NON-FLAMMABLE GAS MIXTURE

SECTION 2: Hazards identification

EMERGENCY OVERVIEW: This gas mixture is a colorless gas mixture which is either odorless, or which has a faint, solvent-like odor, if the solvent components (n- Pentane and n-Hexane) are present. Components of this gas mixture (n-Pentane and n-Hexane) can cause anesthetic or peripheral neuropathy effects. Additionally, releases of this gas mixture may produce oxygen-deficient atmospheres (especially in small, confined spaces or other poorly-ventilated environments); individuals in such atmospheres may be asphyxiated. SYMPTOMS OF OVER-EXPOSURE BY ROUTE OF EXPOSURE: The most significant route of over-exposure for this gas mixture is by inhalation. INHALATION: Due to the small size of an individual cylinder of this gas mixture, no unusual health effects from over-exposure to the product are anticipated under routine circumstances of use. A hazard associated with this gas mixture is the potential for anesthetic and peripheral neuropathy effects after inhalation over-exposures to n-Pentane and n-Hexane (components of this gas mixture). Specific human over-exposure data are available for n-Pentane and n-Hexane, as follows: CONCENTRATION OF n-PENTANE OBSERVED EFFECT Brief (10 minute) up to 5,000 ppm: No symptoms. Higher than 5,000 ppm: Exhilaration, dizziness and headache can occur. Long-Term: Can cause chronic neurological disorder causing damage to the nerves in the hands and feet (peripheral neuropathy). CONCENTRATION OF n-HEXANE OBSERVED EFFECT Brief (10 minute) at 1,500 ppm: Irritation of the respiratory tract, nausea and headache. 5000 ppm: Dizziness and drowsiness can occur. Long term at 500 ppm: Can affect the nerves in the arms and legs. Effects include numbing or tingling sensations in the fingers and toes, tiredness, muscle weakness, cramps and spasms in the leg, difficulty in holding objects or walking, abdominal pains, loss of appetite, weight loss. More serious exposures can cause damage to the nerves in the hands and feet (peripheral neuropathy). Eyes and Vision: Abnormal color perception and pigment changes in the eyes have been reported among industrial workers exposed to 423-1280 ppm for 5 years or more. Blood Cells: Mild forms of anemia have also been associated with exposure to hexane. These are of temporary nature. (Continued) INHALATION (continued): Additionally, if mixtures of this gas mixture contain less than 19.5% Oxygen and are released in a small, poorly ventilated area (i.e. a small, confined space), an HAZARDOUS MATERIAL IDENTIFICATION SYSTEM oxygen-deficient environment may occur. Individuals breathing such an atmosphere may experience symptoms which include headaches, ringing in ears, dizziness, drowsiness,

Health hazards

BLUE) 1 unconsciousness, nausea, vomiting, and depression of all the senses. Under some circumstances of over-exposure, death may occur. The following effects associated with various levels of oxygen are as follows: CONCENTRATION OF OXYGEN OBSERVED EFFECT FLAMMABILITY HAZARD (RED) 0 12-16% Oxygen: Breathing and pulse rate increased, muscular coordination slightly disturbed. 10-14% Oxygen: Emotional upset, abnormal fatigue,

Physical hazards

YELLOW) 0 disturbed respiration. 6-10% Oxygen: Nausea, vomiting, collapse, or loss of consciousness. PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT Below 6%: Convulsive movements, possible respiratory collapse, and death. EYES RESPIRATORY HANDS BODY HEALTH EFFECTS OR RISKS FROM EXPOSURE: An Explanation in Lay Terms. Over- See Section 8 exposure to this gas mixture may cause the following health effects: ACUTE: Due to the small size of the individual cylinder of this gas mixture, no unusual health effects from exposure to the product are anticipated under routine circumstances of use. For Routine Industrial Use and Handling Applications Inhalation over-exposures to components of this gas mixture (n-Pentane, and n-Hexane) can cause anesthetic effects and motor neuropathy (i.e. pain and tingling in feet and hands). CHRONIC: Chronic exposure of this gas mixture to the skin may cause dermatitis. Abnormal color perception and pigment changes in the eyes have been reported among persons exposed to 420 -1300 ppm of n-Hexane for five years. Additionally, long-term exposure to low levels of n- Hexane or n-Pentane can affect the nerves in the arms and legs. Effects include numbing or tingling sensation, tiredness, cramps, spasms in legs, difficulty holding objects or walking, loss of appetite and weight loss. Pentane isomers, such as n-Pentane, can cause sensitization of the heart to epinephrine. Refer to Section 11 (Toxicology Information) for additional information on the components of this gas mixture. Chronic exposure to oxygen-deficient atmospheres (below 18% oxygen in air) may effect the heart and nervous system. TARGET ORGANS ACUTE Respiratory system, blood system, central nervous system effects. CHRONIC Cardiovascular system, reproductive system, skin, central nervous system.