Ammonia

What is ammonia?

Ammonia is a colorless gas with a very distinct odor. This odor is familiar to many people because ammonia is released in human and animal urine. Ammonia is an important source of nitrogen for plants and animals and is released into the environment in low levels from decaying plants or animals, coal or wood fires, and marshes.

Ammonia is used in smelling salts, household and industrial cleaners, and window-cleaning products. Ammonia can also be found directly in soil on farm fields and is used to make fertilizers.

How can I be exposed to ammonia?

Everyone is exposed to low levels of naturally occurring ammonia in air, food, water, and soil. People can be exposed to higher levels of ammonia from air and direct contact with ammonia-containing products or fertilizers.

People can be exposed to elevated levels of ammonia when using cleaning products indoors, entering buildings that have a lot of animals without adequate ventilation, and applying fertilizers. People who live near places where fertilizers are stored or large animal farms may be exposed to higher than average ammonia levels.

How can ammonia affect my health?

Exposure to low levels of ammonia in air can cause eye, nose, and throat irritation in some people. Exposure to higher levels can cause headaches, nausea, and intense burning of the eyes, nose, throat, and skin. Exposure to very high levels of ammonia gas can cause serious burns and permanent damage to the eyes and lungs.

Swallowing liquids that contain ammonia can cause severe burns of the mouth, throat, and stomach. Splashing ammonia into your eyes can cause burns and even blindness.

What can I do to protect myself and my family?

If you smell ammonia, leave the area and call 911.

• Store home cleaning supplies out of sight and reach of young children.
• Follow the manufacturer's instructions when using household cleaners. You may need to increase ventilation.
• Do not enter agricultural or industrial areas without appropriate training and protection.
• Handle liquid ammonia fertilizer with caution.
• Do not mix ammonia-containing solutions with household bleach.

Call 911 if someone has gotten ammonia in their mouth or on their skin.

Who regulates ammonia in Wisconsin?

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) regulates how much ammonia can be released into the air, surface water (lakes, rivers, and streams), and groundwater in Wisconsin. 

DNR oversees the clean up of contaminated sites.

The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade, and Consumer Protection (DATCP) regulates the sale and distribution of fertilizers in Wisconsin.

Related topics

Our groundwater standards page has information on how Wisconsin's groundwater standards are set, DHS' role in the process, and a summary of the current and recommended standards including ammonia.

The DNR's particle pollution page has basic information on how outdoor air regulations work, including how ammonia is regulated.

The Agency for Toxic Substances and Diseases Registry's ToxFAQs page has more information on ammonia exposure routes and health effects.