Occupational Hazards of Ammonia

Ammonia (NH3) is a harmful chemical hazard that is used across various industries. As a result, workplaces need to be aware of ammonia dangers and have systems in place to prevent exposure to their employees. 

What is Ammonia?

Ammonia can be a liquid or a gas. As a gas, it is colorless and has a strong, distinctive odor, which contributes to its toxicity. It is a building block chemical for many products people use everyday including plastics, explosives, fabrics, pesticides, and dyes.

Uses of Ammonia

Ammonia hydroxide is an ingredient in many household cleaning products. Ammonia is a building block for ammonium nitrate fertilizer, an essential nutrient for growing plants, lawns and crops.    

Pure liquid ammonia is used as a refrigerant gas and in air-conditioning equipment. Ammonia is used to purify water supplies. It also is used in the manufacture of pharmaceuticals. 

Why is Ammonia Dangerous? 

Ammonia is most dangerous as a gas. It’s highly toxic when you inhale it. The level of danger depends on the concentration of ammonia, how long you've been exposed to it, and the nature of the work you're doing. Ammonia gas is a compressed gas, stored under pressure and may explode if heated. Ammonia gas in a confined space can be a fire and explosion hazard. It can decompose at high temperatures forming very flammable hydrogen gas. Ammonia is fatal if inhaled and corrosive to the respiratory tract. Its corrosive properties cause severe skin burns and eye damage. 

What Are the Harmful Effects of Ammonia on the Body?

Inhalation exposure to high levels of ammonia in the air irritates the skin, eyes, throat, and lungs and causes coughing and burns. Lung damage and death may occur after exposure to very high concentrations of ammonia. Some people with asthma may be more sensitive to ammonia fumes than others. Ammonia is a very toxic gas and can cause death by life-threatening accumulation of fluid in the lungs known as pulmonary edema.

Symptoms of Ammonia Exposure

Symptoms of exposure may include:

• Coughing
• Shortness of breath
• Difficulty breathing
• Tightness in the chest

Symptoms may develop hours after exposure in the workplace and are made worse by physical effort. Long-term damage may result from a severe short-term exposure.

Corrosive Effects of Ammonia

Ammonia is corrosive. The gas irritates or burns the skin. Permanent scarring can result. Direct contact with the liquefied gas can chill or freeze the skin (frostbite). Symptoms of more severe frostbite include a burning sensation and stiffness. The skin may become waxy white or yellow. Blistering, tissue death and infection may develop in severe cases. 

Ammonia gas exposure to the eyes can irritate or burn the eyes. Permanent damage including blindness can result. Direct contact with the liquefied gas can also freeze the eye.

Chronic long-term exposure to ammonia may harm the respiratory system as it can irritate and inflame the airways.