METHANE/CARBON DIOXIDE/NITROGEN

SECTION 2: Hazards identification

EMERGENCY OVERVIEW: This gas mixture is a colorless, non-flammable gas which is odorless or which has a sharp odor (due to the presence of Carbon Dioxide). Inhalation of this gas mixture can cause nausea, dizziness, headache, mental confusion, increased blood pressure and respiratory rate. Severe inhalation exposures may be fatal, due to Carbon Dioxide overexposure or asphyxiation. Moisture in the air could lead to the formation of carbonic acid which can be irritating to the eyes. A cylinder rupture hazard exists when this gas mixture, which is under pressure, is subject to heat or flames. SYMPTOMS OF OVER-EXPOSURE BY ROUTE OF EXPOSURE: The most significant route of over-exposure for this product is by inhalation. INHALATION: Inhalation exposures may produce adverse health effects, due to the presence of Carbon Dioxide. Carbon Dioxide is an asphyxiant and a powerful cerebral vasodilator. If the concentration of Carbon Dioxide reaches 10% or more, suffocation can occur rapidly. Inhalation of concentrations between 2 and 10% can cause nausea, dizziness, headache, mental confusion, increased blood pressure and respiratory rate. Carbon Dioxide initially stimulates respiration and then causes respiratory depression. Inhalation of low concentrations (3-5%) have no known permanent harmful effects. Symptoms in humans at various levels of concentration are as follows: CARBON DIOXIDE CONCENTRATION SYMPTOMS OF EXPOSURE 1%: Slight increase in breathing rate. 2%: Breathing rate increases to 50% above normal; headache; tiredness. 3%: Breathing increases to twice normal rate, becoming labored; weak narcotic effect; impaired hearing; headache; increase in blood pressure and pulse rate. 4-5%: Breathing increases to four times normal rate; symptoms of intoxication become evident and slight choking may be felt. 5-10%: Characteristic sharp odor noticeable. Very labored breathing, headache, visual impairment and ringing in the ears. Judgment may be impaired, followed by loss of consciousness. >10%: Unconsciousness occurs more rapidly above 10% level. Prolonged exposure to high concentrations may eventually result in death from asphyxiation. 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: CONCENTRATION OF OXYGEN OBSERVED EFFECT 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. CONTACT WITH SKIN or EYES: Moisture in the air could lead to the formation of carbonic acid, which can be irritating to the eyes. Contact with the eyes can cause damage to the retinal ganglion cells. SKIN ABSORPTION: No component of this gas mixture presents a hazard of skin absorption. (Continued)

Potential health effects

OR RISKS FROM EXPOSURE Over-exposure to this gas mixture may cause the following health effects: ACUTE: This gas mixture can produce adverse health effects due to Carbon Dioxide overexposure or oxygen deficiency. Inhalation of this gas mixture also cause visual disturbances, shaking, mental confusion, sweating, increased heartbeat, and elevated blood pressure and respiratory rate (due to the presence of Carbon Dioxide). Severe inhalation overexposures areas can be fatal. This gas mixture can be irritating to the eyes. CHRONIC: Reversible effects on the acid-base balance in the blood, blood pressure, and circulatory system may occur after prolonged exposure to elevated Carbon Dioxide levels. Refer to Section 11

TOXICOLOGICAL INFORMATION

of this MSDS for further information TARGET ORGANS ACUTE Respiratory system, cardiovascular system, eyes. CHRONIC Cardiovascular system.

HMIS® ratings

HEALTH = 1 FLAMMABILITY = 0 REACTIVITY = 0 PPE LEVEL = B Hazard Scale: 0 = Minimal 1 = Slight 2 = Moderate 3 = Serious 4 = Severe PPE LEVEL B = Goggles, gloves (leather for handling cylinders)