Citation

Meulenbelt J. Medicine (Abingdon) 2003; 31(9): 30-31.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2003, Medicine Publishing)

DOI

10.1383/medc.31.9.30.27713

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Ammonia (Figure 1) is one of the most extensively used industrial chemicals. Most individuals can identify its odour at a concentration of 35 mg/m3 (1 mg/m3 is about 1.42 ppm). Occupational atmospheric exposure is usually regulated to a limit of 18-40 mg/m3. At concentrations of more than 50 mg/m3, ammonia vapour is irritant to the eyes and the upper respiratory tract. Exposure to concentrations of more than 1000 mg/m3 may lead to severe respiratory distress within minutes. Concentrations of more than 1500 mg/m3 are immediately life-threatening.