Inhalation of ammonia

Fluty K, Dines D, Rodarto J, Rodgers R Airway obstruction due to inhalation of ammonia. Mayo Clinic Proc 58 389-393, 1983... 

Leduc, D., P.Gris, P.Lheureux, P.A.Gevenois, P.De Vuyst, and J.C.Yernault. 1992. Acute and long term respiratory damage following inhalation of ammonia. Thorax 47(9) 755-757. 

O Kane, G.J. 1983. Inhalation of ammonia vapour a report on the management of eight patients during the acute stages. Anaesthesia 38(12) 1208—1213. 

Interactions among the mixture components produce new chemical species. For example, the concurrent inhalation of ammonia or amines and chlorine produces the extremely toxic chloramines. 

Cardiovascular Effects. Several workers experienced symptoms of shock, including lower blood pressure and elevated pulse rates, following an acute exposure (at most 20 minutes) to selenium dioxide fumes resulting from a fire (Wilson 1962). The subjects were treated with oxygen and inhalation of ammonia vapor, and pulse rates were normalized within 3 hours. 

The most probable routes by which the general population is exposed are by the inhalation of ammonia that has volatilized from common household cleaning products and through dermal contact during the use of these products. Inhalation exposure to ammonia by some members of the rural population may occur for those who are near agricultural areas during the fertilizer application period, those near animal feedlots or confinement areas, and those who apply anhydrous ammonia to fields. 

Richard D, Bouley G, Boudene C. 1978a. [Effects of continuous inhalation of ammonia in the rat and mouse.] Bull Eur Physiopathol Respir 14 573-582. (French)... 

Antidotes.—Moist hydrated peroxide of iron magnesia cold affusions inhalation of ammonia. 

Antidotes.—Fresh air affusions of cold water inhalation of ammonia or chlorine freshly precipitated hydrated peroxide of iron mixed with an alkaline carbonate. 

Antidotes.—An emetic of sulphate of copper, when practicable purgatives to empty the alimentary canal after vomition or purgation, administer opium in sufficient doses to counteract the effects of the belladonna. Move the animal about affusions of cold water over the head and chest artificial respiration galvanism ether brandy inhalations of ammonia. 

Anhydrous ammonia is a corrosive toxic substance. It can cause frostbite when it evaporates from exposed skin. Ammonia is a potent skin corrosive and harms exposed eye tissue. Because of its high water solubility, inhaled ammonia is absorbed by the moist tissues of the upper respiratory tract. Inhalation of ammonia causes constriction of the bronchioles and can cause lung edema (fluid accumulation) and changes in lung permeability. Anhydrous liquid ammonia stored in tanks has been a favorite target of operators of illicit meth labs in rural areas who use it in the synthesis of methamphetamines. Certainly, many of the thieves are harmed by exposure to ammonia, but they rarely seek treatment for the injury. 

Caution. Inhalation of ammonia can cause respiratory problems. Liquid ammonia should be handled in a fume hood. The synthesis of Na2S in liquid ammonia must be performed at low temperatures. Elevated temperatures will produce excessive ammonia pressure that could result in an explosion. Na2S is air-sensitive and will give off toxic H2S gas on exposure to water. 

Ammonia is a strong local irritant which also has a corrosive effect on the eyes and the membranes of the pulmonary system. Vapor concentrations of 10,000 ppm are mildly irritating to the skin, whereas 30,000 ppm may cause bums. The physiological effects from inhalation are described in Table 16. Prolonged, intentional exposure to high levels of ammonia is unlikely because its characteristic odor can be detected at levels as low as 1 —5 ppm (94). The real danger occurs when escape is impossible, or the exposure victim has lost consciousness. 

Clear liquid with an odor that is a mixture of alcohol and ammonia. This material is hazardous through inhalation and ingestion, and produces local skin/eye impacts. Inhalation of the agent may cause irritation of the lower respiratory tract, coughing, difficulty in breathing and, in high concentration, loss of consciousness. It causes severe irritation in contact with the skin and eyes. If ingested it causes nausea, salivation, and severe irritation of the mouth and stomach. 

Appeltnan, L.M., ten Berge, W.F., and Reuzel, P.G. Acute inhalation toxicity study of ammonia in rats with variable exposure periods, Am. Ind. Hyg. Assoc. J., 43(9) 662-665, 1982. 

Production of ammonia (NH ) Anhydrous (dry) ammonia is the fifth most produced industrial compound. The Haber-Bosch process uses steam on hot coke, which is mostly used in South Africa. In the United States, it is mostly produced from partial combustion of natural gas (methane) or by combining several gases using steam. Other methods use coke-oven gas, refinery gas (mostly methane), or even solar energy. Ammonia is toxic if inhaled and has a high pH value when mixed with water (hydration) to form ammonium hydroxide (NH OH), which has many uses, including as a household cleaner. Ammonia forms many compounds, including ammonium nitrate in fertilizer, rocket fuel, and explosives. Ammonia is also explosive when mixed with mercury or silver or when mixed as part of nitrocellulose. 

Exposure to and inhalation of concentrations of 2500-6500ppm, as might result from accidents with liquid anhydrous ammonia, cause severe corneal irritation, dyspnea, bron-chospasm, chest pain, and pulmonary edema that may be fatal. Upper airway obstruction due to laryngeal/pharyngeal edema and desquamation of mucous membranes may occur early in the course and require endotracheal intubation or tracheostomy. " Case reports have documented chronic airway hyperreactivity and asthma, with associated obstructive pulmonary function changes after massive ammonia exposures. ... 

Although a nonflammable gas, it reacts explosively with many substances, including organics, metals, metal sulfides, sulfur, phosphorus, nitric oxide, ammonia, carbon disulfide, metal hydrides, and charcoal. It is a severe irritant to the eyes, nose, skin, and respiratory tract. Inhalation of the gas at 100 ppm can be fatal to humans. 

Iodine is a violet-black crystalline substance. Iodine vapour irritates the respiratory tracts and the mucous membrane. If poisoned by iodine vapour, inhale vapour of a 2% aqueous solution of ammonia. 

The handling of ammonia safely has been discussed by Brandt(Ref 40) and the toxicity of ammonia fumes by inhalation,by Wheatherby (Ref 55) Ohno(Ref 57) noted that the tojcicity of gaseous ammonia was much smaller than that of sulfur dioxide. Both gases produce irritation of mucous membrane and eyes, bronchitis, hyperemia, hemorrage, endema, exudation and pneumonia. Krop(Ref 58) lists the toxiciry and health hazards of ammonia and other substances used as fuels in rocket propellants[Also see Sax(Ref 82) for additional information on the hazards of ammonia]... 

Truck transportation rates for anhydrous ammonia are relatively high because of liability insurance rates and the need to use specialized equipment. Distribution is further complicated by attempts to restrict the movement of ammonia in some jurisdictions. In 1990, the U.S. Department of Transportation classified anhydrous ammonia as a non-flammable gas and required shipments to be marked with the words inhalation hazard. International shipments are required to carry the inhalation hazard and poison gas markings57. 

---