Chemical Agents of Opportunity for Terrorism: TICs & TIMs

Chemical Agents of Opportunity for Terrorism
Training Support Package
Participant Guide
Slide 21
Chemical Agents of Opportunity for Terrorism:
TICs & TIMs
Anhydrous Ammonia (NH3)
• Used mainly in manufacture of fertilizer as nitrogen source
(>80%)
• Other uses include plastics, fibers and resins, explosives,
cleaning disinfectants, refrigeration
• Third highest production volume chemical in U.S.
– ~9 million metric tons
• Transported as liquefied gas under pressure via pipeline,
railcar, tanker truck, and refrigerated barge
Module One – Toxic Industrial Gases as Terrorist Threats
21
Anhydrous ammonia is the third most produced chemical in the US. The term
anhydrous emphasizes the absence of water in commercial strength ammonia. Most of
the anhydrous ammonia produced worldwide is used for fertilizer. Its high nitrogen
content makes it one of the best fertilizers available commercially. It is also used as an
intermediary or component in a number of other industrial processes. Because of its
widespread use in large quantities, it is also transported long distances by a variety of
mechanisms.
Anhydrous ammonia is applied either by injection of the anhydrous gas directly into the
soil, or as an aqueous solution or various salts. It is used in the manufacturing of
plastics, pesticides, explosives and pharmaceuticals. It is found as a refrigerant gas in
commercial installations.
In contradistinction to commercial strength ammonia, household ammonia used for
disinfecting and cleaning in the house is actually ammonium hydroxide. Ammonium
hydroxide is ammonia and water. The typical ammonia concentration is about 5-10% in
this household product.
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