Ammonia is a colorless gas that is lighter than air. This material is easily recognizable because of its pungent aroma. Ammonia, which can be in the form of gas, liquid, or solid objects, can be contained in various objects and for various uses, such as cleaning products, fertilizers, and supporting materials for the fermentation process.
The health dilemma is that this ingredient is also present in products that we often use everyday. The harmful effects of ammonia generally occur due to inhalation of certain amounts. Ingestion and direct contact with skin and eyes can also endanger health. Ammonia in the air can begin to cause irritation at levels around 50 ppm. In water and food, ammonia is naturally present at levels below 35 ppm.
The effect felt by each individual depends on the dose, duration, and method of contact with substances containing ammonia. In pregnant women, ingredients that contain ammonia can cause nausea because of the smell.
Ammonia in Hair Dyes
Permanent hair dyes usually contain ammonia to open the cuticle layer of the hair, so the dye can stick and not change. However, this makes the hair cuticle can not fully recover. While semi-permanent hair dyes, generally only contain ammonia in lower levels.
So, is it safe for pregnant women to wear hair dye? Most women wait after pregnancy reaches three months. At this gestational age, it is expected that the risk of chemicals in the fetus will be lower. To minimize the risk, here are some things you can do if you intend to dye your hair yourself while pregnant:
- Wear gloves.
- Open a window or door, so that air can free out and enter the room where you dyed your hair.
- Apply hair dye only to the strands of hair to reduce the risk of being absorbed by the scalp and blood vessels.
You can also try other safer ways, such as wearing hair dyes made from plants, such as henna. In addition, pregnancy can cause hair to react differently to hair dye, so it is a good idea to first test a few strands of hair before dyeing the entire hair.
Ammonia in Cleaning Materials
In general, most household cleaning materials and furniture are safe, but there are some things to consider if pregnant women want to clean the house using cleaning products that contain ammonia.
- It is best to open windows or doors when you are cleaning the house or furniture using cleaning products. This is to reduce the scent of cleaning stuck in the house and inhaled too much.
- Read the product packaging label, is there a special warning for pregnant women. If the information is not available, but you still have doubts, try contacting the customer service listed on the product packaging.
- Use baking soda, vinegar, or borax as a safer substitute for cleaning products. Cleaning products from natural ingredients that are safe can even be made by yourself with a guide from the internet or books about home care.
- Wear gloves when using cleaning products because your skin might become more sensitive while pregnant.
- Even if you wear gloves, wash your hands after using cleaning products.
- Avoid mixing cleaning products that contain ammonia with bleach or bleach.
- Leave the house for a moment if you feel dizzy or nauseous.
- For the time being, you can ask someone else to clean your furniture, such as an oven and carpet, because there may be dangerous gases that are at risk of inhalation.
The safest way is to ask family members or other people to clean the house while you are pregnant. This can reduce your risk of exposure to ammonia and prevent fatigue during pregnancy.
Ammonia on Wall Paints and Vernis Erasers
Pregnant women are advised not to live in newly painted houses, old houses, homes that are being renovated, or homes with furniture that has been freshly lacquered. Chemicals such as ammonia and chlorine contained in paints, thinners, and varnishes can be dangerous if inhaled, especially in high doses. This material can become more dangerous if mixed with chlorine.
The use of safer and ammonia-free products can be continued after giving birth, because babies are also advised not to inhale too much ammonia or any gas that has a pungent odor, to avoid irritation of the respiratory and digestive tracts.
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