the nitrogen cycle that already occurs as plants fertilize. Use the search box to find information on the chemicals that are essential to the products you use every day. Also make sure that any surfaces or areas you clean with ammonia is clear of any other substances. The Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) states that “no health effects have been found in humans exposed to typical environmental concentrations of ammonia.”. Read more: Understanding Risk and Hazard When it Comes to Chemicals, Read more: Chemical Ingredients 101: How to Read a Product Label. To dilute it correctly in water is key to … You may see “cloudy” or “sudsy” versions—that’s ammonia with soap added, which is generally used for such domestic cleaning chores as treating stained clothing or … Author of. Ammonia, a colorless gas with a distinct odor, is a building-block chemical and a key component in the manufacture of many products people use every day. Most of the ammonia produced is used as fertilizer, although it can be used for other purposes, such as making explosives. 7. It is found in many household and industrial-strength cleaning solutions. Exposure to chloramine gases can cause coughing, shortness of breath, chest pain, nausea, irritation to the throat, nose and eyes or pneumonia and fluid in the lungs. Ammonia can be used to purify water supplies and as a building block in the manufacture of many products including plastics, explosives, fabrics, pesticides and dyes. The process was developed in Germany in the early 1900s. Please select which sections you would like to print: Corrections? About 90 percent of ammonia produced is used in fertilizer, to help sustain food production for billions of people around the world. It’s also possible to be exposed to higher levels of ammonia if a person spends time in an enclosed building that contains lots of animals. The electrical conductivity decreases, and there is evidence that the solvated electrons associate to form electron pairs. Ammonia is the number one ingredient in fertilizers and has also been used as rocket fuel, drinking water purifier, and industrial food processing additive. Ammonia is used extensively in several industries. Ammonia has a very distinct, pungent odor, described as similar to sweat or cat urine. While that makes ammonia sound like a dangerous chemical to have around, the truth is that ammonia has … If a cleaning product containing ammonia is accidentally ingested, read the product label for safety instructions, or call the National Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222, and be sure to have the label from the cleaning product in hand. It occurs naturally throughout the environment in the air, soil and water and in plants and animals, including humans. Antimicrobial agent. When used as a refrigerant gas and in air-conditioning equipment, ammonia can absorb substantial amounts of heat from its surroundings. It’s also wonderful at removing baked on grease and grime. Ammonia is used for making a number of compounds including Hydrogen cyanide, Hydrazine, Hydroxylamine, Ammonium carbonate, Phenol, Urea, Amino acids, etc. Most ammonium salts also readily dissolve in liquid ammonia. Print this Page. 6. Ammonia is used mainly in Agricultural industries. They also adjust pH during the fermentation process. Fertilizers also can also help increase levels of essential nutrients like zinc, selenium and boron in food crops. Save 50% off a Britannica Premium subscription and gain access to exclusive content. Ammonia often plays second fiddle to bleach, but it's one of the most powerful cleaning products in your arsenal. Liquid ammonia is used extensively as a nonaqueous solvent. On its own or as an ingredient in many household cleaning products, ammonia can be used to clean a variety of household surfaces – from tubs, sinks and toilets to bathroom and kitchen countertops and tiles.