Poisoning with ammonia solution. Dangerous ammonia poisoning
Ammonia is a chemical gaseous substance that is widely used in various industries, industries, and medicine. Known to everyone ammonia is an ammonia solution. In this article, we examined in detail ammonia poisoning, the main causes and first signs of this intoxication, and the scope of first aid to the injured person.
Causes of ammonia poisoning
Ammonia is available in various concentrations. Its minimum amount (10%) is found in ammonia, and the maximum (40%) in solvents that can be purchased at construction stores. Ammonia has a specific unpleasant smell, which cannot be confused with anything.
Below are the main possible reasons occurrence of ammonia poisoning.
- Accident at the plant in which an ammonia leak occurred. In this case, massive ammonia vapor poisoning occurs, which can lead to the death of a large number of production employees and people living near the factory.
- Use of solvents during DIY repair work. Ammonia is the main component of household solvents.
- Failure to comply with personal safety rules when working with ammonia in the workplace.
- Intoxication with ammonia. Many people are wondering whether it is possible to be poisoned by medical ammonia. The concentration of ammonia in this preparation is quite high. In medicine it is used to revive drunk people. Symptoms of intoxication develop with prolonged inhalation of its vapors.
- Oral exposure to ammonia is extremely rare and can be fatal. People with suicidal tendencies can drink ammonia for the purpose of committing suicide.
- Ammonia contact with the eyes causes severe burns to the conjunctiva.
Symptoms of ammonia intoxication
Signs of ammonia poisoning develop within the first 5-10 minutes after contact with this substance. They are growing sharply. The severity of the patient's condition depends on the duration of contact and the concentration of the ammonia solution. The nature of the signs of ammonia damage depends on the route it enters the body.
The table below shows characteristic symptoms ammonia intoxication with different ways entering the body.
| Path of impact | Basic clinical manifestations poisoning |
| Through Airways |
|
| Oral |
|
| Mucous membrane of the eyes |
|
| Leather |
|
Remember that in severe cases the victim develops swelling of the respiratory tract, cessation of breathing and heartbeat, which leads to death. Getting ammonia into the eyes can lead to total, irreversible loss of vision.
First aid for ammonia poisoning
What to do in case of ammonia poisoning, how can you help the victim?
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First, you need to stop the patient’s contact with the toxic chemical and remove him to fresh, unpolluted air. At respiratory poisoning ammonia symptoms develop very quickly.
For maximum effective assistance the poisoned person should stop panicking, pull himself together and act quickly.
Remember that before providing first aid to the victim, you need to ensure your safety. If you work in a factory, you need to know what to use to moisten your bandage to protect against ammonia. It is best to use 2% acetic or citric acid.
Once you are in a safe place, you should immediately call an ambulance. Explain to the dispatcher what happened, state the number of victims, the suspected toxic substance and the correct location and exact address. After calling the EMS team, you can begin to provide assistance yourself. first aid to the patient.
First aid for ammonia poisoning through the respiratory tract
- Provide the patient with access to fresh air. Unbutton his shirt and tie. If you are indoors, open the windows wide for ventilation.
- Let the patient rinse his mouth, throat and nose with plain water, and wash his eyes.
- Give the victim mineral or table water or sweet tea to drink.
What to do if ammonia comes into contact with your skin or eyes
If ammonia gets into your eyes or skin, rinse the affected area with running water for 20-25 minutes.
Oral poisoning
Ammonia, when ingested, causes a burn to the mucous membrane of the esophagus and stomach. Inducing vomiting or trying to rinse the stomach yourself at home is prohibited. These actions will lead to repeated burns of the esophageal mucosa and may provoke the development painful shock and internal bleeding. Gastric lavage is carried out only by emergency physicians using a tube.
If a person accidentally or deliberately drank ammonia solution, you need to give him a glass of plain water to drink. The liquid will dilute the concentration of the chemical in the stomach cavity and reduce its irritation and toxic effect.
Treatment of ammonia poisoning
Treatment of ammonia poisoning begins with emergency physicians. They assess the severity of the patient’s condition, check his blood pressure, pulse, respiratory rate, and blood saturation. They then begin activities aimed at stabilizing the patient and preparing him for hospitalization.
