Ammonium Sulfate Safety Information
Everything You Ever Wanted to Know But Didn’t Want to Ask
Ammonium sulfate was considered the 30th highest volume chemical produced in the United States in 1988. No doubt it has climbed the ladder since. Dakota Gasification produces this whitish-gray colored granule for use as an agricultural fertilizer.
Ammonium sulfate is moderately irritating to the eyes and mildly irritating to the skin. Inhalation may cause sore throat, coughing, or shortage of breath. It is moderately toxic by ingestion causing sore throat, abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting.
POTENTIAL HEALTH EFFECTS:
Routes of Entry: Inhalation, ingestion, skin contact, and eye contact. Target organs include the respiratory system and lungs.
Effects of Acute Exposure: Causes irritation.
EYE CONTACT: Irritation. Contact with dust can cause eye irritation.
SKIN CONTACT: Prolonged contact may cause irritation.
INHALATION: Dust inhalation may irritate nose, throat, and lungs.
INGESTION: Gastrointestinal irritation. Not generally considered toxic.
ACUTE ORAL EFFECTS: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, sore throat and abdominal pain
CHRONIC EFFECTS / CARCINOGENICITY: This agent is not considered a carcinogen by NTP, IARC, or OSHA.
ORGANS AFFECTED BY LONG-TERM EXPOSURE: Respiratory system and lungs.
EXPOSURE CONTROLS / PERSONAL PROTECTION
RECOMMENDED WORK / HYGIENE PROCEDURES:
Use precaution when handling material. Avoid breathing dust. Wash thoroughly after handling material. Use proper personal protective clothing.
EYE PROTECTION REQUIREMENTS:
Under dusty conditions, wear chemical safety goggles. Safety goggles are recommended where material can come in contact with the eyes.
HAND PROTECTION REQUIREMENTS:, Use chemical resistant gloves of neoprene, natural rubber, or PVC.
PROTECTIVE CLOTHING REQUIREMENTS:
Wear clothing that protects the skin from chemical contact (e.g., coveralls, long sleeve shirt).
RESPIRATORY REQUIREMENTS:
Avoid breathing dust. Use local exhaust system, if dusty conditions prevail. Where dusty or misty conditions require it, use a NIOSH-approved dust or mist respirator for needed protection. Use a disposable particulate respirator such as a 3M 8511 or 8247 or a half-face cartridge respirator with filter cartridges is recommended.
WASH REQUIREMENTS:
Wash thoroughly after handling material.
First Aid for Eye Contact:
In case of eye contact, immediately flush with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes.
First Aid for Skin Contact:
In case of contact, immediately flush skin with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes while removing contaminated clothing and shoes. Wash clothing before reuse.
First Aid for Inhalation:
If inhaled, remove to fresh air. If not breathing, give artificial respiration. If breathing is difficult, give oxygen.
First Aid for Ingestion:
INGESTION:, If swallowed and the victim is conscious, give large amounts of water. Induce vomiting. Seek medical attention. The sulfur ion will cause nausea.