Ammonia is a compound of hydrogen and nitrogen that occurs naturally in small quantitiesⁱ. For commercial use, ammonia is synthesized industrially and often used in cleaning products as it helps to dissolve soil particles in water, leaving cleaner surfaces. However there are significant concerns around its use in the home - not only can ammonia be irritating to the eyes and skin, it can also be severely irritating to the respiratory tract if inhaledⁱ. Globally, ammonia's primary use is as a fertilizer, but this also carries environmental concerns, as high levels in waterways, including from farm run-offs, can cause the death of aquatic organismsⁱⁱ.

REFERENCES:

i) New York State Department of Health. 2004. The Facts About Ammonia
Retrieved on 04/10/18 from https://www.health.ny.gov/environmental/emergency/chemical_terrorism/ammonia_tech.htm

ii) United States EPA. 2013. Aquatic Life Ambient Water Quality Criteria for Ammonia - Freshwater
Retrieved on 04/10/18 from https://www.epa.gov/sites/production/files/2015-08/documents/aquatic-life-ambient-water-quality-criteria-for-ammonia-freshwater-2013.pdf