CARBON DIOXIDE

SECTION 2: Hazards identification

Main Hazards Carbon dioxide does not support life. It can act as a simple asphyxiant by diluting the concentration of oxygen in air below the levels necessary to support life. As it is heavier than air it will tend to concentrate at lower levels. Adverse Health Carbon dioxide acts as a stimulant and a Effects depressant 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 Carbon dioxide is relatively non-reactive and non-toxic. On the presence of moisture it can aggressively bring about corrosion in a variety of steel materials. Biological Hazards The greatest physiological effect of carbon dioxide 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 At concentrations of 10% and above, unconsciousness can result in one minute or less. Impairment in performance has been noted during prolonged exposure to concentrations of 3% carbon dioxide even when the oxygen concentration was 21%. Eye Contact No known effect. Skin Contact No known effect. Ingestion (See “Vapour Inhalation”)