Using Ammonium Hydroxide Safely

Ammonium hydroxide is a strong-smelling, colorless liquid that commonly goes by the name ammonia. It is often found diluted in several household cleaning products. While ammonia is toxic to humans, it does make an excellent cleaning product. Be very careful and never mix it with bleach. Together the two cleaning agents make an incredibly poisonous gas. When used correctly, ammonia has many uses both in and outside the home.

Cleaning Uses

Ammonium hydroxide can be found in the bathroom, floor, glass, carpet, metal, upholstery, and all-purpose cleaners as well as starches, disinfectants, and stain treaters. Most household ammonia contains 5 to 10 percent ammonium hydroxide. If you are unsure if your cleaner contains it, just look on the label of your product.

Other Uses

In addition to ammonia being used as a food additive and in the manufacturing of some products, such as pharmaceuticals, it can be found in a variety of products spanning several industries. Again, if you are curious, check product labels to see if ammonia is listed.

• Auto care: puncture seal products, tire inflators, fiberglass cleaners, metal cleaners, and polishes
• Cosmetics: mascara and lash colorants
• Explosives
• Fertilizers
• Hair care: hair colorants, hair glazes, and hair touch-up kits
• Home maintenance products: crack and seam sealers, joint compounds, finish removers, and some specialty cleaners
• Personal care products: shaving cream, lotions, creams, and acne treatments
• Plastics
• Refrigerants

Product Brands Containing It

Another way to see if certain products contain ammonia is by searching these databases using the chemical name, Azane:

• Environmental Working Group's (EWG) Skin Deep Cosmetic Database
• The Good Guide
• National Institute of Health's Daily Med
• National Institute of Health's Dietary Supplement Label Database
• U.S. National Library of Medicine's Toxnet Toxicology Database
• U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Household Products Database

Regulation

When a chemical is used in pharmaceutical preparations, personal care products, or as a food additive, it is monitored by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). For cleaning and industrial uses, it is supervised by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Each organization has its own regulations and safety standards that companies and manufacturers must adhere to.

Health and Safety

Ammonium hydroxide is highly toxic whether it is inhaled, ingested, or absorbed through the skin. It is also a highly corrosive chemical and a skin, eye, and respiratory irritant. If contact with the eyes occurs, it should be washed away immediately. The vapors are extremely irritating to the eyes and skin. Ammonia is also toxic when ingested and extremely corrosive to tissue. Extreme caution and care must be exercised when using it.

Environmental Effects

Ammonium hydroxide is considered a hazardous substance according to the Federal Water Pollution Control Act and the Clean Water Act Amendments of 1977 and 1978. As noted by the EWG, it is dangerous to aquatic life.

Safe Cleaning Alternatives

When it comes to green cleaning, great options exist when you want to swap out ammonia for a safer and more eco-friendly ingredient. Instead of ammonia, try vinegar. For example, as an alternative to ammonia-based window cleaners, try this DIY all-purpose vinegar cleaner. For bathroom cleaning, use vinegar or hydrogen peroxide instead of ammonia to effectively disinfect surfaces. To clean your carpets and floors, check out these safe earth-friendly floor and carpet cleaning products, instead of reaching for the ammonia.