SUREMIX

SECTION 2: Hazards identification

Main Hazards All cylinders are portable gas containers and must be regarded as pressure vessels at all times. The various grades of Suremix do not support life. They can act as simple asphyxiants by diluting the concentration of oxygen in air below the levels necessary to support life. Excepting for Suremix N, they are all heavier than air and will tend to concentrate at lower levels. Adverse The carbon dioxide component contained in the

Potential health effects

relevant grades of Suremix acts as a stimulant and a 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. In the case of Suremix N, the inhalation of nitrogen in excessive concentrations can result in dizziness, nausea, vomiting, loss of consciousness and death. Chemical hazards both the carbon dioxide and nitrogen components of the listed grades of Suremix are non-toxic. They will not burn or support combustion. 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 percent of carbon dioxide and above, unconsciousness can result in one minute or less. Impairment in performance has been noted during prolonged exposure to concentrations of 3 percent carbon dioxide even when the oxygen concentration was 21 percent. In the case of Suremix N, the nitrogen acts as a simple asphyxiant and death may occur in seconds without warning. Eye Contact No known effect Skin Contact No known effect Ingestion (See “Vapour Inhalation” above)