ammonia

[angrybird]

After re-opening an old chimney breast (was blocked off in the 1950's) there is a terrible smell of ammonia, what would cause this?

 

[Lime]

Something dead?

 

[LadyArowana]

Guano, aka bat or bird poo?

 

[plasticpigeon]

Yes, I had this too!!!! It was worst when the builders were rebuilding the chimney and mortar was falling down the chimney, it was really strong, but now I have put cowls on the chimneys I haven't smelt it again. I don't know what causes it but perhaps soot mixed with lime or cement could cause this smell. Any chemists out there??

 

[stuart45]

Yes, I had this too!!!! It was worst when the builders were rebuilding the chimney and mortar was falling down the chimney, it was really strong, but now I have put cowls on the chimneys I haven't smelt it again. I don't know what causes it but perhaps soot mixed with lime or cement could cause this smell. Any chemists out there??

I'm no chemist, but mixing cement mortar with soot when working inside on a chimney can certainly clear your hangover.

 

[angrybird]

ahh bird/bat poo....that could be it! the stuff I was scooping out today certainly didnt look like soot ! :? it was paler in colour and a fine dust,thank goodness I had my Marigolds on :lol:

 

[FamilyWiggs]

MiLady is right. It's bird poo.

Here's the period biology lesson - the function of the urinary system in animals is to excrete urea, a toxic by-product (raises cell pH) of metabolising nitrogen containing compounds. When mixed with water it produces ammonia.

Birds don't wee (carrying water is too heavy), they excrete urea as uric acid in their droppings. Same thing though - add some water and you get ammonia.#

Ain't evolution great?

Thus bird poo down the chimney plus raindrops or water vapour in the air = ammonia smell.

I htink that my schoolboy biology is basically correct, but other correct answers are available. 8)