Ammonium nitrate
Agent Name
Ammonium nitrate
CAS Number
6484-52-2
Formula
H3-N.H-N-O3
Major Category
Nitrogen Compounds
Synonyms
Ammonium nitrate; Ammonium nitricum; Ammonium saltpeter; Ammonium(I) nitrate (1:1); German saltpeter; Herco prills; Merco Prills; Nitram; Nitrate d'ammonium [French]; Nitrate of ammonia; Nitrato amonico [Spanish]; Nitric acid, ammonium salt; Norway saltpeter; Varioform I; [ChemIDplus] UN0222; UN1942; UN2426;
Category
Nitrates and Nitrites
Description
White, odorless crystals; Deliquescent; [CHEMINFO]
Sources/Uses
Mainly used in the manufacturing of explosives (20%) and fertilizer (80%); Has also been used in the production of matches, pyrotechnics, cotton desiccant, insecticide and veterinary medication; [HSDB]
Comments
Listed in table of "Methemoglobinemia-inducing agents: industrial, environmental, and pharmaceutical"; [Sullivan, p. 729] Ruminants may develop methemoglobinemia from the ingestion of nitrate compounds (Nitrates are converted into nitrites in the rumen.) [HSDB] A skin, eye, and respiratory tract irritant; Can induce methemoglobinemia; [ICSC] See "NITRATES and NITRITES."
Restricted
Not registered for pesticide use in the United States; [HSDB]
Biomedical References
Adverse Effects
Methemoglobinemia
MetHgb is secondary toxic effect
Diseases, Processes, and Activities Linked to This Agent
Activities
Activities with risk of exposure: