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Ammonia Exposure in Poultry Houses

Ammonia rises from litter and manure, and in a poorly ventilated poultry house it can irritate eyes and lungs. Managing it protects both your health and your flock.

Where does ammonia come from?

Ammonia forms as bacteria break down manure and litter, especially when litter is wet and warm. The more moisture and waste there is, and the less air moves through the house, the more ammonia can build up.

You may notice a sharp smell, stinging eyes, or a burning feeling in your nose and throat. Smell alone is not a reliable measure, because people can get used to it and stop noticing, even when exposure continues.

Ammonia exposure limits and safe levels come from official sources such as OSHA and NIOSH. This guide does not state numbers, so look them up directly from those sources or ask your extension poultry specialist. Wash up and change clothes before going home. Ammonia and dust cling to clothing, and children and family members at home should not be breathing what you carried in from the house.

How does it affect people?

Short-term exposure can irritate the eyes, nose, throat and airways, and cause coughing. Higher exposure can cause more serious breathing trouble. Over time, working in poor air may contribute to chronic respiratory complaints, especially when combined with dust.

People with asthma or other lung conditions may be more sensitive. Ask your provider whether poultry house work is advisable for you, and what to do if symptoms occur.

If someone has severe trouble breathing or eye injury after exposure, call 911.

How does it affect the birds?

Ammonia can irritate birds' eyes and respiratory tracts, make them more prone to disease and affect how they grow and perform. A house that bothers you is likely bothering the flock too.

Your veterinarian and extension poultry specialist can help you recognize signs in birds and discuss targets for air quality in your type of production.

Watching bird behavior, litter quality and your own comfort together gives a better picture than any single indicator.

What helps reduce ammonia?

Moisture control is the key theme. Fix leaking waterers and roofs, manage ventilation to remove moisture, and handle litter so that it stays as dry and friable as possible. Litter treatments and management practices exist, and extension specialists can advise on what suits your house.

Ventilation systems must be sized, set and maintained properly. Fans, inlets, controllers and sensors need regular checks. Follow the equipment manufacturer's instructions and consult a qualified ventilation specialist for design questions.

Stocking density, feed and bird health also affect litter condition, so these are worth discussing with your flock advisors.

• Repair leaks and keep waterers adjusted
• Remove wet or caked litter promptly
• Keep fans, inlets and controls maintained
• Check ventilation settings as weather changes
• Review stocking and feed with your advisors

Can you measure ammonia?

Yes, some monitors and test kits exist for ammonia in the air. They vary in accuracy and purpose, so ask your supplier or extension specialist about their limits and how to use them. Follow manufacturer directions and calibration instructions.

Monitors do not replace good ventilation and sound management, but they can show when conditions are changing and help you decide what to adjust.

Do not rely on your nose alone to judge air quality.

When is respiratory protection needed?

During tasks that stir up dust and ammonia, such as cleanout, litter handling and catching birds, official guidance points to using appropriate respiratory protection. Dust masks do not provide protection against ammonia gas, and the correct equipment depends on the situation.

Where OSHA rules apply, they cover selection, medical evaluation and fit testing. Check osha.gov and talk to your extension office for what suits your tasks.

Take breaks in fresh air, and leave the house if you feel unwell.

What should you do after symptoms?

Talk to a health care provider if you have persistent cough, wheezing, eye irritation or breathlessness related to poultry work, and describe the tasks. Early attention helps.

In an emergency, call 911.

Record keeping helps. A simple log of house conditions, ventilation settings, litter condition and how the air feels when you walk in can reveal patterns, such as problems that appear after a cold snap or when stocking changes. Share the log with your veterinarian or extension specialist when you ask for advice.

Last reviewed: November 12, 2026. Written by the Farm Safety Editorial Team. See our editorial policy.