What concentration of ammonium hydroxide should be held under a suspected chlorine leak?

The recommended concentration of ammonium hydroxide to hold under a suspected chlorine leak is 10%. This concentration is commonly used because it serves as an effective means to neutralize chlorine in emergency situations. Ammonium hydroxide reacts with chlorine, forming ammonium chloride, which helps to mitigate the hazardous effects of chlorine gas.

Using a concentration that is too low may not effectively neutralize the chlorine, while a concentration that is too high could pose additional risks and complicate the handling of the situation. The 10% solution strikes a balance, providing sufficient capacity to neutralize the chlorine while being manageable and safe to handle in a leak scenario. Understanding the appropriate concentration allows responders to act quickly and effectively to protect both people and the environment from the dangers of chlorine exposure.