ABC of Safety in the Biological Sciences
AMMONIUM ACETATE (CH3C00NH4)
SYNONYMS
Ammonium ethanoate
CHARACTERISTICS
Colourless, moist crystals with a slight vinegar odour.
INCOMPATIBILITY
Ammonium acetate is incompatible with sodium hypochlorite. This
is not a combustible substance but it will enhance the
combustion of other substances.
HEALTH HAZARD DATA
There is very little information available about the effects of
this compound. It is expected to be an eye and respiratory tract
irritant and has a diuretic effect when ingested. Symptoms may
include headache, nausea, vomiting, thirst and mental confusion.
HANDLING and GENERAL PRECAUTIONS
Avoid eye contact.
Avoid inhalation.
Avoid ingestion.
Keep away from oxidising materials.
Keep the container tightly sealed.
Wash hands thoroughly after handling.
Wear protective clothing to avoid eye contact, inhalation or
ingestion. A long sleeved laboratory coat or gown, rubber
gloves, safety goggles and a face mask as a minimum standard.
TREATMENTS
Skin immediately wash the affected area with soap or mild
detergent and large amounts of water until all evidence of the
chemical has been removed approximately 15 minutes).
Eyes immediately wash the affected eye with large amounts of
water until all evidence of the chemical has been removed
(approximately 15 minutes).
If irritation persists seek medical attention.
Inhalation remove from the area of exposure to fresh air. Keep
warm and allow to rest. If irritation persists seek medical
attention.
Ingestion wash the mouth thoroughly with water and give two to
four glasses of milk or water to drink. Induce vomiting by
touching a finger to the back of the throat. Seek immediate
medical advice. Never give anything by mouth to an unconscious
person.
STORAGE
Store in a tightly sealed container in a cool, dry atmosphere
away from heat or incompatible substances.
DISPOSAL
Wear rubber gloves, safety glasses and laboratory coat.
SPILLS: Solid - collect in a beaker, dissolve in a large amount
of water. Add soda ash, mix and neutralise with 6M hydrochloric
acid and discharge to sewer with large excess of water.
Solution - cover with soda ash, mix and scoop into a beaker of
water. Neutralise with 6M hydrochloric acid and discharge to
sewer with a large excess of water.
PACKAGE LOTS: Add slowly to a large container of water. Stir in
a slight excess of soda ash. Let stand for 24 hours. Decant or
siphon into another container and neutralise with 6M
hydrochloric acid. The sludge may be added to land fill.
ENVIRONMENT
No data available.
BACK to the
top of the Glossary Contents List
BACK to the top of the
Chemical Contents List