Carbon dioxide

SECTION 2: Hazards identification

EMERGENCY OVERVIEW CAUTION! High-pressure liquid and gas. Can cause rapid suffocation. Can increase respiration and heart rate. May cause nervous system damage. May cause frostbite. May cause dizziness and drowsiness. Self-contained breathing apparatus may be required by rescue workers. Odor: None to slightly pungent THRESHOLD LIMIT VALUE: TLV-TWA, 5,000 ppm (ACGIH, 1998). TLV-TWA, 15 min STEL, 30,000 ppm. EFFECTS OF A SINGLE (ACUTE) OVEREXPOSURE: INHALATION–Carbon dioxide gas is an asphyxiant with effects due to lack of oxygen. It is also physiologically active, affecting circulation and breathing. Moderate concentrations may cause headache, drowsiness, dizziness, stinging of the nose and throat, excitation, rapid breathing and heart rate, excess salivation, vomiting, and unconsciousness. Lack of oxygen can kill. SKIN CONTACT–No harm expected from vapor. Cold gas, or liquid or solid carbon dioxide may cause severe frostbite. SWALLOWING–An unlikely route of exposure. This product is a gas at normal temperature and pressure. EYE CONTACT–No harm expected from vapor. Cold gas, or liquid or solid carbon dioxide may cause severe frostbite. EFFECTS OF REPEATED (CHRONIC) OVEREXPOSURE: No harm expected. OTHER EFFECTS OF OVEREXPOSURE: Damage to retinal or ganglion cells and central nervous system may occur.

Medical Conditions Generally Aggravated by Exposure

OVEREXPOSURE The toxicology and the physical and chemical properties of carbon dioxide suggest that overexposure is unlikely to aggravate existing medical conditions. SIGNIFICANT LABORATORY DATA WITH POSSIBLE RELEVANCE TO HUMAN HEALTH HAZARD EVALUATION: A single study has shown an increase in heart defects in rats exposed to 6% carbon dioxide in air for 24 hours at different times during gestation. There is no evidence that carbon dioxide is teratogenic in humans. CARCINOGENICITY: Carbon dioxide is not listed by NTP, OSHA, or IARC.