Ammonia is second to dust as the leading cause of severe respiratory disease in horses. Although it has a powerful smell, extended exposure causes us to dismiss it. Teri Clark provides an excellent overview of ammonia risks and mitigation methods in this easy-to-share PDF.
Horses plus horse caretakers and their families, trainers, instructors, managers, grooms, farm hands, pupils and visitors can also be affected.
Source: Animal Wellness. Link. Ammonia is a caustic, corrosive gas that is poisonous when
inhaled in high concentrations. Signs of ammonia poisoning in horses and humans include:
- burning, watery eyes
- coughing
- nose and throat irritation
- difficulty breathing
- nausea
- vomiting
- dizziness