The Uses of Ammonia

Anhydrous Ammonia is used in both agriculture as a fertilizer and in industrial facilities as a refrigerant for cooling and freezing.

Common industries that use ammonia refrigeration systems include:

• meat, poultry, and fish processing facilities
• dairy and ice cream plants
• wineries and breweries
• fruit juice, vegetable juice, and soft drink processing facilities
• cold storage warehouses
• other food processing facilities
• petrochemical facilities

Ammonia is considered a health hazard because it is corrosive to the skin, eyes, and lungs. Prolonged contact at concentrations greater than 300 ppm can cause permanent injury or death. Fortunately, ammonia has a low odor threshold (20 ppm), so most people will seek relief at much lower concentrations.