Where It Comes From
Made and used as fertilizer; also forms in the air when ammonia reacts with sulfur dioxide emissions to make ammonium sulfate particles [2].
How You Are Exposed
Breathing dust during handling or spreading; breathing PM2.5 that contains ammonium sulfate on polluted days; getting dust in eyes or on skin [1][2].
Why It Matters
Can irritate eyes, nose, throat, and trigger coughing or asthma symptoms; PM2.5 reaches deep into the lungs and is linked to heart and lung problems [1][2].
Who Is at Risk
Farm/fertilizer workers; people with asthma or COPD; children and older adults; communities near fertilizer facilities or downwind of sulfur dioxide sources (e.g., coal-fired power plants) [2].
How to Lower Your Exposure
Minimize dust—use gloves, eye protection, and a dust mask/respirator when handling; keep bags sealed; spread on calm days; check the Air Quality Index and limit outdoor activity on high-PM2.5 days; use HEPA filtration indoors [1][2].
References
- [1]CDC/NIOSH. NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards: Ammonium sulfate. https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/npg/
- [2]U.S. EPA. Particulate Matter (PM) Basics: Health and Environmental Effects; PM components (including sulfates/ammonium). https://www.epa.gov/pm-pollution/pm-basics