By: Jacob Draper & Christine Hoch Ammonia By: Jacob Draper & Christine Hoch

What is Ammonia? Ammonia is a colorless gas that is most often used in household cleanser and fertilizers It is naturally found as a gas which is heavier than air but upon mixing with moisture, a vapor can form. This vapor will settle along low lying areas. This is when it can become dangerous for humans (besides consuming products that contain it!)

Ammonia as a Poison When ammonia enters the body, it reacts with water to create ammonium hydroxide which is very damaging to cells in the body Ammonia is very corrosive. When one is exposed to it, burns, blindness, lung damage and even death can occur.

Ammonia in Forensic Science Ammonia is not generally seen as a very harmful substance (though it IS used in many household products) Forensic scientists classify it as a toxic material, due to the damage it can cause and the deaths report yearly due to ammonia poisoning

Bibliography http://www.health.state.ny.us/environmental/emergency/ chemical_terrorism/ammonia_general.htm http://www.all-about-forensic-science.com/forensic- toxicology-poison-murders-solved.html