First health care comprises:
- connecting the patient to oxygen through a mask;
- administration of atropine (ammonia antidote);
- intravenous drip administration rehydration solutions;
- gastric lavage through a tube (with oral route poisoning);
- normalization of respiratory rate and level blood pressure.
Patients with ammonia poisoning hospitalized in the toxicology or intensive care unit. The duration and extent of therapy depend on the route of entry and duration of contact with the chemical.
Ammonia poisoning is a serious and dangerous condition. It can lead to severe operational problems internal organs And internal bleeding. It is strictly forbidden to treat this condition on your own. First of all, you should stop the patient’s contact with ammonia and call an ambulance. Further therapy carried out in a hospital. Its duration directly correlates with the severity of the patient’s condition and the development of complications.
Modern man lives in constant contact with unfavorable factors external environment, in particular, harmful chemicals. High level urbanization directly affects the health of the population: a resident of the average metropolis is faced with the full periodic table every day. One of the most harmful substances- this is ammonia. Ammonia poisoning is not as common, but it is different great danger, since it is fraught with the development of problems with breathing and cardiac activity. Anyone can get poisoned, so you need to learn more about this reagent and risk factors. It would also be a good idea to learn the first aid algorithm.
What is ammonia, and what is the mechanism of poisoning?
Ammonia is a volatile (gaseous) substance. This gas has an unpleasant, suffocating odor. In everyday life, people encounter ammonia in the form of 10% alcohol solution(ammonia). Due to its volatility, this substance actively evaporates from solution, exciting nerve centers. Therefore, ammonia is often used to bring a person to consciousness after fainting. In industry, ammonia is found in high concentrations, up to 30%. The gas is not used in higher concentrations because it is highly toxic. Ammonia and similar reagents are used in paint and varnish production, in the manufacture of textiles, etc.
The mechanism of poisoning is associated with the alkaline properties of ammonia: after all, ammonia is an alkali. There are three types of poisoning with this substance:
By inhalation.
In case of contact with skin.
In case of contact with eyes.
In all three cases, the mechanism remains the same: like any alkali, ammonia corrodes the tissues and mucous membranes of organs: bronchi, eyes, nose, etc. Chemical burn the stronger the higher the concentration.
Risk factors for ammonia poisoning
Workers in paint and textile factories. Constantly interact with ammonia fumes. The vast majority of patients are people working in enterprises where ammonia is used.
Residents of large cities. Ammonia is a breakdown product of many substances. People living near industrial enterprises.
Contrary to the prevailing opinion that only concentrated substances lead to poisoning, the following must be said. You can be poisoned by any dose of ammonia, it’s a matter of time. Even a small amount of a substance that has a long-term effect on the body can lead to toxic damage.
Thus, ammonia is a dangerous reagent that you should be careful with.
All the symptoms of ammonia poisoning
Ammonia is a substance that has a superficial effect on the body, which means that it does not have a destructive effect on the nervous system and organs (except the lungs). However, this does not stop ammonia from being dangerous. All symptoms of ammonia poisoning can be divided into three groups:
Symptoms of skin damage.
Symptoms of eye damage.
Symptoms of respiratory damage.
Symptoms of ammonia skin damage include:
Redness of the skin. In the first few hours, the skin almost always remains intact (unless we are talking about highly concentrated ammonia). Redness is caused by a rush of blood to the affected area of the skin. During this time, it is recommended to refrain from rinsing your hands with water. Water only enhances the effect of ammonia.
Painful sensations. They vary in intensity from slight to very strong. With deep burns, pain is not felt because the nerve endings.
Necrosis of the affected area. Otherwise, the skin will die. The damaged area darkens and begins to be rejected by the body.
The appearance of blisters, peeling of the skin. In cases where the lesion is not too deep, the skin does not become necrotic.
In general, the symptoms are very similar to those of ordinary burns.
When the eyes are affected, the symptoms are even more pronounced:
Redness of the sclera. This manifestation is associated with an increase intraocular pressure and increased production of tear fluid.
Tearing. In this way, the body tries to get rid of the foreign substance.
