BTEX MIXTURE

SECTION 2: Hazards identification

EMERGENCY OVERVIEW: This is a colorless, non-flammable gas mixture with a sweet, solvent odor. Inhalation of high concentration of this gas mixture may cause significant, adverse health effects at, due to the large number of hydrocarbon components. Overexposure to high concentrations of this mixture may cause nausea, dizziness, headaches, and collapse, and may be slightly irritating to the mucous membranes. Additionally, releases of this gas mixture may produce oxygen-deficient atmospheres. Individuals in such atmospheres may be asphyxiated. This gas mixture does not present a fire hazard if released. Flame or high temperature impinging on a localized area of the cylinder may cause cylinder to rupture violently or explosively. SYMPTOMS OF OVER-EXPOSURE BY ROUTE OF EXPOSURE: The most significant route of over-exposure for this product is by inhalation. INHALATION: Due to the presence of the solvents in this gas mixture, inhalation of high concentrations may result in central nervous system effects, such as dizziness, headaches, incoordination, and drowsiness. In addition, high concentrations of this gas mixture can cause an oxygen-deficient environment, especially if released in a poorly-ventilated area (e.g., an enclosed or confined space). Individuals breathing such an atmosphere may experience symptoms which include headaches, ringing in ears, dizziness, drowsiness, unconsciousness, nausea, vomiting, and depression of all the senses. Under some circumstances of overexposure, death may occur. The effects associated with various levels of oxygen are as follows: OXYGEN OBSERVED EFFECT CONCENTRATION 12-16% Oxygen: Breathing and pulse rate increase, muscular coordination slightly disturbed. 10-14% Oxygen: Emotional upset, abnormal fatigue, disturbed respiration. 6-10% Oxygen: Nausea, vomiting, collapse, or loss of consciousness. Below 6%: Convulsive movements, possible respiratory collapse, and death. It should be noted that before adverse health effects or suffocation could occur, the lower flammability limits of the components of this gas mixture in air may be exceeded, possibly causing an explosive atmosphere as well as an oxygen-deficient environment. CONTACT WITH SKIN or EYES: Prolonged exposure to this gas mixture may result in irritation of the eyes and skin. In addition, contact with rapidly expanding gases (which are released under high pressure) may cause frostbite. SKIN ABSORPTION: The Benzene component has been shown to cause significant toxicity by skin absorption. Although the level of these components is low in this gas mixture, skin absorption should be considered to be a possible route of exposure for these components. The m-Xylene, o-Xylene, p- Xylene, Ethyl Benzene, and Toluene components of this gas mixture can also be absorbed via intact skin; however, this route of exposure is not considered significant for these compounds.

Potential health effects

OR RISKS FROM EXPOSURE Over-exposure to this gas mixture may cause the following health effects: ACUTE: This gas mixture may produce adverse health effects such as central nervous system effects, and overexposure or oxygen deficiency. Severe inhalation overexposures can be fatal. This gas mixture may be irritating to the eyes. CHRONIC: Components of this gas mixture are known or suspect human carcinogens and suspect carcinogens, based on animal tests. Some components of this product are suspect reproductive toxins. Some components of this gas mixture can cause adverse symptoms or damage to the cardiac system, blood system, peripheral, optic and cranial nerves, liver, kidneys, and spleen. Refer to Section 11

TOXICOLOGICAL INFORMATION

of this MSDS for further information. Prolonged exposure to this gas mixture may cause irritation to the eyes and skin. TARGET ORGANS ACUTE Respiratory system, central nervous system. CHRONIC Reproductive system, skin, eyes.

HMIS® ratings

HEALTH HAZARD = 1 FLAMMABILITY HAZARD = 0 PHYSICAL HAZARD = 0 Scale 0 = Minimal 1 = Slight 2 = Moderate 3 = Serious 4 = Severe * Chronic hazards