NITROGEN/CHLORINE GAS MIXTURE

SECTION 2: Hazards identification

EMERGENCY OVERVIEW: This is a greenish, non-flammable gas mixture with a distinct, irritating odor of Chlorine. Inhalation of this gas mixture may be severely irritating, due to the presence of Chlorine. In addition, releases of this gas mixture can cause a hazard of asphyxiation by displacement of oxygen. This gas mixture presents no hazard of flammability or reactivity. Flame or high temperature impinging on a localized area of the cylinder can cause cylinder to rupture violently or explosively. Extreme caution must be used when responding to spills. Persons who respond to releases of this product must protect themselves from inhalation of Chlorine. SYMPTOMS OF OVER-EXPOSURE BY ROUTE OF EXPOSURE: The most significant route of over-exposure for this product is by inhalation. INHALATION: Inhalation of this gas mixture, may lead to irritation of the nose and throat. Additionally, over- exposures to Chlorine can cause the following health effects: coughing, labored breathing, sore throat, and potentially fatal lung disorders (chemical pneumonitis and pulmonary edema). Repeated chlorine- overexposures by inhalation can result in emphysema and erosion of teeth. The symptoms associated with specific Chlorine concentrations are as follows: CONCENTRATION OF CHLORINE OBSERVED EFFECT 0.06 ppm: Odor threshold. 3 ppm: Irritation of the eyes and mucous membranes. 15 ppm: Immediate irritation of the throat. 50 ppm: A dangerous health hazard, even for short periods of time. Prolonged exposure may result in death. 1000 ppm: Potentially fatal after a short exposure. 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: Due to the presence of Chlorine in this gas mixture, skin over-exposures to this product may lead to burns or dermatitis (red, cracked, irritated skin), depending upon concentration and duration of exposure. Contact of the product with the eyes can cause pain, redness, and prolonged exposure could cause blindness. Contact with rapidly expanding gases (which are released under high pressure) may cause frostbite. SKIN ABSORPTION: No component of this gas mixture presents a hazard of skin absorption.

Potential health effects

OR RISKS FROM EXPOSURE Over-exposure to this gas mixture may cause the following health effects: ACUTE: This gas mixture may be severely irritating and may redden and damage eyes, skin, mucous membranes, and any other exposed tissue. If this product is inhaled, irritation of the respiratory system may occur, with coughing, breathing difficulty, and the development of lung disorders. Additionally, another significant hazard associated with this gas mixture is inhalation of oxygen-deficient atmospheres. Symptoms of oxygen deficiency include ringing in ears, headaches, shortness of breath, wheezing, dizziness, indigestion, and nausea. At high concentrations, unconsciousness or death may occur. (Continued) CHRONIC: Persistent irritation may result from repeated exposures to this gas mixture. Repeated chlorine- overexposures by inhalation can result in emphysema and erosion of tooth enamel. TARGET ORGANS ACUTE Respiratory system. CHRONIC Skin, respiratory system

HMIS® ratings

HEALTH = 3 FLAMMABILITY = 0 REACTIVITY = 0 Hazard Scale: 0 = Minimal 1 = Slight 2 = Moderate 3 = Serious 4 = Severe