Blurred vision. Described by patients as a fog before the eyes. Caused by damage to the conjunctiva.
If help is not given in a timely manner, blindness may develop.
Symptoms of respiratory tract damage are much more dangerous and can be fatal. The first signs of ammonia poisoning when the lungs are affected include:
Advanced education mucus in the nose (runny nose). Caused by irritation of the nasal mucosa.
Redness of the mucous membranes of the throat and nose due to blood flow.
Elevated department saliva due to damage to the oral mucosa.
Dry mouth, nose.
Burning sensation in the throat, soreness.
Nausea and vomiting.
Difficulty breathing due to lung damage. Complete respiratory depression is possible, in which case urgent resuscitation cannot be avoided.
As can be seen from the list, the symptom complex is wide. But it is not always possible to determine what is the source of the problem.
First aid for ammonia poisoning
In case of ammonia poisoning, first aid should be provided immediately, even in mild cases.
The first thing to do is call an ambulance. It is almost impossible to cope with poisoning on your own. Toxic lesions should be dealt with by doctors (toxicologists, in severe cases - pulmonologists).
Further actions designed to alleviate and stabilize the condition of the victim.
It is necessary to remove the patient from the premises as quickly as possible. Fresh air will improve ventilation of the lungs, and therefore reduce the toxic effect chemical substance.
As already mentioned, under no circumstances should you wash damaged areas with water. This is true for the skin and mucous membranes. Only weakly concentrated acid solutions can be used. A solution is suitable for these purposes citric acid(half a teaspoon per glass of water). This product is used to rinse the nasopharynx and skin.
With the eyes the situation is even more complicated. You can’t rinse your eyes with acid, nor with water. What remains to be done? It is necessary to drop a weak anesthetic, such as Dicaine, into the eyes and wear sunglasses. Damaged eyes should only be treated by an ophthalmologist.
If you are injured in addition to your eyes, skin or lungs digestive tract, a weak solution is used table salt. You need to drink two to four glasses of water and induce vomiting.
After washing the skin, apply a bandage to the damaged area.
You cannot take medications. The steps described are quite enough to alleviate the patient’s condition. First aid for ammonia poisoning is aimed only at stabilizing the condition. You should not self-medicate.
Ammonia poisoning: treatment
Specific treatment There is no such thing as ammonia poisoning. Therapy is symptomatic, aimed at eliminating negative manifestations. To alleviate the condition, the victim is prescribed analgesics and antispasmodics to relieve painful sensations. Held dynamic observation, applying bandages with painkillers and regenerative ointments. At the end acute period inhalations are prescribed (the drug is selected by the doctor).
Prevention of ammonia poisoning
Preventive actions coincide with safety precautions when working with this substance.
When interacting with ammonia, you must wear protective equipment.
When living in areas with high concentrations of ammonia, you should ventilate the room only to daytime hours: At night and in the morning, enterprises most actively discharge gaseous waste.
Thus, ammonia poisoning, although not as common, is difficult for the patient. Burns to the eyes and respiratory tract are especially dangerous. In the first case, there is a high risk of blindness, in the second - death. First aid should be provided immediately after symptoms appear. Treatment is symptomatic and aimed at stabilizing the condition.
- a gas with a rather pungent and unpleasant odor, in case of poisoning with which certain signs of a deterioration in a person’s well-being very quickly begin to appear. The first to appear are: rapid breathing, runny nose and lacrimation. Already when these anxiety symptoms you must leave the premises. The main thing you need when providing first aid for ammonia poisoning is Fresh air for the victim. It is better to do this right away, especially if you are afraid of not being able to cope on your own. You need to wash your eyes big amount water and drip sodium sulfacyl 30% (albucid). In case of contact with skin, ammonia is washed off with a stream of water. Even after everything has been done, the victim needs to seek medical help. Over the next 24 hours, rest and bed rest. In the next few days, instillation of albucid is carried out every 2-3 hours.
Further stay in a room where there is a high concentration of ammonia can lead to more severe consequences. In this case, you will need not only first aid for ammonia poisoning, but also continued treatment in a hospital setting, under the constant supervision of doctors.
