GOLD GAS SHIELDING GASES

SECTION 2: Hazards identification

EMERGENCY OVERVIEW: This gas mixture is a colorless, odorless, non-flammable gas. The main health hazard associated with releases of this gas is the effect of Carbon Dioxide. At concentrations between 2-10%, Carbon Dioxide (a component of this gas mixture) can cause nausea, dizziness, headache, mental confusion, increased blood pressure and respiratory rate. If the concentration of Carbon Dioxide reaches 10% or more, suffocation can occur within minutes. Moisture in the air could lead to the formation of carbonic acid, which can be irritating to the eyes. Asphyxiation by displacement of oxygen may also occur. Emergency responders must wear proper personal protective equipment, including Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus, when responding to releases of this material. SYMPTOMS OF OVEREXPOSURE BY ROUTE OF EXPOSURE: The most significant route of overexposure for this gas mixture is by HAZARDOUS MATERIAL IDENTIFICATION SYSTEM inhalation. The following paragraphs describe symptoms of exposure by route of exposure. INHALATION: Carbon Dioxide is an asphyxiant and a powerful

Health hazards

cerebral vasodilator. If the concentration of Carbon Dioxide (BLUE) 1 reaches 10% or more, suffocation can occur rapidly. Inhalation of concentrations between 2 and 10% can cause nausea, dizziness, headache, mental confusion, increased blood pressure and respiratory rate. Carbon Dioxide initially stimulates respiration FLAMMABILITY HAZARD (RED) 0 and then causes respiratory depression. Inhalation of low concentrations (3-5%) have no known permanent harmful effects. Symptoms in humans at various levels of concentration are as follows

Physical hazards

(YELLOW) 0 CONCENTRATION SYMPTOMS OF EXPOSURE 1%: Slight increase in breathing rate. 2%: Breathing rate increases to 50% above normal; exposure cause headache, PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT tiredness. 3%: Breathing increases to twice normal rate EYES RESPIRATORY HANDS BODY and becomes labored. Weak narcotic effect. Impaired hearing, headache, See increase in blood pressure and pulse rate. 4-5%: Breathing increases to approximately For Routine Industrial Use and Handling Applications four times normal rate, symptoms of intoxication become evident and slight See Section 16 for Definition of Ratings choking may be felt. 5-10%: Characteristic sharp odor noticeable. Very labored breathing, headache, visual impairment and ringing in the ears. Judgment may be impaired, followed by loss of consciousness. > 10% Unconsciousness occurs more rapidly above 10% level. High concentrations of this gas can also cause an oxygen-deficient environment. Individuals breathing such an atmosphere may experience symptoms which include headaches, ringing in ears, dizziness, drowsiness, unconsciousness, nausea, vomiting, and depression of all the senses. The skin of a victim of overexposure may have a blue color. Under some circumstances of overexposure, death may occur. OTHER POTENTIAL HEALTH EFFECTS: Contact with rapidly expanding gases (which are released under high pressure) may cause frostbite. Symptoms of frostbite include change in skin color to white or grayish-yellow. The pain after contact with the gas can quickly subside. Moisture in the air could lead to the formation of carbonic acid (from the Carbon Dioxide gas present in this gas mixture), which can be irritating to the eyes. HEALTH EFFECTS OR RISKS FROM EXPOSURE: An Explanation in Lay Terms. Overexposure to this gas mixture may cause the following health effects: ACUTE: Inhaling high concentrations of this gas mixture can lead to coma or death. At low concentrations of this gas mixture, inhalation can cause nausea, dizziness, visual disturbances, shaking, headache, mental confusion, sweating, increased heartbeat, and elevated blood pressure and respiratory rate, due to the effects of Carbon Dioxide or oxygen deficiency. High concentrations of the gas mixture may cause eye irritation or damage. Contact with rapidly expanding gases (which are released under high pressure) may cause frostbite. CHRONIC: Reversible effects on the acid-base balance in the blood, blood pressure, and circulatory system may occur after prolonged exposure to elevated Carbon Dioxide levels. Chronic exposure to oxygen-deficient atmospheres (below 18% oxygen in air) may effect the heart and nervous system. Refer to Section 11 (Toxicological Information) of this MSDS for further information. (Continued) TARGET ORGANS ACUTE Respiratory system, cardiovascular system, eyes. CHRONIC Blood system, circulatory system, central nervous system, cardiac system. What should I do if a hazardous situation occurs?