Ammonia is a chemical you may encounter in everyday life—from household cleaners to farm fertilizers. While it has many useful purposes, ammonia can also pose health risks if you're exposed to high levels. Understanding what ammonia is, how exposure happens, and what to do in an emergency can help protect you and your family.

What Is Ammonia?

Ammonia is a clear, colorless substance made of nitrogen and hydrogen. At room temperature, it exists as a gas with a strong, sharp odor often compared to rotting fish. Ammonia can also be a liquid that dissolves easily in water.

Where You Might Find Ammonia

Household products: Many glass cleaners, floor waxes, and bathroom cleaners contain diluted ammonia
Agriculture: Ammonia is a key ingredient in fertilizers that help crops grow
Industry: Used in manufacturing plastics, textiles, refrigeration systems, and pharmaceuticals
Nature: Produced naturally by decomposing organic matter and by animals

Because ammonia has such a strong smell, most people can detect it at low levels—often before exposure becomes dangerous.

How Ammonia Exposure Happens

People can be exposed to ammonia in several ways:

Breathing It In

Ammonia gas is lighter than air, so it rises. If released outdoors, it may disperse quickly. Indoors, however, ammonia can build up to harmful levels, especially in poorly ventilated spaces.

Skin or Eye Contact

Liquid ammonia or concentrated solutions can cause burns on contact. Even household ammonia can irritate skin and eyes if not used properly.

Swallowing

Accidentally drinking ammonia-containing products is rare because of the strong taste and smell, but it can happen—especially with children or in confusing storage situations.

Important Warning: Never Mix Cleaners!

Mixing household ammonia with bleach or other cleaning products can create dangerous gases. Always read labels and never combine cleaning chemicals unless the instructions specifically say it's safe.

Signs and Symptoms of Exposure

Most people will notice ammonia's strong odor or feel irritation right away, which serves as an early warning. Symptoms depend on how much ammonia you were exposed to, how long the exposure lasted, and how it entered your body.

Mild to Moderate Exposure May Cause:

Burning sensation in the nose, throat, or eyes
Coughing or wheezing
Watery eyes or temporary vision changes
Skin redness, itching, or mild burns
Nausea or stomach discomfort

Severe Exposure May Lead To:

Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
Coughing up white or pink fluid (a sign of lung irritation)
Severe skin burns or blisters
Swelling of the throat, making it hard to breathe
Chest pain or tightness
Confusion or loss of consciousness
Frostbite (if exposed to very cold liquid ammonia)

Very high levels of ammonia can cause permanent lung damage, blindness, or even death. People with asthma, COPD, or other lung conditions may be more sensitive to ammonia exposure.

What to Do If You're Exposed to Ammonia

If you suspect ammonia exposure, act quickly. Follow these three steps: Get Away, Get Clean, Get Help.

Step 1: Get Away

If the release is outdoors: Go indoors immediately. Close windows and doors, and turn off ventilation systems to keep contaminated air out.
If the release is indoors: Leave the building right away. If the source is a household cleaner, open windows and doors on your way out to help ventilate the area.
If you can't leave: Move to the lowest ground possible. Since ammonia gas rises, lower areas may have less contamination.

Step 2: Get Clean

Removing ammonia from your body quickly reduces harm.

Remove Contaminated Clothing
- Take off clothes, jewelry, and accessories that may have ammonia on them
- If clothing is frozen to your skin (from liquid ammonia), do not pull it off. Instead, begin rinsing with lukewarm water first
- Avoid pulling clothing over your head. If you must, close your eyes and mouth and hold your breath
- Place contaminated items in a plastic bag and seal it

Wash Your Body
- Start with your face, hair, and hands, then wash the rest of your body from head to toe
- Use plenty of lukewarm water and mild soap if available
- Rinse thoroughly with plain water
- Avoid scrubbing, which can irritate skin further
- If your eyes are burning or vision is blurry, rinse them gently with lukewarm water for 10–15 minutes. Do not use eye drops

Dry Off Safely
- Pat your face dry first, then tilt your head back to dry your hair, then dry the rest of your body
- Use clean towels or cloths, and drop used items to the floor
- Put on clean, dry clothes to stay warm and prevent hypothermia

Handle Contaminated Items
- If emergency responders are available, leave contaminated items where they are and tell responders where to find them
- If you must handle them yourself, wear waterproof gloves, place all items in a plastic bag, seal it, then place that bag inside a second plastic bag and seal it again
- Do not put these bags in regular trash. Store them away from people and pets, and inform local authorities where they are located

Step 3: Get Help

Call 911 for life-threatening symptoms like trouble breathing, chest pain, or loss of consciousness
Call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 for guidance on next steps
Go to the nearest hospital if local officials say it's safe to travel
Follow updates from local authorities via radio, TV, or emergency alert apps

Medical Treatment for Ammonia Exposure

There is no specific antidote for ammonia poisoning. Treatment focuses on:
- Removing the person from exposure
- Supporting breathing and circulation
- Treating burns to skin, eyes, or airways
- Managing pain and preventing infection

If someone has swallowed ammonia, do not induce vomiting. Medical professionals will provide appropriate care based on the type and severity of exposure.

Long-Term Health Effects

Most people recover fully from ammonia exposure, especially with prompt treatment. However, severe or repeated exposure can lead to lasting health issues:

Lung and Breathing Problems

Chronic cough or wheezing
Asthma or worsening of existing asthma
Scarring of lung tissue (pulmonary fibrosis)
Reactive Airways Dysfunction Syndrome (RADS), a form of chemical-induced asthma

Eye Damage

Corneal ulcers or perforations that may develop weeks or months after exposure
Cataracts or glaucoma in rare cases
Permanent vision changes or blindness in severe cases

Skin Effects

Scarring or discoloration at burn sites
Increased sensitivity to chemicals or irritants

People who work with ammonia regularly should use proper protective equipment and follow safety protocols to minimize long-term risks.

Preventing Ammonia Exposure at Home

You can reduce your risk of ammonia-related accidents with simple precautions:

Safe Storage and Use

Keep ammonia-containing products in their original, labeled containers
Store cleaners out of reach of children and pets
Never transfer ammonia to food or drink containers
Use products in well-ventilated areas

Safe Cleaning Practices

Read and follow all label instructions
Wear gloves and eye protection when using concentrated ammonia
Never mix ammonia with bleach, acids, or other cleaners
Rinse surfaces thoroughly after cleaning to remove residue

Food Safety After a Release

Do not eat food that was exposed to ammonia gas or liquid unless it was in a sealed glass or metal container
If food was in an unbroken sealed container, wash the outside thoroughly before opening
When in doubt, throw it out

When to Seek Medical Attention

Contact a healthcare provider or go to the emergency room if you experience:
- Persistent coughing, wheezing, or shortness of breath after exposure
- Eye pain, redness, or vision changes that don't improve after rinsing
- Skin burns that blister or don't heal
- Difficulty swallowing or throat swelling
- Any symptoms that worsen or don't improve within a few hours

Be sure to tell medical staff about your ammonia exposure, including when it happened, how long you were exposed, and what symptoms you're experiencing.

Our Commitment to Clear Health Information

At Crestwood General, we believe that practical, easy-to-understand health information helps you stay safe and make confident decisions. Whether you're using household cleaners, working in agriculture, or preparing for emergencies, knowledge is your best protection.

If you have questions about chemical safety, exposure symptoms, or emergency preparedness, talk with your healthcare provider or contact Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222. With awareness and preparation, you can protect your health and the health of those you care about.

Content provided by Crestwood General.