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The Effects of Ammonia in Glass Cleaners

Ammonia in your glass cleaner isn't something to take lightly or leave around children, as it can become a very serious hazard. Inhaling, absorbing it through skin or ingesting this product can cause severe effects. And the effects will be worse for children than adults. In addition, effects as a result of inhalation will differ from those of absorption or ingestion.

  1. Inhaled Effects

    • Ammonia's smell is sharp, according to Healthy Child Healthy World, so you don't run the risk of being in its proximity and not know it. However, prolonged exposure to it, even at low concentration levels can cause olfactory fatigue, according to the New York State Department of Health. Those who work around it are more at risk for this effect. Short-term and low-dosage inhalation effects can also occur and include coughing and irritation of the nose and/or throat (much worse for children than adults, even with smaller concentration levels). Inhalation can also cause wheezing and shortness of breath. Watery eyes and rhinitis are also potential effects, as is laryngitis.

      Higher inhalation exposure can produce immediate adverse effects, causing you to seek treatment. You can experience headaches, nausea, vomiting, and nose and throat burning, as well as burning in the respiratory tract. Respiratory distress or failure can also occur due to the destruction experienced from the burning of these areas, or due to pulmonary edema brought on by inhalation of heavy concentration levels.

    Absorbed Effects

    • Skin and eye irritations can occur from contact with ammonia. These irritations can happen rapidly, even with low concentration levels, but it could take as much as a week to become aware of the full extent of the damage to both.

      Higher concentration levels absorbed by skin or splashed into eyes accidentally can cause serious burns, eye damage, open sores and even blindness. Immediate treatment is needed in these situations and large quantities of clean water should be used until emergency treatment can be sought, according to the New York State Health Department.

    Ingested Effects

    • Ingestion of ammonia can result in severe damage to your mouth, throat and stomach. If you or someone you know ingests this chemical, seek immediate medical attention. The New York State Health Department states that ingesting milk or water as well will help to dilute the ingested ammonia as you seek medical attention.

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