National Pollutant Inventory

Substances

Ammonia (total): Sources of emissions

Industry sources

Ammonia is released during intensive livestock production, and from humans and pets. Other sources of ammonia emission include the manufacture of basic chemicals, metals, leather products, cement, lime, plaster and concrete products, glass products, ceramics, beverages, cars and car parts, textile products and paper and paper products. Ammonia is also produced from mining, electricity supply and petroleum refining activities.

Diffuse sources, and industry sources included in diffuse emissions data

Human and pet metabolic processes, cigarette smoke and household cleaners are sources of ammonia. Burning, through controlled fires or wildfires, or of other fuels also results in ammonia emissions.

Indoor residential levels of ammonia can be significantly higher than outdoor levels.

Natural sources

Ammonia is found in the environment, in the air, soil and water; in plants and animals. It is formed naturally by the decomposition of urine and manure. It is a source of nitrogen which is needed by plants and animals. It has also been observed in outer space and galactic dust clouds.

Transport sources

Motor vehicles, through their exhaust, produce ammonia.

Consumer products

Many cleaning products, bleaching products and disinfectants contain ammonia.

Key

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Factory. Credit: Michael Lindquist