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Ammonia Exposure in Livestock Facilities

Ammonia builds up in livestock buildings from manure and urine, and it can irritate the eyes, nose, throat and lungs. This guide covers sources, signs and prevention in general terms.

Where does ammonia in a barn come from?

Ammonia comes from the breakdown of urine and manure. It is released from litter, bedding, floors, gutters and storage, and it rises when buildings are warm, humid or poorly ventilated. Poultry, swine and enclosed dairy or calf housing are common examples, but any building can have a problem.

Cleaning, moving litter or stirring manure can release a burst of gas in a short time, so the hazard changes during the day and across the seasons.

Seasonal changes matter. In cold weather, producers often close buildings to hold heat, which can reduce air exchange and let gas build up. In hot weather, wet litter and high humidity can raise the amount released. Pay attention to how the air feels when you walk in.

What does exposure feel like?

People often notice a sharp smell and stinging in the eyes, nose or throat. Coughing, a tight chest or a headache can follow. Workers who spend long periods in affected buildings may find that breathing problems linger after work.

People with asthma, allergies or other lung conditions, as well as young workers, can be affected sooner. If symptoms appear, leave the building for fresh air and talk with a health professional, especially if they return again and again.

How are animals affected?

Ammonia affects livestock too. Animals can have irritated eyes and airways, and long exposure can make them more prone to respiratory disease and slow their growth. If the air bothers you, it is probably affecting your animals.

Your veterinarian is a good partner for assessing air quality, since animal health signs often show up before human symptoms are recognized.

What helps reduce ammonia?

Fresh air is the main tool. Ventilation that is sized and maintained for the building, regular removal of wet litter and manure, good drainage and managing moisture all help. Equipment manuals and extension specialists can give you the design details for your type of building.

Be careful with quick fixes. Products sold to cut ammonia may have their own hazards, and mixing cleaners or chemicals can create new dangerous gases. Read every label and the safety data sheet, and ask extension before trying something new.

Record your own observations. A simple log of when staff notice irritation, when animals cough more, and what the weather and management conditions were can help your veterinarian or extension specialist spot a pattern and suggest changes.

• Keep ventilation fans clean and working
• Remove wet bedding and manure on a regular schedule
• Fix leaking waterers and drainage problems
• Never mix chemicals unless the label directs it

What about masks and respirators?

A dust mask is not designed to stop gases. Respirator choice depends on the specific hazard, and a proper program includes medical clearance, fit testing and training. Those details come from OSHA and the respirator manufacturer, not from a general article.

If you think workers need respiratory protection, start by asking OSHA or your state plan about what applies, then ask an occupational health provider. Reducing the source and improving ventilation come first.

Workers should never be pushed to wear equipment that does not fit or that they have not been trained to use. If a respirator is needed, the program should include a medical review. Ask your occupational health provider or OSHA what applies.

How do I keep workers and family safe?

Give new workers, including teenagers, a plain explanation of the hazard and what to do if they feel unwell. Encourage anyone to step outside without worry. Make sure there is a way to reach others if someone has trouble.

Rules about young workers in agricultural jobs are set by the U.S. Department of Labor, so confirm there before assigning tasks to anyone under 18. Rules can differ for work on a family farm.

Make it normal for people to speak up. A worker who says the air is bothering them is giving you useful information, not complaining. Thank them and look into it.

What should I do if someone is overcome?

If a person collapses, has serious trouble breathing or cannot be revived easily, call 911. Do not enter a building or space that you think holds strong gas without help from responders who have breathing equipment.

Hands-on first aid training is available through the Red Cross and local groups. Reading an article cannot replace practice.

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