0-1.35% ETHYLENE IN AIR

SECTION 2: Hazards identification

Not classified as Hazardous according to criteria of Australian National Occupational Health & Safety Commission (NOHSC), Australia. Classified as Dangerous Goods, according to the Australian Code for the Transport of Dangerous Goods by Road and Rail.

Hazard statements

Not applicable

Precautionary statements

Not applicable

Potential chronic health

Not available Inhalation No adverse health effects are expected at this concentration of ethylene, in air. However the ethylene component is an asphyxiant and following information is provided as background to the symptoms of hazardous levels of asphyxiant exposure: Concentrations less than 2.5% are physiologically inert, while at 25 to 35% analgesic effects can occur, and 37 to 50% can cause memory effects leading to unconsciousness. Death can occur at levels sufficient to lower oxygen concentrations less than 8%. Ingestion Not applicable to gases; unlikely route of exposure. Skin Practically non-harmful, as mixture is very similar to air, but may cause physical injury from rapidly expanding gas, if suddenly released. Eye Not expected to present a health hazard, however physical injury can result from rapidly expanding gas, if sudden or uncontrolled release occurs.

Further information

Effects of exposure to high concentrations of an asphyxiant containing mixture so as to displace the oxygen in air necessary for life may include the following: -Loss of balance, -Tightness in the frontal area of the forehead, -Tingling of the tongue, fingertips and toes, -Weakened speech leading to the inability to utter sounds, -Rapid reduction in the ability to perform movements, -Reduced consciousness of the surroundings, -Loss of tactile sensations, -Heightened mental activity. It should be recognized that it is possible that none of the above symptoms may occur in gas asphyxia, so that there are no definite warning signs or symptoms.