Household Ammonia Precautions

Be extremely careful when cleaning with ammonia.

Ammonia is a frequent element found in household cleaners. Often featured in all-purpose cleaners and degreasers, "tub and tile" bathroom cleaners, dish-washing liquids, floor cleaner, upholstery cleaners, stain removers and window cleaners, ammonia is highly irritating and toxic. It continues to be used, however, because of its powerful cleaning abilities, particularly on hard surfaces and built-up grime and dirt. Household cleaners typically feature ammonia solutions of 5 percent to 10 percent, by weight, water-diluted.

Irritation: Skin & Eyes

The most common problem caused by ammonia, especially when featured in low dosage in household cleaning products, is irritation to the eyes and skin. This irritation can be caused by direct contact with the skin or eyes; as a precaution, wear rubber gloves when cleaning. Protective eye wear is typically not needed unless your eyes are particularly sensitive to ammonia fumes. As a precaution, you should also open as many windows as possible when you are cleaning with ammonia, and turn on an exhaust fan if able.

Irritation: Lungs & Mucous Membranes

Ammonia can be extremely irritating to the lungs and mucous membranes, and your first precaution should be opening the windows in the room you are cleaning to ensure steady air flow. If you are cleaning with ammonia in strong solutions, you should also wear a protective mask. If you have asthma or other respiratory problems, you may want to forgo ammonia cleaning products altogether, as the already irritating qualities of ammonia can exacerbate existing conditions.

Long-term exposure to ammonia fumes can cause severe liver, lung and kidney damage.

Mixing: Bleach

Ammonia must never, ever be mixed with bleach, or other cleaners using chlorine. When cleaning with either ammonia or chlorine chemicals, use extreme caution, as both ammonia and bleach are common ingredients in household cleaners. Combined, ammonia and bleach form chlorine gas, a potentially fatal gas once used for chemical warfare during World War I. A frequent initial side effect of exposure is dizziness and seeing white spots, indicating a lack of oxygen in the brain. If this occurs, ventilate the area and call emergency services immediately.

Mixing: Halogens & Metals

A less common yet still dangerous ammonia solution reaction can occur when ammonia is combined with halogens, silver, mercury or iodide salts. Depending on the amount of ammonia in the cleaner, an explosion can result from these combinations.

References

• NaturalDoctor.org: Toxic Household Products
• Networx: The Ins and Outs of Ammonia Cleaning
• Spiritus Temporis: Ammonia Safety Precautions
• DetergentsandSoaps.com: Ammonia
• University of Florida Extension; Marie Hammer; Hazardous Household Substances: Alternatives That Are Relatively Free of Toxic Effects

Resources

• Occupational Safety and Health Administration: Ammonia in Workplace Atmospheres