Ammonia & Side Effects

Ammonia is a chemical compound that is primarily used as a strong cleaning agent in many cleaning products. At standard temperature and air pressure, ammonia gives off a gas than can be toxic. Excessive ammonia inhalation can be harmful to your health.

Significance

• Burning of the eyes, nose and throat can signify excessive ammonia inhalation. Another symptom may be a dry cough. This is usually your first visible sign to get away.

Time Frame

• If ammonia gets on your skin, wash immediately with soap and water. It takes only a few seconds for ammonia to start to burn the skin or eyes.

Considerations

• Vomiting, diarrhea, and headache may occur. This is your body's way of rejecting the foreign substance and trying to get it out of its system.

Effects

• Too much exposure to ammonia may cause serious upper respiratory problems. Chronic bronchitis has been associated with long term ammonia inhalation.

Solution

• If you feel as if you have been exposed to excessive ammonia inhalation, contact your doctor or poison control. They will be able to help assist you in an emergency.