How does ammonia gas affect health?
When it enters the body, NH3 reacts with water to form ammonium hydroxide. This chemical is corrosive and damages cells.
"NH3 gas leak: Many people bleeding, animals dying in droves."
Ammonia (NH3) occurs naturally and in many cleaning products and factory production lines. NH3 is lighter than air, so it doesn't usually accumulate in low-lying areas. Most ammonia poisoning victims are due to inhalation; some cases involve ingestion or direct skin contact.
In humid environments, ammonia can transform into a vapor form that is heavier than air, which can spread across the ground and low-lying areas.
Ammonia is corrosive. Exposure to high concentrations of ammonia in the air causes burns to the mucous membranes of the nose, throat, and respiratory tract. This can damage the airways, leading to respiratory failure. Inhaling lower concentrations may cause coughing and irritation of the nose and throat, and eye irritation causing tearing.
Direct contact: If exposed to concentrated ammonia, the skin, eyes, throat, and lungs can suffer very severe burns. These burns can cause permanent blindness, lung disease, or death.
Ingestion: Accidental ingestion of concentrated ammonia can cause burns in the mouth, throat, and stomach, severe stomach pain, and vomiting. When it enters the body, NH3 reacts with water to form ammonium hydroxide. This chemical is corrosive and damages cells.
This substance also destroys the cilia and mucous membranes of the respiratory tract, which are the body's defenses against infection. Necrotic tissue, dead cells, swelling, and smooth muscle contraction in the respiratory tract can cause airway obstruction.
The severity depends on the route of exposure, as well as the dose and duration.
Symptoms of ammonia poisoning
Respiration:Cough, severe chest pain, angina, shortness of breath, rapid breathing, wheezing;
Eyes, mouth, throat:Tearing and burning eyes, blindness, severe sore throat, mouth pain, cracked lips;
Cardiovascular system:Rapid, weak pulse, shock;
Nerve:Confusion, difficulty walking, dizziness, lack of coordination, restlessness, dazedness;
Skin:Lips turn pale blue, severe burns if in contact with skin for an extended period;
Stomach and digestive tract:Severe stomach pain, vomiting.
How to treat ammonia poisoning Move away from the ammonia contamination area quickly. If the incident occurs indoors, go outside. If it occurs outdoors, go inside, close all doors and windows, and turn off the air conditioner. Wash off ammonia from skin with soap and water, and rinse eyes thoroughly with plenty of water. If wearing contact lenses, remove them and wash them with soap and water before putting them back on. Do not use bleach to remove ammonia from skin. Quickly remove clothing contaminated with ammonia. If it's a pullover shirt, cut it to avoid removing it over the head to minimize contact with the chemical. Place the clothing in a plastic bag and seal it tightly to prevent further contamination of the victim and others. Keep these bags in a safe place, away from everyone, especially children. In case a victim swallows ammonia, have them rinse their mouth repeatedly with cold water and spit it out. Do not induce vomiting and do not give the victim oils to neutralize the acid. If the victim vomits, keep their head lower than their feet to prevent vomit from entering the lungs. Then take the victim to a health center or hospital for treatment. If the victim is unconscious, perform artificial respiration until they regain consciousness. If the patient does not regain consciousness, continue mouth-to-mouth resuscitation until medical personnel arrive. Victims with severe symptoms such as persistent, severe coughing, or throat burns should be taken to the emergency room immediately. |
According to VOV
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