What are the symptoms of Ammonia exposure?

WASHINGTON ( DC News Now ) — Ammonia can be found in several household products and is typically used in fertilizer and pharmaceuticals, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ( CDC ).

When ammonia leaks, it can cause a noxious odor, which is a sign of exposure. The CDC said that when ammonia is at room temperature, it is a clear, colorless gas and can dissolve in water. If it is mixed with certain cleaning agents, household ammonia can release gas and lead to exposure.

According to the CDC, when a high level of ammonia is released into the air, it can irritate your skin, eyes, throat and lungs. The exposure can also cause coughing and burns.

In some cases, people with asthma may be more sensitive to breathing ammonia than others.

The CDC said symptoms of higher levels of exposure may include:

• Abdominal pain
• Coughing
• Coughing up white to pink-tinged fluid (a sign of pulmonary edema)
• Blistering of skin
• Burning sensation in the nose, throat, lungs, and eyes
• Frostbite if exposed to liquified ammonia
• Narrowing of the throat and swelling
• Nausea
• Permanent or temporary blindness
• Skin pain
• Skin redness
• Vomiting

What to do if you are exposed to ammonia?

Officials said if someone is exposed to ammonia, they should get away from the area where the ammonia was released and get help immediately.

The CDC said if ammonia was released in a building, go outside for fresh air. If it was released outdoors, go inside and shelter in place. Make sure all windows are closed and ventilation systems are off.

Officials said a shower is the best method to get the ammonia off your body.

For more information, visit the CDC website .

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