Ammonia inhalation can be dangerous because it’s a strong, water‐soluble gas that can cause severe irritation or damage to the respiratory system, eyes, and skin. Inhalation of ammonia fumes—even for a brief period—can lead to coughing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, or even more serious complications.
What is Ammonia Poisoning?
- Ammonia is a colorless gas with a pungent odor that is highly soluble in water. It is a versatile chemical that is used for foods and fertilizers, cleaning solutions, refrigeration, textile industry, and as a fuel component
- Ammonia Poisoning is the accidental or intentional intake (swallowing, breathing-in, or skin contact) of any product containing the compound
- The condition is diagnosed based upon the clinical history, combination of signs and symptoms, and additional tests (that may include, in some cases, radiological studies and laboratory tests)
Ammonia Poisoning may be also referred to variously as the following:
- Ammonia Toxicity
- Azane Poisoning
- Hydrogen Nitride Poisoning
- Nitrogen Trihydride Poisoning
Signs and Symptoms of Ammonia Exposure
If someone has asthma or other chronic lung diseases, they could be more sensitive to ammonia inhalation than others. When higher levels of ammonia are involved, the signs and symptoms could include:
- Coughing
- Skin pain
- Skin having blisters
- Skin turning red
- Abdominal pain
- Temporary or permanent blindness
- Burning sensation in the eyes, lungs, throat, and nose
- Nausea
- Skin turning red
- Vomiting
- Frostbite in case someone is exposed to liquified ammonia
First Aid for Ammonia Inhalation
Here’s a step‐by‐step guide on first aid for ammonia inhalation:
1. Immediately Remove the Person from the Exposure
- Get Fresh Air: Quickly move the person to an area with fresh, uncontaminated air. This is the most important step to stop further inhalation of ammonia fumes. If you’re indoors, open windows and doors or move outside immediately.
2. Assess the Person’s Condition
- Evaluate Symptoms: Look for signs of respiratory distress (such as coughing, difficulty breathing, or wheezing), eye irritation, or skin burning. Also, note if they feel dizzy, nauseous, or have chest tightness.
- Watch for Severe Reactions: Severe signs like difficulty breathing, confusion, or bluish lips indicate a serious reaction and require urgent emergency care.
3. Call for Medical Assistance
- Dial Emergency Services: If the person is showing moderate to severe symptoms—especially if breathing is labored—call emergency services immediately. Let the dispatcher know the exposure was from ammonia, describe the symptoms, and mention if there’s a risk of prolonged exposure.
4. Remove Contaminated Clothing
- Prevent Ongoing Exposure: If the person’s clothing has been contaminated with ammonia (for example, if they’ve been exposed to an ammonia spill or leak), carefully remove the contaminated clothing. This helps stop further chemical irritation from any residual ammonia on their garments.
5. Flush Affected Areas (if Necessary)
- Skin and Eyes: If ammonia has come into contact with the skin or eyes, flush the area immediately with plenty of cool water for at least 15 minutes. For eye exposure, gently hold the eyelids open to ensure thorough rinsing. Do not use any chemicals or neutralizing agents unless instructed by medical professionals.
6. Reassure and Monitor
- Calm the Person: Keep the individual calm and seated, if possible, to ease breathing until help arrives.
- Monitor Vital Signs: Observe their breathing, pulse, and level of consciousness. If symptoms worsen or new symptoms appear—such as increased difficulty breathing, severe coughing, or confusion—inform the emergency responders immediately.
7. Follow Up
- Medical Evaluation: Even if symptoms seem to improve after getting to fresh air, a follow-up medical evaluation is critical. Ammonia exposure can have delayed effects, and a professional assessment can help ensure that no serious damage has occurred.
- Report the Incident: Especially in industrial or agricultural settings, it’s important to document the event and report it according to your workplace safety protocols.
Prevention
Ammonia Poisoning can be prevented by:
- Always following instructions for usage of any household products
- Keeping any poisonous/hazardous chemicals and other materials out of children’s reach
- Keep all poisons correctly labeled and in suitable storage locations
- Wearing appropriate protective wear when working with such chemicals
- Being aware of basic first aid steps in case of an emergency (such as inadvertent poisoning)
REFERENCES
- John Furst, First Aid for Ammonia Inhalation: 5 Treatment Tips, March 17, 2024, https://www.firstaidforfree.com/first-aid-for-ammonia-inhalation/
- Online Safety Trainer, First Aid for Ammonia Exposure, January 28th, 2023, https://www.onlinesafetytrainer.com/first-aid-for-ammonia-exposure/
- Krish Tangella, First Aid for Ammonia Poisoning, Feb 18, 2019, https://www.dovemed.com/healthy-living/first-aid/first-aid-ammonia-poisoning.
- Ernstmeyer K, Christman E, editors. Nursing Fundamentals [Internet]. 2nd edition. Eau Claire (WI): Chippewa Valley Technical College; 2024. PART IV, NURSING PROCESS. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK610818/
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