Uses of Ammonia
One of the primary uses of ammonia is in fertilizer production. Anhydrous ammonia, liquid ammonia, or ammonium nitrate are commonly used as nitrogen fertilizers by farms all over the world to help crops grow. Nitrogen is an essential nutrient for plants but most soils lack enough naturally to support high agricultural yields. Fertilizer ammonia replenishes nitrogen in the soil. Ammonia is also used in the manufacture of plastics, fibers, explosives, pharmaceuticals, cleaning products and more. Many household cleaners contain ammonia as an active ingredient for its disinfecting and degreasing properties.

Historical Uses
Historically, ammonia also had some unusual uses. In the mid-19th century before effective refrigeration was developed, "ammonia liquor" systems used evaporating liquid ammonia to provide passive cooling. The low boiling point of ammonia caused it to evaporate quickly, absorbing heat from the surroundings and resulting in a cooling effect. Ammonia was also sometimes burned as a source of illumination before electric lighting. Known as "smelling salts", the pungent odor of ammonia served as a stimulant when inhaled as first aid for fainting spells.

Production of Ammonia
Nearly all industrial ammonia production utilizes the Haber process, which involves combining nitrogen gas from the air with hydrogen gas at high temperatures and pressures in the presence of an iron catalyst. These demanding reaction conditions are necessary to overcome the strong triple bond in the nitrogen molecule. The Haber process produces ammonia efficiently on a massive scale, supplying the world's growing demand for nitrogen fertilizer and other ammonia-derived products. Approximately 1-2% of worldwide energy use is devoted to industrial ammonia synthesis using the Haber process.

Safety Considerations
Due to its potent odor and suffocating properties at high concentrations in air, safety precautions must be observed when handling ammonia. Ammonia gas is irritating and hazardous to breathe, especially in enclosed or poorly ventilated spaces. Exposure can damage lungs and airways if inhaled. Ammonia liquid and gas are also corrosive to skin, eyes and mucous membranes on contact. 

Accidental exposure requires immediate evacuation and medical attention if affected. Fire risk and explosion hazards also exist, requiring special safety protocols in industrial ammonia plants and storage facilities. Proper ventilation, protective equipment, leak detection systems and emergency plans help prevent accidents during production, transport and use of this valuable but potentially dangerous chemical.

Environmental Impacts
Since large volumes of ammonia are used as fertilizer, a portion escapes into the air and water after application, contributing to ammonia pollution. Atmospheric ammonia deposition from fertilizers and animal agriculture is a source of acid rain and can damage sensitive ecosystems. Water pollution from agricultural runoff containing excess nitrogen and phosphorus leads to eutrophication, algal blooms and fish kills in surface waters. 

Nitrous oxide, a potent greenhouse gas, can be produced during nitrogen cycling in soils. Researchers are investigating more sustainable fertilization methods and technologies to capture ammonia emissions from fertilized fields and confined animal feeding operations to mitigate these environmental issues associated with food production intensification through ammonia use.

Closing Thoughts
Ammonia is an amazing yet hazardous chemical with many indispensable uses in agriculture and industry. Careful control is required during its production, transportation, storage and application to ensure human and environmental safety. As fertilizer ammonia supports modern intensive agriculture practices that sustain the global population, new technologies and management can help optimize efficiency and minimize pollution impacts for more sustainable food systems of the future. Overall, ammonia exemplifies how understanding chemical properties enables both benefits and risks that demand conscientious stewardship. 

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