Why are ammonia levels important?
Ammonia is toxic and may be fatal if inhaled, ingested or absorbed through the skin. Exposure to ammonia – with its irritative and corrosive properties – can lead to irritation, frostbite and serious chemical burns on the skin, in the mouth, throat, lungs and eyes. Other common symptoms include headaches, shortness of breath, nausea, and vomiting. Some people suffering from asthma or other pulmonary conditions may be more sensitive than others to the effects of ammonia. Most of us can smell ammonia in concentrations of less than 20 parts per million (ppm) of air – but repeated exposure to its presence rduces our ability to smell it.
