NITROGEN DIOXIDE/AIR GAS MIXTURE

SECTION 2: Hazards identification

EMERGENCY OVERVIEW

Product definition

This gas mixture is colorless and has a pungent, suffocating odor (due to the presence of Nitrogen Dioxide). Health Hazards: The Nitrogen Dioxide component of this gas mixture is toxic at levels possible in this mixture. Exposures to this gas mixture may result in severe irritation and burns of eyes, skin, mucous membranes, and any other exposed tissue. Delayed pulmonary damage and breathing difficulty may occur. Severe over-exposures can be fatal. Flammability Hazards This gas mixture is not flammable. Reactivity This gas mixture is not reactive. Environmental Hazards: Release of this gas mixture may cause hazard to plants and animals in the environment if accidentally released to due to toxicity and the hazard of frostbite in event of rapid release from the cylinder. Emergency Response Considerations: Emergency responders must wear appropriate personal protective equipment for the situation to which they are responding. SYMPTOMS OF OVER-EXPOSURE BY ROUTE OF EXPOSURE: The most significant route of over-exposure for this gas mixture is by inhalation. INHALATION: The Nitrogen Dioxide component of this gas mixture is toxic. Inhalation over-exposures to this gas mixture may result in severe irritation and burns of eyes, skin, mucous membranes, and any other exposed tissue. Delayed pulmonary damage and breathing difficulty may also occur. Severe inhalation over-exposures can be fatal. All of the symptoms described above may be aggravated by physical exertion. Based on animal information an increased sensitivity to allergens and bacterial infections may occur as a result of inhalation exposure to Nitrogen Dioxide. As a result of severe over-exposures to this gas mixture, permanent lung injury may occur. Prolonged or repeated over-exposures to this gas mixture may cause impaired lung function, bronchitis, hacking cough, nasal irritation and discharge, increased fatigue, decreased immune response and dental erosion. Note: symptoms can develop after over-exposure to concentrations of Nitrogen Dioxide in ranges which exist in this gas mixture. The onset of the symptoms of pulmonary edema can be delayed for hours or days after the exposure. CONTACT WITH SKIN or EYES: The gas mixture may be irritating to the skin or cause burns in the presence of moisture due to formation of nitric acid and nitrous acid. Symptoms of skin over-exposure may include scratchiness, pain, and redness and burns. If this gas mixture contaminates the eyes, severe injury and swelling of the eye tissue may occur. Contact with rapidly expanding gases (which are released under high pressure) may cause frostbite. SKIN ABSORPTION: No component of this product is known to be absorbed through intact skin. (Continued)

Potential health effects

OR RISKS FROM EXPOSURE Over-exposure to this gas mixture may cause the following health effects: ACUTE: Over-exposures may result in severe irritation and burns of eyes, skin, mucous membranes, and any other exposed tissue. If high concentrations of this gas mixture are inhaled, delayed pulmonary damage and breathing difficulty may occur. Severe inhalation over-exposures can be fatal, as a result of lung damage. CHRONIC: Prolonged or repeated over-exposures to this gas mixture may cause impaired lung function, bronchitis, coughing, nasal irritation and discharge, increased fatigue, decreased immune system response, and dental erosion. Refer to Section 11 (Toxicology Information) for additional data. TARGET ORGANS ACUTE Respiratory system, skin, eyes. CHRONIC Skin, respiratory system, immune system.

HMIS® ratings

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