Yes. Ammonia carries a B2 safety classification, meaning that it can be toxic for humans at high concentrations. However, as even the SLIGHTEST traces of ammonia can be detected in the air, a safe and immediate repair of a system leak is possible. Moreover, the easily detectable and penetrating odour will encourage individuals to leave the immediate area of release before any harmful concentration will occur. The safety record of ammonia refrigeration is also due to the fact that ammonia is 1.7 times lighter than air and thus easily vented by mechanical means into the atmosphere. If a leak occurs in a refrigeration system under pressure, only the pressurized GAS and, absent additional heat, a smaller amount of the LIQUID in that space will be released. 

The facts: The human body can handle ammonia in small quantities. Any amount in the atmosphere below 20 parts per million (ppm) is regarded as not dangerous. Already at AMOUNTS of up to 53 ppm, ammonia’s CHARACTERISTIC odour will be noticeable. At amounts of 300-400ppm, prolonged exposure will become unpleasant, and only in amounts over 700ppm it can start affecting human health. As a result, the incidence of fatality and serious injury in R717 systems is extremely low.

Yes. Ammonia carries a B2 safety classification, meaning that it can be toxic for humans at high concentrations. However, as even the slightest traces of ammonia can be detected in the air, a safe and immediate repair of a system leak is possible. Moreover, the easily detectable and penetrating odour will encourage individuals to leave the immediate area of release before any harmful concentration will occur. The safety record of ammonia refrigeration is also due to the fact that ammonia is 1.7 times lighter than air and thus easily vented by mechanical means into the atmosphere. If a leak occurs in a refrigeration system under pressure, only the pressurized gas and, absent additional heat, a smaller amount of the liquid in that space will be released. 

The facts: The human body can handle ammonia in small quantities. Any amount in the atmosphere below 20 parts per million (ppm) is regarded as not dangerous. Already at amounts of up to 53 ppm, ammonia’s characteristic odour will be noticeable. At amounts of 300-400ppm, prolonged exposure will become unpleasant, and only in amounts over 700ppm it can start affecting human health. As a result, the incidence of fatality and serious injury in R717 systems is extremely low.