Chemical Name: Ammonium sulfate
Common Names: Diammonium sulfate, sulfuric acid diammonium salt
Formula: (NH₄)₂SO₄
Appearance: White crystalline solid with no odor
Solubility: Highly soluble in water
Main Use: Fertilizer, water treatment, industrial process aid
CAS Number: 7783-20-2
Hazard Class: Eye irritation, skin irritation, acute toxicity (inhalation, ingestion)
Signal Word: Warning
Key Risks: Irritation of eyes, skin, and mucosal membranes. High dust levels may aggravate respiratory disorders.
Major Symptoms: Redness and pain in eyes, itching or irritation on skin, stomach pain and nausea if swallowed
Environmental Risk: Rapid dissolution can raise ammonium levels in local water sources
Main Ingredient: Ammonium sulfate 99% and higher
Impurities: Trace amounts of iron, moisture, and sometimes acidic byproducts from incomplete reaction
Physical Form: Crystalline, granular, or powder depending on production method
Molecular Weight: 132.14 g/mol
Stability Additives: None required under standard storage
Inhalation: Move to fresh air, loosen clothing, support breathing if symptoms develop
Skin Contact: Wash thoroughly with running water, remove contaminated clothing
Eye Contact: Flush eyes with clean water for several minutes, seek medical attention for persistent discomfort
Ingestion: Rinse mouth, drink water in small sips, avoid inducing vomiting, seek medical help if large amounts swallowed
Immediate Support: Trained staff should know location of eyewash stations and showers in the facility
Flammability: Not flammable; does not support combustion
Decomposition Risks: Can release ammonia and sulfur oxides at high temperatures
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Water spray, foam, CO₂, dry chemical
Protective Gear: Full protective clothing, self-contained breathing apparatus, avoid breathing dust and decomposition vapors
Fire Precautions: Prevent runoff from entering drains or waterways as thermal breakdown can spread contamination
Spill Control: Sweep up to minimize dust formation, contain with dikes if significant spill
Personal Protection: Dust goggles, gloves, disposable respirator for large spills
Environmental Care: Avoid spreading material into drains, surface water, or soils
Waste Handling: Collect in dry, labeled containers for subsequent disposal
Clean-up Support: Trained team must handle bulk spill, decontaminate equipment with water
Handling: Maintain good ventilation, avoid breathing dust, use local exhaust extraction if necessary
Avoid Direct Contact: Gloves and goggles protect from skin and eye irritation
Storage: Store in closed containers, dry cool areas, out of direct sunlight
Stacking Limitation: Avoid excessive stacking to prevent caking and compaction
Separation: Keep away from strong alkalis, oxidizers, and moisture to preserve product quality and prevent hazard
Engineering Controls: General exhaust ventilation preferred, local extraction in high-dust zones
Personal Protection: Safety goggles, dust-filter respirator, gloves rated for chemical exposure
Occupational Exposure Limits: No strict threshold limits in many countries, prudent to keep dust below 10 mg/m³
Hygiene Measures: Wash hands after handling, remove contaminated clothing at shift end
Monitoring: Dust particle meters used in blending or bagging areas to alert staff to airborne risk
Physical State: Crystalline solid, free-flowing granules or powder
Color: Bright to dull white
Odor: Odorless in standard production forms
pH of Solution: Slightly acidic, commonly around 5.5 (for 1% solution)
Melting Point: Decomposes above 235°C
Solubility in Water: 70-75 grams per 100 mL at 20°C
Density: Around 1.77 g/cm³
Hygroscopicity: Minimal, packs may cake in humid conditions
Chemical Stability: Stable under dry, standard conditions
Sensitivity: Hydrolyzes slowly in presence of strong bases, liberating ammonia
Incompatibilities: Strong oxidizing agents, alkalis, sources of heat
Hazardous Decomposition: Ammonia, oxides of sulfur if overheated
Reactivity: No dangerous polymerization, but blends with hypochlorites may release toxic gases
Acute Effects: High dust exposure can irritate airways, ingestion leads to gastrointestinal upset
Chronic Exposure: Prolonged inhalation may inflame respiratory tract
Target Organs: Eyes, skin, respiratory system
Animal Studies: Oral LD₅₀ values above 2000 mg/kg for rats, indicates moderate toxicity
Long-term Exposure: No cancer or reproductive risks observed in available testing
Aquatic Impact: Elevated ammonium can damage aquatic habitats, leading to eutrophication
Persistence: Water-soluble, leaches readily into groundwater if uncontrolled
Bioaccumulation: Not expected in aquatic or soil systems
Biodegradability: Converts to nitrate in soil through natural cycling
Soil Impact: High application rates can acidify soil, affect plant root growth and microbial balance
Waste Handling: Avoid direct disposal to waterways; use in fertilizer blending or incinerate under controlled conditions
Packaging: Rinse and re-use or dispose of according to local regulations
Spill Waste: Gather into containers and label clearly for regulated disposal
Regulatory Compliance: Adhere to national and local rules governing disposal of ammonium compounds
Corporate Responsibility: Encourage staff education on waste minimization to prevent unintentional pollution
Hazard Classification: Generally non-hazardous for transport, not classified as dangerous under most shipping codes
Packaging: Moisture-tight sacks, FIBCs, or drums depending on scale
Labeling: Product name and chemical identity must be clear on all loads
Spill Contingency: Provide emergency tarp and spill barrier kits during large shipments
Precautionary Handling: Store away from acids and reducing agents during transit
Major Reference Laws: Reach compliance in Europe, EPA standards in the US, and relevant occupational health codes globally
Label Elements: Clear hazard statements, safe handling visuals, GHS emergency icons
Workplace Regulation: Occupational exposure and hygiene standards apply to production and shipping staff
Permitted Use: Primarily fertilizer, some industrial processing as allowed by regional regulation
Duty of Care: Ongoing review of storage, handling, and transport protocols to meet changing safety and environmental benchmarks
