The aggressive odor caused by ammonia is a significant feature. Due to the great ease in dissolving in the water, the ammonia ends up impregnating itself in the skin, the mucosa of the nostrils, the throat and the eyes. This causes a very strong irritation and by conditioned reflex the eyes close and it is difficult to breathe. At higher concentrations there is a corrosive effect on the mucosa of the nostrils leading to difficulty breathing, chest pain, coughing and dyspnea.
At very high concentrations it may cause respiratory arrest and even after hours of exposure pulmonary edema may occur. But if soon after the symptoms disappear (cough, chest pain) this indicates that there are no greater risks.
Liquid ammonia or low temperature gas can cause severe burns to the skin if there is no protection.
Also the aqua-ammonia solution can cause burns due to the high pH of the solution, therefore, after an ammonia purge in a tank with water, one must be very careful with the emptying of the same.