With more long stay In such a room, other signs of poisoning begin to appear: lacrimation increases, breathing and heart rate increase, whooping cough, salivation increases, and dizziness, chest and stomach pain appear, and vomiting is possible. Another sign of poisoning is hoarseness and hoarseness of the voice and difficulty speaking - this is due to swelling of the larynx and narrowing of the glottis. In more severe cases, ammonia poisoning is accompanied by impaired coordination of movements, delirium and loss of consciousness.
When providing first aid for ammonia poisoning, it is important to remain calm and not give in to panic and a thoughtless impulse - to rush in and save, so as not to become victims of poisoning yourself. Therefore, it is necessary to wear protective equipment - a gas mask or respirator and protective glasses, if you have any on hand. Also, to protect yourself and help the victim, you can moisten a cotton-gauze bandage with a solution of citric acid. On extreme case use a towel or any cloth folded in several layers and moistened with water.
The victim must be taken out of the room into fresh air, always on the leeward side. Before the emergency medical team arrives, if possible, allow the patient to breathe warm steam acidified with a small addition of vinegar. This can be done simply through the spout of the kettle, if you do not have a special inhaler. The victim must be covered and warmed. Gargling and rinsing the nose with water are mandatory; effectiveness is achieved by performing this procedure for at least 10-15 minutes. If you lose your voice, drink plenty of warm drinks, inhalations, and warm compresses. The patient is transported to the hospital in a supine state, with oxygen supplied.
At severe poisoning with ammonia, the victim must be taken out into fresh air, freed from tight clothing, placed on something soft, and warmed up. If vomiting, turn your head slightly to one side to avoid getting caught. vomit into the respiratory tract. If breathing stops, do artificial respiration. Once you are sure that the victim’s life is not in danger, you can entrust further treatment to qualified medical specialists.
Sincerely,
Ammonia translated from Greek (hals ammoniakos) means ammon's salt. Ammonia is a colorless gas with a pungent odor, melting point - 80 ° C, boiling point - 36 ° C, soluble in water, alcohol and a number of other organic solvents. Synthesized from nitrogen and hydrogen. In nature, it is formed during the decomposition of nitrogen-containing organic compounds.
Pure ammonia was obtained by the English chemist and philosopher Joseph Priestley in 1774. The industrial technology for producing ammonia was developed and implemented in 1913 by German chemists Fritz Haber and Carl Bosch, who received Nobel Prizes for their research.
Ammonia is one of the most important products chemical industry. Most of the ammonia produced in industry is used for the preparation of nitric acid, nitrogen fertilizers, and dyes. Ammonia is also used to produce explosives. Aqueous solutions of ammonia are widely used. As a weak volatile base, it is used in chemical laboratories and industries. Baking soda is produced using ammonia.
In medicine 10% water solution ammonia is known as ammonia. The pungent odor of ammonia irritates specific receptors of the nasal mucosa and promotes stimulation of the respiratory and vasomotor centers, therefore, in cases of fainting or alcohol poisoning the victim is allowed to inhale vapors of ammonia.
When soldering metals, ammonium chloride is used - ammonia - NH4Сl. At high temperature ammonia decomposes to form ammonia, which cleans the surfaces of the soldering iron and the product being soldered from metal oxides.
When liquid ammonia evaporates, it is absorbed a large number of heat, which is why it is used in refrigeration units.
Liquid ammonia causes severe burns leather, so it is usually transported in steel cylinders (painted yellow, have the inscription “Ammonia” in black), railway and road tanks, by water - in special tankers, and are also transported through pipelines.
A mixture of ammonia and air is explosive. Ammonia burns in the presence of a constant source of fire. Containers may explode when heated. Ammonia gas is a toxic compound. When its concentration in the air of the working area is about 350 mg/m3 (milligrams per cubic meter) or higher, work should be stopped and people should be removed from the danger zone. The maximum permissible concentration of ammonia in the air of the working area is 20 mg/m3.
Ammonia is dangerous if inhaled. In acute poisoning, ammonia affects the eyes and respiratory tract; at high concentrations it can cause fatal outcome. Calls coughing, suffocation, with a high concentration of vapors - excitement, delirium. Upon contact with skin - burning pain, swelling, burn with blisters. At chronic poisoning Indigestion, catarrh of the upper respiratory tract, and hearing loss are observed.
