Nitric Oxide

SECTION 2: Hazards identification

EMERGENCY OVERVIEW At room temperature, Nitric Oxide is a colorless, nonflammable, poisonous, oxidizing gas with an irritating odor. Nitric Oxide is extremely toxic by inhalation, and symptoms of over-exposure may not become apparent for up to 72 hours. The gas is an oxidizer and will support and enhance combustion. Emergency responders must protect themselves from inhalation. A water spray can be used to control and direct a release. In the presence of air, Nitric Oxide forms brown fumes of nitrogen dioxide and is extremely reactive and a strong oxidizing agent. Emergency responders must wear the proper personal protective equipment suitable for the situation to which they are responding. EMERGENCY TELEPHONE NUMBERS (800) 523-9374 Continental U.S., Canada, and Puerto Rico (610)481-7711 Other locations

Principle Routes of Exposure

EYE CONTACT: If Nitric Oxide contaminates the eyes, severe injury and swelling of the eye tissue may occur. INGESTION: Ingestion is not a likely route of exposure for Nitric Oxide. INHALATION: Exposure to Nitric Oxide gas in low concentrations produces an irritating effect on the mucous membranes of the eyes, nose, throat and lungs, which can include choking, coughing, headache, nausea and fatigue. Severe over-exposure may cause methemoglobinemia, cyanosis, delayed pulmonary edema, mental confusion, unconsciousness and death. High concentrations of Nitric Oxide gas may cause an oxygen-deficient atmosphere; however, other more significant Inhalation, skin contact TARGET ORGANS: Respiratory system, blood system, skin, teeth, gums and eyes. SYMPTOMS: Chronic low-level inhalation exposure via inhalation can cause damage to the respiratory system, including chronic cough, loss of appetite, dyspepsia and gradual loss of strength. Prolonged skin exposure may cause potentially harmful amounts of Nitric Oxide to enter the body via absorption through the skin. Repeated over exposures to Nitric Oxide can also result in dental erosion and gum disorders. Nitric oxide has been shown to cause genetic damage and fetal toxicity in animal or bacterial studies.

Potential health effects

will occur prior to those for oxygen deficiency. Nitric Oxide can react in the body to oxidize hemoglobin to methemoglobin in the blood. Coma and death can ensue when methemoglobin levels reach 70%. The inability of methemoglobin to combine with oxygen can result in clinical effects due to tissue hypoxia. Symptoms include muscular tremors, drowsiness, a brownish-blue hue to the mucous membranes, increased heart rate, vertigo and vomiting. SKIN CONTACT: The gas may be irritating to the skin, especially in a moist environment. Symptoms of skin over-exposure may include itchiness, pain, and redness. OF REPEATED EXPOSURE

Medical Conditions Generally Aggravated by Exposure

OVEREXPOSURE Acute or chronic respiratory conditions, skin conditions, or eye disorders may be aggravated by over-exposure to Nitric Oxide. CARCINOGENICITY: Nitric Oxide is not found on the FEDERAL OSHA Z LIST, NTP, CAL/OSHA, or IARC Carcinogenicity lists.