Ammonia - Evaluation of the effects on reproduction, recommendation for classification

In the present report, the Health Council of the Netherlands reviewed ammonia. Eighty percent of all manufactured ammonia is used as fertilizer. A third of this is applied directly to soil as pure ammonia. The rest is used to make other fertilizers that contain ammonium compounds, usually ammonium salts. Ammonia is also used to manufacture synthetic fibres, plastics, and explosives. Furthermore, it is present in refrigeration systems. Many household cleaners and windowcleaning products also contain ammonia in the form of ammonium ions and it is further used in smelling salts.

Committee

• A.H. Piersma, Professor of reproductive and developmental toxicology, National Institute of Public Health and the Environment, Bilthoven, chairman
• H.F.P. Joosten, Toxicologist, Overasselt
• D. Lindhout, Professor of Medical Genetics, paediatrician, clinical geneticist, UMC, Utrecht
• N. Roeleveld, Reproductive epidemiologist, Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre, Nijmegen
• J.G. van Vliet, Reproductive toxicologist, Schering Plough, Oss
• D.H. Waalkens-Berendsen, Reproductive toxicologist, TNO Quality of Life, Zeist
• P.J.J.M. Weterings, Toxicologist, Weterings Consultancy BV, Rosmalen
• A.S.A.M. van der Burght, Health Council of the Netherlands, Den Haag, scientific secretary
• J.T.J. Stouten, Health Council of the Netherlands, Den Haag, scientific secretary