Ammonia poisoning

Definition

Ammonia is a strong, colorless gas. If the gas is dissolved in water, it is called liquid ammonia. Poisoning may occur if you breathe in ammonia. Poisoning may also occur if you swallow or touch products that contain very large amounts of ammonia.

This is for information only and not for use in the treatment or management of an actual poison exposure. If you have an exposure, you should call your local emergency number (such as 911) or the National Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222.

Poisonous Ingredient

• Ammonia

Where Found

• Ammonia gas
• Some household cleaners
• Some linaments
• Some fertilizers

Note: This list may not be all inclusive.

Symptoms

• Airways, lungs, and chest
  • Cough
  • Chest pain (severe)
  • Chest tightness
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Wheezing
• Eyes, ears, nose, mouth, and throat
  • Tearing and burning of eyes
  • Temporary blindness
  • Throat pain (severe)
  • Mouth pain
  • Lip swelling
• Heart and blood
  • Rapid, weak pulse
  • Collapse and shock
• Nervous system
  • Altered mental state
  • Fever
  • Restlessness
• Skin
  • Bluish-colored lips and fingernails
  • Severe burns if contact is longer than a few minutes
• Stomach and gastrointestinal tract
  • Severe stomach pain
  • Vomiting

Home Treatment

Do NOT make a person throw up unless told to do so by poison control or a health care professional. Seek immediate medical help.

If the chemical is on the skin or in the eyes, flush with lots of water for at least 15 minutes.

If the chemical was swallowed, immediately give the person water or milk, unless instructed otherwise by a health care provider. Do NOT give water or milk if the patient is having symptoms (such as vomiting, convulsions, or a decreased level of alertness) that make it hard to swallow.

If the person breathed in the poison, immediately move him or her to fresh air.

Before Calling Emergency

Determine the following information:

• Patient's age, weight, and condition
• Name of product (as well as the ingredients and strength, if known)
• Time it was swallowed
• Amount swallowed