Medical Nitrous Oxide, Compressed Nitrous Oxide Instrument Grade

SECTION 2: Hazards identification

Main Hazards All cylinders are portable gas containers, and must be regarded as pressure vessels at all times. Nitrous oxide is non-flammable, but readily supports combustion. Never permit oil, grease or other readily combustible substance to come into contact with high concentrations Adverse Health Effects. Nitrous oxide should not be used with any condition where air is entrapped within the body, and where its expansion might be dangerous such as : Head injuries with impairment of consciousness; Artificial, traumatic or spontaneous pneumothorax air embolism; Decompression sickness; Following a recent dive; Following air encephelography; Severe bullous emphysema; During myringoplasty; Gross abdominal distension; Intoxication; Maxillofacial injuries. Chemical Hazards Nitrous oxide is non-flammable, but strongly supports combustion (including some materials which do not normally burn in air). Since dry nitrous oxide is non- corrosive, most materials of construction are suitable. Avoid all combustible materials. Biological Hazards Administration of nitrous oxide, more frequently than every 4 days should be accompanied by routine blood cell counts for evidence of megaloblastic change in red cells and hypersegmentation of neutrophils Vapour Inhalation The use of nitrous oxide causes inactivation of vitamin B12 which is a co-factor of methionine synthase. Folate metabolism is consequently interfered with, and DNA synthesis is impaired following prolonged nitrous oxide administration. These disturbances result in megaloblastic bone marrow changes. Exceptionally heavy occupational exposure and addiction have resulted in myeloneuropathy and subacute combined degeneration. Eye Contact No known effect. 1 of 3 Ingestion Depletion of methionine has been implicated in the returned to supplier. CONTACT THE NEAREST neurological deficit seen in chronic abusers of nitrous BOC BRANCH. oxide. Protective Clothing Safety goggles, gloves and safety shoes should be worn when handling cylinders.