ABSTRACT
Ammonia is a colorless, corrosive alkaline gas that has a very pungent odor. Exposures to ammonia occur as a result of accidents during highway and railway transportation, by releases at manufacturing facilities, and from farming accidents. Ammonia is very soluble in water. Because of its exothermic properties, ammonia forms ammonium hydroxide and produces heat when it contacts moist surfaces, such as mucous membranes. The corrosive and exothermic properties of ammonia can result in immediate damage (severe irritation and burns) to eyes, skin, and mucous membranes of the oral cavity and respiratory tract. In addition, ammonia is effectively scrubbed in the nasopharyngeal region of the respiratory tract because of its high solubility in water. Reversible effects are manifested by irritation to the eyes, throat, and nasopharyngeal region of the respiratory tract.
