Contents
Ammonium hydroxide (E527) is a food additive. It is a weak formation, which is obtained by combining ammonia with water. This food additive belongs to the group of emulsifiers, and due to its chemical properties, it is most often used as an acidity regulator.
Getting a Supplement
Ammonium hydroxide is a compound of pure water and ammonia. The solution is transparent, with a pungent and rather pungent odor. If we consider the industrial production of additives, then for this purpose they use the products of burning coal and dissolve them in water. The production process takes place in several stages: the first stage is distillation, the second stage is reflux and the final stage is the condensation of ammonia water.
Characterization
Ammonia water formula – NH4Oh. The food additive E527 is actively used in the production of the food industry in the form of an emulsifier. Manufacturers often use other names for the additive – ammonium hydroxide or ammonium hydroxide. The solution is completely colorless, but with a sharp odor characteristic of acetone. The additive is highly soluble in water. For production, raw materials of synthetic origin are usually used, in particular ammonia water, which is obtained by combining coke oven gas and water. The main purpose of using this additive in the food industry is the regulation of acidity. E527 is dangerous for the human body, therefore, it is not allowed in all world countries. To date, its use is permitted in the EU countries, Russia and Ukraine.
E527 has alkaline properties, therefore, its pure, undiluted form is capable of causing severe chemical burns. The additive is allergenic and strongly irritates not only the mucous membranes, but also the skin. It is for this reason that E527 can be found in cosmetics at a maximum of 6% concentration. Most often, from cosmetics, ammonia water can be found in hair dyes, but its concentration should not exceed 3%. It is desirable that the composition of hair dyes does not contain this synthetic additive at all.
Application of ammonium hydroxide
In the food industry, ammonia water is added to some varieties of chocolate, various cocoa products, and caramel candies. During the production of these products, the additive plays the role of a buffer. It is worth noting that cocoa beans contain 2% acids, which are completely neutralized in contact with E527.
In addition to the food industry, ammonium water is used in households and in medicine. A 10% solution is known to many as ammonia. With its sharp inhalation, stimulation of the respiratory center is observed. Ammonia is actively used during the withdrawal period after anesthesia, with loss of consciousness, at a time when an urgent need to induce a gag reflex. It is also worth noting that the E527 solution is also used externally, as it has excellent cooling and antiseptic properties. They are often treated with insect bites, minor scratches and hands for decontamination.
Often there is information that this food additive is used to disinfect various types of meat (it is soaked in a solution of Ammonium Hydroxide). As a result, the product is completely disinfected (this is a positive thing), and the product is also saturated with an ammonia aqueous solution, which can negatively affect the functionality of the whole organism.
It is also worth noting that ammonium hydroxide is present in some fertilizers, hair dyes, detergents, and even soda.
Ammonium hydroxide is found in hair dyes and is also used to chemically straighten or curl hair. The main task of E527 for hair care is to cause swelling and disclosure of each hair, and start the reaction of hydrogen peroxide decomposition. Occasionally, 6% ammonia water can be found as a pH corrector in skin care and hair styling products.
Since the additive is dangerous for the body, you should pay attention to the amount of it in the product. The maximum rate of E527 is 50 grams of ammonia water per 1 kilogram of products.
In addition to all of the above, ammonium hydroxide is found in: agricultural products (non-pesticide), building materials, cleaning and furnishing, electrical and electronic products, explosives, fabric, textile and leather products, inks, toners and dyes, laundry services, dishwasher, lawn and garden care products, paper products, personal care products, water treatment products.
Harm of ammonium water
Ammonium hydroxide must be added to products in accordance with certain recommendations and technical instructions, a combination with other hydroxide additives is very often observed. According to the established standards in cocoa and chocolate, the E527 norm should not exceed 70 grams per 1 kilogram. In other cases, this norm is 50 grams of additive per 1 kilogram of the product.
In some countries, such as Australia and New Zealand, ammonium water is banned for use as a dietary supplement, as there is evidence of a negative effect of the additive on the human body. Most often, ammonium hydroxide affects the intestines and liver.
The harm of E527 lies in its instability and easy separation into water and ammonia. Pure ammonia is an active irritant that negatively affects the condition of the mucous membranes of the digestive tract. When choosing products, it is advisable to carefully study their composition, and, if possible, avoid this food additive, since each organism is individual, and therefore it is impossible to accurately calculate the safe rate of E527.
When the harmful properties of Ammonium Hydroxide are remembered, the following come to the fore: the ability to cause chemical burns, incredible toxicity, instability (decomposition into water and concentrated ammonia in its pure form), the ability to irritate the respiratory tract, mucous membranes and skin.
Effects from exposure to E527 may include excessive irritation of the eyes and mucous membranes, contact burns to the skin and eyes, and life-threatening pulmonary edema. Protective self-contained breathing apparatus and protective clothing (including full face protection) are recommended for activities and situations where overexposure to the additive is possible. If contact occurs, immediately flush affected skin or eyes with running water for at least 15 minutes, and remove contaminated clothing and shoes in situ. E527 is highly flammable. Fires containing ammonium hydroxide can be extinguished with dry chemical, CO2, fog, or standard foam.
Storage
Ammonium hydroxide should be stored in cool, well ventilated areas in sturdy glass, plastic or rubber bottles away from heavy metals, acids and combustible materials (eg wood, paper, oil). For small ammonium hydroxide spills, first isolate the spill area, then bring sand or other non-flammable absorbent with you and place in a container for later disposal. Consult with environmental regulators before implementing waste ammonium hydroxide disposal.