PHOSPHINE (5 PPM TO 0.1%) IN NITROGEN

SECTION 2: Hazards identification

EMERGENCY OVERVIEW Non-flammable gas with slight unpleasant odor which contains Phosphine which can cause severe pulmonary irritation, edema, and death. Nitrogen acts as a simple asphyxiant. Can cause eye and skin irritation. Long-term exposure to non-lethal concentrations of phospine can produce toxic syndrome. Do not use in confined areas. Do not inhale. Avoid direct contact.

Principle Routes of Exposure

Skin Contact Skin Absorption Eye Contact Inhalation Ingestion Yes No Yes No

Potential health effects

Exposure Limits Irritant Sensitization Reproductive Hazard Mutagen Yes No Carcinogenicity --NTP No IARC No OSHA No EYE EFFECTS: Direct contact may cause irritation. SKIN EFFECTS: Phosphine may combine with moisture on the skin to form small amounts of phosphoric acid which may cause pain, burning and irritation. 1 INGESTION EFFECTS: Ingestion unlikely. Gas at room temperature. INHALATION EFFECTS: Phosphine is a highly toxic gas with serious effects produced by exposure to 5-10 ppm for several hours. Inhalation of Phosphine has resulted in headaches, dizziness, tremors, general fatigue, gastrointestinal pain in the region of the diaphragm, thirst, back pains, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, chest pressure, chills stupor, fainting, productive cough with fluorescent green sputum, pulmonary edema, convulsions, coma and death. Pulmonary edema may be delayed following and symptomatic period. All persons exposed to Phosphine gas should be observed for 72 hours. Nitrogen acts as a simple asphyxiant displacing the oxygen content in the air necessary for life. NFPA HAZARD CODES HMIS HAZARD CODES RATING SYSTEM Health: 2 Health: 2 0= No Hazard Flammability: 0 Flammability: 0 1= Slight Hazard Reactivity: 0 Reactivity: 0 2= Moderate Hazard 3= Serious Hazard 4= Severe Hazard