title: Human physiological response and adaption to ammonia.
abstract: Other than anecdoted observations, there are no published reports on the physiological effects of ammonia at concentrations normally encountered industrially or information on whether inurement develops after repeated exposure. Six unacclimated male and female volunteers were exposed six hours per day over a six week period to concentrations of 25, 50, and 100 ppm ammonia in an industrial environment, under strict medical surveillance. Inurement to eye, nose, and throat irritation was demonstrated after two to three weeks in addition to short-term subjective adaption. There were no significant differences between subjects or controls on common biological indicators, in physical examinations, or in performance of normal job duties. After acclimation, continuous exposure to 100 ppm, with occasional excursions to 200 ppm, is easily tolerated and has no observed effect on general health.
mesh_terms: D000222:Adaptation, Physiological; D000328:Adult; D000388:Air / Q000032:analysis; D000641:Ammonia / Q000032:analysis / Q000494:pharmacology*; D001794:Blood Pressure / Q000187:drug effects; D005123:Eye / Q000187:drug effects; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007221:Industry; D007509:Irritants; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011674:Pulse / Q000187:drug effects; D012119:Respiration / Q000187:drug effects; D012129:Respiratory Function Tests; D013997:Time Factors
chemical_list: D007509:Irritants; D000641:Ammonia