In case of ammonia poisoning, the following measures must be taken.
First aid: rinse eyes and face with water, put on a gas mask or a cotton-gauze bandage moistened with a 5% citric acid solution, open areas Rinse the skin with plenty of water and immediately leave the source of infection.
If ammonia gets into the stomach, you should drink several glasses warm water with adding one teaspoon of table vinegar to a glass of water and induce vomiting.
Personal protection: insulating and filtering gas masks of grades M, KD, RPG-67KD respirator, in their absence - a cotton-gauze bandage moistened with a 5% solution of citric acid, a protective suit, rubber boots, gloves.
In the affected area, you must stay to the windward side. Isolate danger zone and keep outsiders away. Enter the accident area only in full protective clothing. Follow the measures fire safety, no smoking.
In case of leakage or spillage: eliminate sources of open flame. Fix the leak. Use sprayed water to precipitate gases. Notify local authorities of the danger of poisoning. Evacuate people from the area exposed to the danger of poisonous gas. Do not allow the substance to enter water bodies, tunnels, basements, or sewers.
In case of fire: remove from the fire area if it does not pose a danger and allow it to burn out. Do not get close to burning containers. Cool containers with water from a maximum distance. Extinguish with sprayed water and air-mechanical foam from a maximum distance.
The material was prepared based on information from open sources
If safety precautions are not followed when working with a dangerous substance called ammonia, there is a risk of intoxication.
How to recognize ammonia poisoning
When confronted with not all gases, symptoms of poisoning appear immediately, but ammonia poisoning cannot be confused with anything, because the consequences of poisoning are terrible. The following symptoms of ammonia poisoning help to understand what the victim is facing:
- dull pain inside the skull;
- breathing problems: runny nose, feeling of suffocation;
- increased dry cough;
- excessive secretion of salivary glands;
- the occurrence of a gag reflex;
- heartburn;
- excessive tearing;
- deterioration of the vocal cords.
After observing the following symptoms of poisoning, first aid for ammonia poisoning is necessary, otherwise complications will occur.
How does ammonia poisoning occur?
The air around us consists of a mixture of gases; we can safely assume that ammonia is also present in it. But the whole point is that if the amount begins to exceed 20 milligrams per 1 m3, there is a risk of ammonia poisoning. Sometimes, when work in sewerage and treatment plants is not carried out according to safety regulations, mainly in the absence of protective suits on workers.
The effects of ammonia on the body are dangerous. As a result of ingestion, it leads to rapid dilation of blood vessels, and this causes a sharp drop in blood pressure, leading to collapse. Its effect on the skin and mucous membranes of the eye organs is especially fraught with bitter consequences. A burn will occur, which is very painful.
Symptoms of ammonia poisoning
Ammonia finds ways to affect the human body:
- through the skin;
- mucous membrane of the eyes;
- nasopharynx, oral cavity.
Considering that when interacting with this gas one cannot do without destructive consequences, the symptoms of poisoning make themselves felt instantly. Even if the victim encountered him for a short period of time, the consequences cannot be avoided.
When acute poisoning The following symptoms occur, which should promptly call an emergency ambulance:
- problems with the nasopharynx and larynx, expressed in a runny nose, sore throat, dry cough;
- a problem with vocal cords, hoarseness;
- excessive work of the lacrimal and salivary glands;
- damage to the mucous membranes of the eyes;
- pressure inside the chest;
- problems with the gastrointestinal tract;
- suffocation;
- headache.
If poisoning occurred as a result of interaction with large arrays or high concentration ammonia, the consequences will be similar:
- in direct contact with the skin, there is a risk of burns, which subsequently results in the formation of a crusty coating on the surface of the skin;
- in case of contact with the mucous membrane of the eye, the consequences are the most dire, in the worst case - blindness or partial loss of vision.
Considering the terrifying effect of this gas, one can logically come to the conclusion that it often happens deaths. But all subsequent consequences depend on the concentration of the gas, and how much came into direct contact with the human body.
