Experts: Ammonia gas can have long-term effect on health

Manav Mander

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Tribune News Service

Ludhiana, June 13

Nearly 190 people today landed in various hospitals after an ammonia gas tanker leaked near Doraha. According to experts inhalation of ammonia gas leads to respiratory burns and can also have long-term consequences in some cases. The effect of the gas would last for nearly 24-48 hours at the place where the tragedy occurred and the effect can be felt within the radius of 500 metres, they said.

Ammonia is a strong, colourless gas and poisoning might occur if one breathes it. Poisoning may also occur if one swallow or touch products that contain very large amount of ammonia.

“Ammonia is a corrosive substance and it can cause toxic effect on body parts which comes in direct contact with it such as skin, eyes, respiratory tract, mouth, and digestive tract. For example, if you spill a bottle of concentrated ammonia on the floor and you smell it, a strong odour emanates and you might cough, and your eyes might water because of irritation,” they said.

Dr Ajit Singh Chawla, president of Ludhiana branch of IMA, said: “After being exposed to very high level of ammonia, one will experience harmful effects on the body. For example, if one walks into a dense cloud of ammonia or if one’s skin comes in contact with concentrated ammonia, the skin, eyes, throat, or lungs may be severely burned. These burns might be serious enough to cause permanent blindness, lung disease or death.” Dr Anil Luther, head of casualty and professor of general surgery at Christian Medical College and Hospital, said: “The gas inhalation can also have long-term effects on the body. A person can develop chronic breathing problem.”

Effect on different body parts

Lungs and chest 

• Cough
• Chest pain (severe)
• Chest tightness
• Difficulty in breathing
• Rapid breathing
• Wheezing

Skin

• Bluish coloured lips and fingernails 
• Severe burns if contact is longer than a few minutes

Heart and blood

• Rapid, weak pulse
• Collapse and shock

Nervous system

• Confusion
• Difficulty walking
• Dizziness
• Lack of coordination
• Restlessness
• Stupor (altered level of consciousness)

Body-wide

• Fever

Eyes, ears, nose, mouth, and throat

• Tears and burning of eyes
• Temporary blindness
• Throat pain (severe)
• Mouth pain
• Lip swelling

Stomach and gastrointestinal tract 

• Severe stomach pain
• Vomiting