Working environment factors
How does ammonia (NH3) affect workers’ health?
Jun
Ammonia (NH3), the source of many important products, is also a hazardous agent threatening workers’ health. In our daily lives, few people pay attention to the effects of NH3 on humans, but the reality hidden behind industrial processes can often be more frightening than we imagine.
In this article, we will explore in depth how NH3 affects workers’ health, from its subtle impacts on the respiratory system to profound effects on the nervous system. Let’s step into the harsh world created by NH3 and learn about the protective measures necessary to ensure a safe and healthy working environment for all workers.
1. What is Ammonia (NH3)?
Ammonia (NH3), also known as Ammonia, is an inorganic compound composed of 3 nitrogen atoms and 1 hydrogen atom forming a relatively weak bond. NH3 usually exists as a colorless gas with a pungent odor. High concentrations of NH3 can be fatal.
NH3 dissolves organic solvents more easily than water due to a smaller dielectric constant. Alkali metals and metals such as Ca, Sr, Ba can dissolve in liquid NH3, forming a dark blue solution.
2. Sources of NH3 in production processes
Ammonia (NH3) can be generated from various sources in production and industry. Common sources include:
- NH3 is a key component in fertilizer production, especially nitrogen fertilizers. The Haber-Bosch process, a widely used industrial method, synthesizes ammonia from nitrogen and hydrogen.
- Chemical industry: used in producing chemicals such as nitric acid, urea, ammonium chloride, etc. These processes may release NH3.
- NH3 is used as a refrigerant in industrial and commercial cooling systems, which can release ammonia during operation and maintenance.
- NH3 is also used in other industrial processes, such as pulp production, food processing, cleaning agents, and various other applications.
During production, safety and management measures must be implemented to minimize the release and safely handle NH3. This includes using sealed systems, safe working procedures, and monitoring NH3 levels in the workplace to ensure safety for workers and the environment.
3. Occupations at risk of NH3 exposure
Certain occupations may expose workers to Ammonia (NH3) and pose health risks. Key occupations include:
- Fertilizer production: Workers are exposed to high concentrations of NH3 during storage, handling, and transportation, risking respiratory and skin effects.
- Chemical industry: production of nitric acid, urea, cleaning agents, ammonium chloride, etc.
- Cooling industry: technicians and maintenance personnel may encounter high NH3 concentrations with serious risks if safety regulations are not followed.
- Food industry.
- NH3 may also be present in workplaces of other industries such as metal fabrication, paper production, waste treatment, etc., creating health risks for workers.
4. How NH3 affects workers’ comfort
Ammonia (NH3) can impact workers’ comfort in the workplace. Key effects include:
- NH3 has a pungent, unpleasant smell. Exposure to high NH3 levels can cause fatigue, discomfort, and mental stress.
- Inhalation of ammonia irritates the respiratory system, causing rhinitis, coughing, wheezing, difficulty breathing, and chest pain, reducing comfort and work efficiency.
- Effects on eyes and skin: irritation, tearing, redness, discomfort; skin contact can cause itching, burning, and dermatitis.
- Long-term exposure or working in high NH3 concentrations can affect the nervous system, causing dizziness, imbalance, memory loss, insomnia, and affecting mood and mental health.
- Ingestion or gastrointestinal exposure can cause vomiting, abdominal pain, and other digestive issues.
5. Permissible exposure limits of NH3 at the workplace
According to QCVN 03:2019/BYT National Technical Regulation on permissible exposure limits for 50 chemical agents in workplaces:
Table 1. Maximum permissible exposure limits for chemical agents in the workplace.
Unit: mg/m3
| No. | Chemical Name | English Name | Chemical Formula | Molecular Weight | CAS Number | TWA | STEL | IARC Toxicity Group |
| 5 | Ammonia | Ammonia | NH3 | 17.03 | 7664-41-7 | 17 | 25 | – |
6. Diseases caused by long-term hazardous NH3 exposure
Long-term exposure to Ammonia (NH3) may cause multiple health issues, including:
- Pneumonia: inhaling NH3 can irritate lungs, causing breathing difficulties, cough, and respiratory inflammation.
- Direct eye contact can cause tearing, redness, and itching; skin contact may result in irritation, dermatitis, and bleeding.
- Digestive system: inflammation, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, etc.
- Nervous system: dizziness, loss of consciousness, and in severe cases, death.
- NH3 may also damage the liver with prolonged or high-level exposure.
Ensure safety by following protective measures such as wearing masks, goggles, and protective clothing. Seek medical attention if symptoms occur after prolonged exposure.
7. Measures to minimize NH3 impact on workers’ health
- Ensure effective ventilation in the workplace to reduce NH3 concentration. Use fans, exhausts, and ventilation systems for fresh air.
- Require workers exposed to NH3 to use PPE such as masks, clothing, gloves, goggles, ensuring correct use and compliance with safety regulations.
- Worker training: Train workers on protective measures to safeguard their health in hazardous environments.
- Limit exposure time to reduce risk, use shift rotations, and provide breaks.
- Implement risk management measures including regular equipment maintenance, safe storage and handling of NH3, and compliance with safety regulations.
- Conduct regular health checks for NH3-exposed workers to detect early health issues.
- Perform regular workplace environmental monitoring to collect and analyze harmful factors, adjust hazards, and prevent occupational diseases.
Preventive and protective measures must be applied rigorously to reduce NH3 impact.
8. National Workplace Environmental Monitoring Center
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