ammonia toxicity, exposure to ammonia at high levels. Ammonia acts on contact with moisture in the eyes, skin, and respiratory tract and any mucous surfaces to form caustic ammonium hydroxide. Ammonium hydroxide causes the necrosis of tissues through disruption of cell membrane lipids and leads to cellular destruction. As cell proteins break down, water is extracted, resulting in an inflammatory response that causes further damage. There is no antidote to ammonia toxicity. However, immediate decontamination of skin and eyes with copious amounts of water will hasten recovery. The individual should be removed from the area when ammonia vapors are high. A poison control center should be contacted immediately if ammonia is ingested.
