Is Eating Ammonium Bicarbonate Harmful to Human Body
Is Eating Ammonium Bicarbonate Harmful to Human Body?
Ammonium bicarbonate, molecular formula NH4HCO3, relative molecular weight 79.06.
Properties: ammonium bicarbonate is a white crystalline powder with ammonia odor, relative density of 1.586, and melting point of 36~60 ℃. It is unstable in nature, and can be decomposed into carbon dioxide, ammonia and water above 36 ℃. It can be completely decomposed at 60 ℃, and is quite stable at outdoor temperature. It is easy to be weathered in the air and has hygroscopicity. It will decompose faster after deliquescence.
It is easily soluble in water, 17.4g/100mL (20 ℃), and the water solubility is alkaline. The pH of 0.08% water solution is 7.8. Soluble in glycerin, insoluble in ethanol.
Toxicity: The decomposition product of ammonium bicarbonate is carbon dioxide and ammonia, both of which are human metabolites. Moderate intake is harmless to human health. The US Food and Drug Administration (1985) listed ammonium bicarbonate as a generally recognized safe substance.
To sum up, ammonium bicarbonate can be used as an additive for some foods, which is relatively safe. In addition, when this substance is decomposed, it is all gas without residue. There is no potential pollution. If you are worried about the smell, you can air the peanuts. There is no need to worry too much.