abstract
Ammonia is a chemical which is very soluble in water. Because of its exothermic properties, ammonia forms ammonium hydroxide and produces heat when it contacts moist surfaces, such as mucous membranes. The corrosive and exothermic properties of ammonia can result in immediate damage (severe irritation and burns) to the eyes, skin, and mucous membranes of the oral cavity and respiratory tract. In addition, ammonia is effectively scrubbed in the nasopharyngeal region of the respiratory tract because of its high solubility in water. The present study aims to assess the knowledge regarding ill-effects of ammonia among ice factory and cold storage plants. The research design was descriptive research design. Non probability convenient sampling technique was used to select samples. Structured interview was used to collect background variable and knowledge question. Data were collected to 60 samples. The study result showed that most of the workers 25(41.6%) were aged below 30 years, 41(68.3%) were male, 23(38.4%) had primary education, 24(40%) had 5 – 6 years of experience, 34(56.7%) were residing in rural area, 43(71.7%) had no previous exposure. The knowledge shows that 33(55%) had inadequate knowledge, 24(40%) had moderately adequate knowledge and 3 (5%) had adequate knowledge on ill-effects of ammonia. The mean score of knowledge was 10.38 with standard deviation 2.57 with minimum score of 6 and maximum score of 17.0.