Ammonia is a colorless gas that has a strong and distinctive odor. Ammonia is used in many products including, but not limited to,
cleaning supplies, fertilizers, plastics, dyes, and pesticides.
Ammonia is a corrosive substance; as such, exposure to ammonia can
burn the
nose, mouth and throat. Ammonia exposure can also result in
headaches,
nausea, vomiting,
shortness of breath, wheezing and a muted sense of smell. Additionally, long-term or high volume exposure to ammonia can severely irritate the
lungs causing a condition known as
pulmonary edema in which fluid accumulates in the lungs, causing extreme shortness of breath. Pulmonary edema is considered a medical emergency and requires immediate medical treatment. Long-term exposure can also cause
bronchitis and chronic irritation of the
eyes.
Ammonia exposure most often occurs in the
workplace. The National Institute for Occupational Safety & Health recommends that anyone working with ammonia wear impervious gloves, face shields and other protective clothing to prevent contact with the gas.
See your doctor if you have experienced serious health problems because of ammonia exposure. In addition, it may be important to
contact an attorney who can help you protect your legal rights. Please keep in mind that there may be
time limits within which you must commence suit.
See Also
- Toxic & Hazardous Substances
- Blindness
- Breathing: Overview
- Bronchitis: Overview
- Burns: Overview
- Ear, Nose, & Throat Disorders
- Eye Disorders
- Fatigue: Overview
- Frostbite: Overview
- Headaches
- Nausea: Overview
- Pulmonary Edema: Overview
- Skin Disorders: Overview
- Ammonia: Frequently Asked Questions