Anhydrous Ammonia

Anhydrous ammonia is a chemical commonly used as nitrogen fertilizer that, when handled improperly, can be dangerous. HB 1898 and SB 750 give regulatory authority to the Missouri Air Conservation Commission rather than the Missouri Department of Agriculture and also establish registration and tonnage fees for facilities that store anhydrous ammonia.

Highlights

• Ammonia is a nitrogen fertilizer and important for food production.

• Anhydrous ammonia can cause irritation of skin, eyes & throat in low doses; high doses can lead to suffocation and death.

• Like other nitrogen fertilizers, ammonia can convert to nitrate in the soil and have environmental and health impacts.

• Facilities storing anhydrous ammonia, especially those with over 10,000 lbs, fall under regulation by several federal agencies.

This Note has been updated. You can access the previous version (published January 2021) here.