Common air pollutants: ammonia

Ammonia is a colourless gas with a pungent odor that is noticeable at concentrations above 50 ppm. Most of the NH₃ emitted is generated from livestock waste management and fertilizer production.

NH₃ is poisonous if inhaled in great quantities and is irritating to the eyes, nose, and throat in lesser amounts. It combines in the atmosphere with sulphates and nitrates to form secondary fine particulate matter (PM_2.5). PM_2.5 is known to have harmful effects on human health and the environment. NH₃ can also contribute to the nitrification and eutrophication of aquatic systems.

• Ammonia: main emission sources

Related Websites:

Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment/Air
Acid Rain
Clean Air On Line
CEPA Environmental Registry
Transboundary Air Issues
Convention on Long-range Transboundary Air Pollution (UNECE)