Urea facts for kids

Urea is a special kind of chemical compound. It's called an organic compound because it contains carbon. A French scientist named Jean Rouelle first found it in urine way back in 1773. You might also hear it called Carbamide.

In your body, urea is a normal part of your blood and many other body parts. It's made in your liver. Your liver changes a very harmful substance called ammonia into urea. Urea is much less harmful than ammonia, even less toxic than table salt! Most of the urea your body makes isn't needed. Your kidneys filter it out of your blood, and then it leaves your body when you pee.

What is Urea Used For?

Urea is used in many different ways. One big use is in agriculture as a fertilizer. It helps plants grow by giving them important nutrients.

Urea is also used in cars and trucks. It's a key part of a liquid called AdBlue. This liquid helps reduce harmful gases that come out of vehicle exhausts, making them cleaner for the environment.

Images for kids

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  A plant in Bangladesh that produces urea fertilizer.

See also

In Spanish: Urea para niños