Ammonia Solutions (Blue)

SECTION 2: Hazards identification

Summary of Acute Health Hazards Ingestion: Ingestion causes burning pain in mouth, throat, stomach, and thorax, constriction of throat, and coughing. This is soon followed by vomiting of blood or by passage of loose stools containing blood. Ingestion of 3-4 ml may be fatal. Inhalation: If inhaled, will cause nausea, vomiting, breathing difficulty, and convulsions. Shock or loss of consciousness may result. Brief exposure to 5000 ppm may be fatal. Skin: Absorption; Ammonia, because of its alkalinity and water solubility, tends to break down and disrupt the outer cell layers, permitting rapid penetration. Even so, ammonia is not a systemic poison and the effects will be limited to local effects. Contact; Causes smarting of the skin and first-degree burns on short exposure. May cause second- degree burns on long exposure. Ammonia Solutions (Blue) 1 Eyes: Vapor is irritating to the eyes. Liquid will cause burns. Signs and Symptoms of Exposure: Burning of the eyes, conjunctivitis, skin irritation, swelling of the eyelids and lips, dry red mouth and tongue, burning in the throat, and coughing. In more severe cases of exposure, difficulty in breathing, signs and symptoms of lung congestion, and, ultimately, death from respiratory failure due to pulmonary edema may occur. Effects of Overexposure: Irritation and possible burns of the skin and mucous membranes. Headache, salivation, nausea, and vomiting. Difficult or labored breathing and cough with bloody mucous discharge. Bronchitis, laryngitis, hemoptysis, and pulmonary edema or pneumonitis. Ulceration of the conjunctiva and cornea, and corneal and lenticular opacities. Damage to the eyes may be permanent. Emergency and First Aid Procedures:

Medical Conditions Generally Aggravated by Exposure

Ammonia is a respiratory irritant. Persons with impaired pulmonary function may be at increased risk from exposure.