| Definition | Ammonia, also known as nh3 or ammonia solution, is a member of the class of compounds known as homogeneous other non-metal compounds. Homogeneous other non-metal compounds are inorganic non-metallic compounds in which the largest atom belongs to the class of 'other nonmetals'. Ammonia can be found in a number of food items such as rose hip, yardlong bean, cereals and cereal products, and ceylon cinnamon, which makes ammonia a potential biomarker for the consumption of these food products. Ammonia can be found primarily in blood, cellular cytoplasm, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), and urine, as well as throughout all human tissues. Ammonia exists in all eukaryotes, ranging from yeast to humans. In humans, ammonia is involved in several metabolic pathways, some of which include glucose-alanine cycle, phenylalanine and tyrosine metabolism, homocysteine degradation, and d-arginine and d-ornithine metabolism. Ammonia is also involved in several metabolic disorders, some of which include ureidopropionase deficiency, hyperornithinemia-hyperammonemia-homocitrullinuria [hhh-syndrome], non ketotic hyperglycinemia, and beta-mercaptolactate-cysteine disulfiduria. Moreover, ammonia is found to be associated with 3-Hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-CoA lyase deficiency, 3-Methyl-crotonyl-glycinuria, citrullinemia type I, and short bowel syndrome. Ammonia is a non-carcinogenic (not listed by IARC) potentially toxic compound. Ammonia or azane is a compound of nitrogen and hydrogen with the formula NH3. The simplest pnictogen hydride, ammonia is a colourless gas with a characteristic pungent smell. It is a common nitrogenous waste, particularly among aquatic organisms, and it contributes significantly to the nutritional needs of terrestrial organisms by serving as a precursor to food and fertilizers. Ammonia, either directly or indirectly, is also a building block for the synthesis of many pharmaceutical products and is used in many commercial cleaning products . Acute Exposure: EYES: irrigate opened eyes for several minutes under running water. INGESTION: do not induce vomiting. Rinse mouth with water (never give anything by mouth to an unconscious person). Seek immediate medical advice. SKIN: should be treated immediately by rinsing the affected parts in cold running water for at least 15 minutes, followed by thorough washing with soap and water. If necessary, the person should shower and change contaminated clothing and shoes, and then must seek medical attention. INHALATION: supply fresh air. If required provide artificial respiration. |
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