What to do if ammonia comes into contact with your skin or eyes
To avoid burns or ammonia poisoning, you need to protect yourself from its effects in advance. For degassing, you need to create a water curtain, simultaneously using a 1 or 20% solution of oxalic acid. They also use 5% boric, acetic and citric acid. You can’t do production without respirators, protective suits and cotton-gauze bandages.
Hit dangerous gas A first or second degree burn occurs on the mucous membranes. Ammonia easily dissolves in water, which is why, once inside the body, it settles on the water surface and subsequently irritates it. Toxic pulmonary edema is another effect of the gas.
In case of poisoning, first aid for ammonia poisoning should be provided immediately. The victim's visual organs can be saved by rinsing them with a phosphate buffer solution or running water. Then it is recommended to instill 0.5% dicaine. In case of defeat skin you should use acids: boric, citric, acetic or ascorbic. If the focus of the lesion is the respiratory tract, then an intravenous solution of euphilin or prednisolone should be administered. Exposure to the gas causes unbearable pain, which can be stopped by injecting painkillers.
How to provide first aid for ammonia poisoning
If a person comes across a poisoning victim, he should be provided with first aid immediately. At the same time, you need to know what to moisten the bandage with in case of ammonia poisoning, how to help with a burn, what is the antidote for ammonia, because this information will help save a person’s life.
First, you should call an ambulance, during which time you should help the patient cope with poisoning. It needs to be taken outside or at least ensured that fresh air gets into the body and onto the affected areas. After all this, it is recommended to rinse the nose and throat, but not with plain water, but with a mixture of citric acid, calculating the concentration. If the eyes are affected, Dicain should be instilled immediately, which should then be protected from direct contact. sun rays. If the skin is damaged, rinse the area with running water.
In many households, the necessary solutions are not available, but this does not mean that you need to do nothing, because they can be replaced with ordinary running water. In no case should you overdo it when trying to help, since assistance can only be provided in a hospital setting.
When dealing with ammonia, do not forget that it is explosive. Even a small match can be the last one in a person’s life if he accidentally lights it in a place where gas accumulates. Industrial workers who interact with ammonia always wear protective suits and carefully check the contents of all containers.
Careful study of all instructions will help protect against harmful effects ammonia. Gloves and any protective equipment will be useful. It should be hidden far away from children, because the consequences will be dire if they find it.
As mentioned earlier, the effects of ammonia on the human body are very dangerous, which is why you should always handle it with caution. Even small portions of gas can be destructive and lead to inevitable consequences:
- chronic problems with the central nervous system;
- deterioration of brain function, which includes partial memory loss, migraines and pain, nervous tics;
- problems with the hearing organs, complete deafness is possible;
- deterioration in performance visual organs, up to blindness.
Considering the horrific consequences of gas influence, it is necessary to the slightest sign its appearance in the form of a smell, leave the room and go into fresh air. All this needs to be done while simultaneously covering up cotton-gauze bandage or a damp cloth.
Everything depends on compliance with safety precautions, because if health and life itself are valuable, a person will not neglect banal rules. Then you won't need medical help.
Consequences of ammonia poisoning
Clinical signs are not the only ones a victim of ammonia poisoning may experience. The effect of the gas is irreversible, and subsequent consequences may not be perceived as the cause of the poisoning effect, which is erroneous in some cases.
A person who has suffered poisoning faces serious complications in the face of problems with the central nervous system. The limbs do not perform all the functions sent by nerve impulses, the brain begins to lose ground, which results in a decrease in intelligence, the occurrence of nervous tics and breakdowns. Job vestibular apparatus is also getting worse. There is a decrease in sensitivity and constant dizziness.
The functioning of the hearing organs may also deteriorate, and the middle ear and outer ear begin to lose their former performance. All this can lead to complete deafness. As is the case with the hearing organs, the visual organs suffer no less. The sharpness is lost, and the worst thing is blindness, and may also await in the near future.
To avoid poisoning, protective suits and equipment, respirators and gas masks have been created. If you protect yourself from dangerous things in advance, you can leave work with ammonia healthy; you won’t need an antidote. You should not neglect banal safety precautions, because it is precisely this that so often saves human lives.
