Emergency Medical Services
AMMONIA

Agent Information:	Used for fertilizers, refrigerants, chemical reactions, explosives and 
			chemical warfare agent; NH3.  Synonyms include ammonia gas, 
			anhydrous ammonia, and liquid ammonia, aqueous ammonia, ammonia 
			solution, and ammonium hydroxide; dissolves readily in water to form 
			ammonium hydroxide.  Ammonia’s pungent odor and irritating properties 
			usually provide adequate warning of its presence; however, olfactory 
			fatigue can occur. Inhalation can result in fatalities. Ammonia is 
			toxicologically, part of a group of compounds known as highly water-
			soluble irritant gases.

Signs and Symptoms:	Signs and symptoms vary depending on the route of exposure and level of 
			the exposure. 
			Highly irritating to eyes and respiratory tract; swelling and narrowing of 
			throat and bronchi, coughing, and an accumulation of fluid in the lungs.
			Rapid onset of a burning sensation in the eyes, nose, and throat, 
			accompanied by lacrimation, rhinorrhea, and coughing; upper airway 
			swelling and pulmonary edema may lead to airway obstruction.  
			Prolonged skin contact can cause corrosive injury.

Route of Exposure:	Inhalation, dermal, ocular, and ingestion are all possible.
			Inhalation of ammonia may cause nasopharyngeal and tracheal burns, 
			bronchiolar and alveolar edema, and airway destruction resulting in 
			respiratory distress or failure. 
			Rapid eye and nose irritation from airborne concentrations (100 ppm); 
			higher concentrations may cause severe eye injury.
			Gas or solution can cause serious burns; liquid can cause frostbite.
			Ingestion causes corrosive damage to the mouth, throat, and stomach.

Protective Measures:	Utilize appropriate Level PPE as identified by the Environmental Protection 
			Agency and Hazmat protocols.

			Persons exposed only to ammonia gas do not pose significant risk of 
			secondary contamination to personnel outside the Hot Zone. Persons 
			whose clothing or skin is contaminated with liquid ammonium hydroxide 
			should have their clothing and jewelry removed immediately.  
			Contaminated skin should be washed with a mild soap and large quantities 
			of water for at least 15 minutes.  Providers can be secondarily 
			contaminated and should wear appropriate chemical protective clothing 
			and gloves.  

Treatment:		There is no antidote for ammonia poisoning. Treatment is supportive care. 
			These include administering humidified oxygen and bronchodilators and 
			managing airway; treating skin and eyes with copious irrigation; and 
			diluting ingested ammonia with milk or water.
	
Reporting:		Any suspect cases should be reported immediately to the Division of 
			Public Health, Epidemiology Branch: 1-888-295-5156 (24/7 coverage).
			For additional information, view the CDC website for Emergency 
			Preparedness and Response at www.bt.cdc.gov. 
 
 
 
           
24/7 Emergency Contact Number:  1-888-295-5156
Revised: 05/2007
Doc. # 35-05-20/07/05/83