Argoshield 5

SECTION 2: Hazards identification

Main Hazards All cylinders are portable gas containers, and must be regarded as pressure vessels at all times. The above listed Shielding gases mixture does not support life. It can act as asphyxiants by diluting the concentration of Oxygen in the air to below levels necessary to support life. Adverse Health effects The Carbon Dioxide component of this Shielding gas can act as a stimulant and a depression on the central nervous system. Increases in heart rate and blood pressure have been noted at a concentration of 7.6 percent, and dyspnea (laboured breathing), headache, dizziness and sweating occur if exposure at that level is prolonged. Chemical hazards Although this Shielding gas contains both Carbon Dioxide and Oxygen, it is relatively inert and non-toxic. Biological Hazards These are linked to Carbon Dioxide component where the greatest physiological effect is to stimulate the respiratory centre, thereby controlling the volume and rate of respiration. It is able to cause dilation and constriction of blood vessels and is a vital constituent of the acid-base mechanism that controls the pH of the blood. Vapour inhalation This Shielding gas mixture can act as a simple asphyxiant. At concentrations of approximately 3% Carbon Dioxide, impairment of performance has been noted during prolonged exposure, even when the Oxygen concentration of the air was 21%.