OXYGEN IN NITROGEN

SECTION 2: Hazards identification

EMERGENCY OVERVIEW Mixtures with less than 19.5% oxygen act as a simple asphyxiate. Effects may include headaches, dizziness and loss of consciousness. Elevated oxygen levels may result in cough and other pulmonary changes.

NFPA Ratings

SCALE 0-4) HEALTH=1 FIRE=0 REACTIVITY=0 EMERGENCY OVERVIEW: COLOR: colorless PHYSICAL FORM: gas ODOR: odorless

Health hazards

difficulty breathing

Physical hazards

Containers may rupture or explode if exposed to heat. May ignite combustibles

Potential health effects

INHALATION: SHORT TERM EXPOSURE: irritation, changes in body temperature, nausea, vomiting, difficulty breathing, irregular heartbeat, headache, drowsiness, dizziness, disorientation, hallucinations, mood swings, tingling sensation, pain in extremities, tremors, loss of coordination, lung congestion, convulsions, coma LONG TERM EXPOSURE: chest pain SKIN CONTACT: SHORT TERM EXPOSURE: no information on significant adverse effects LONG TERM EXPOSURE: no information on significant adverse effects EYE CONTACT: SHORT TERM EXPOSURE: irritation LONG TERM EXPOSURE: no information on significant adverse effects INGESTION: SHORT TERM EXPOSURE: ingestion of a gas is unlikely LONG TERM EXPOSURE: ingestion of a gas is unlikely INHALATION EFFECTS: Note: Not to be used as breathing air! 1 Air is nontoxic and necessary to support life. Inhalation of air in a high-pressure environment, such as underwater diving, caisson or hyperbaric chamber, can result in symptoms similar to overexposure to pure oxygen. These include tingling of fingers and toes, abnormal sensations, impaired coordination and confusion. Decompression sickness pains or “bends” are possible following rapid decompression. Oxygen deficiency during pregnancy has produced developmental abnormalities in humans and experimental animals. Other effects of oxygen deficiency resulting form simple ashyxiants may include: rapid breathing, diminished mental alertness, impaired muscular coordination, faulty judgement, depression of all sensations, emotional instability, and fatigue. As asphyxiation progresses, nausea, vomiting, prostration, and loss of consciousness may result, eventually leading to convulsions, coma, and death.