NITROGEN

SECTION 2: Hazards identification

EMERGENCY OVERVIEW: Nitrogen is a colorless, odorless gas. The main health hazard associated with releases of this gas is asphyxiation, by displacement of oxygen. SYMPTOMS OF OVER-EXPOSURE BY ROUTE OF EXPOSURE: The most significant route of over-exposure for HAZARDOUS MATERIAL INFORMATION Nitrogen is by inhalation. SYSTEM oxygen-deficient environment. Individuals breathing such an INHALATION: High concentrations of this gas can cause an HEALTH (BLUE) 0 atmosphere may experience symptoms which include headaches, ringing in ears, dizziness, drowsiness, unconsciousness, nausea, vomiting, and depression of all the FLAMMABILITY senses. Under some circumstances of over-exposure, death (RED) 0 may occur. The following effects associated with various levels of oxygen are as follows: CONCENTRATION SYMPTOM OF EXPOSURE (YELLOW) 12-16% Oxygen: Breathing and pulse rate increased, muscular REACTIVITY 0 coordination slightly disturbed. 10-14% Oxygen: Emotional upset, abnormal fatigue, disturbed respiration. PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT B 6-10% Oxygen: Nausea and vomiting, collapse or loss of consciousness. EYES RESPIRATORY HANDS BODY Below 6%: Convulsive movements, possible respiratory collapse, and death. See Section 8

Potential health effects

OR RISKS FROM EXPOSURE An Explanation in Lay Terms. Over-exposure to Nitrogen may cause the following health effects: For routine industrial applications ACUTE: The most significant hazard associated with this gas is inhalation of oxygen-deficient atmospheres. Symptoms of oxygen deficiency include respiratory difficulty, ringing in ears, headaches, shortness of breath, wheezing, headache, dizziness, indigestion, nausea, and, at high concentrations, unconsciousness or death may occur. The skin of a victim of over-exposure may have a blue color. CHRONIC: There are currently no known adverse health effects associated with chronic exposure to this gas. TARGET ORGANS: Respiratory system.