Chlorine Peroxide; ClO2

SECTION 2: Hazards identification

Emergency Overview: Note: Chloride dioxide solution, especially at higher concentrations such as covered by this MSDS , will release significant quantities of chlorine dioxide gas . The hazards of the gaseous chlorine dioxide are therefore inherent to hazards of the solution . A pale green liquid when dissolved in water, which is irritating to the eyes, skin and respiratory passages. The evolved gas is yellowish-green to orange in colour, is heavier than air and can accumulate in low-lying areas. Accumulation of chlorine dioxide in gas phase must be prevented.The pungent odour has been described as chlorine-like or resembling that of a mixture of chlorine or ozone. POWERFUL OXIDIZER. Promotes combustion. Contact with combustible materials may cause a fire and/or explosion. DANGEROUSLY REACTIVE. Thermally unstable. The gas explodes violently at concentrations greater than 10% by volume in air at pressures above 10.1 kPa (76 mm Hg). May be initiated by light, shock, electrical discharge including static electricity, hot surfaces, open flames or contact with a variety of materials. VERY TOXIC. May be fatal if inhaled. Irritating to the respiratory tract at very low concentrations. Causes lung injury - effects may be delayed. CORROSIVE to the eyes, skin and respiratory tract. Routes of Entry: Skin, Eyes, Inhalation, Injestion Symptoms of Exposure: Inhalation: Chlorine dioxide gas is very toxic, corrosive and poses a very serious inhalation hazard. It is unstable and highly reactive at concentrations above 10% in air, and is a strong oxidizing agent.(1) In many cases, exposure is not to chlorine dioxide alone, but to a mixture of chemicals that can include toxic and corrosive chlorine and/or sulphur dioxide. Chlorine dioxide irritates the nose, throat, trachea and bronchi at very low concentrations (less than 5 ppm) resulting in breathlessness, wheezing and coughing. Higher concentrtions can cause inflammation in the upper respiratory tract, bronchial spasms and difficulty in breathing. A potentially fatal accumulation of fluid in the lungs (pulmonary edema) could occur. Symptoms of pulmonary edema (chest pain and shortness of breath) can be delayed for up to 24 or 48 hours after exposure. Long-term respiratory effects (e.g. sensitivity to respiratory irritants, chronic nasal inflammation, asthma, pulmonary emphysema and spastic bronchitis) have been noted in workers accidentally exposed to unspecified concentrations for a short time. Skin Contact: May cause redness and irritation Eye Contact: Strong irritant to the eyes. May cause redness, pain, blurred vision, tearing, corneal injury and burns. Ingestion: May cause irritation to the mucus membranes.