None

SECTION 2: Hazards identification

EMERGENCY OVERVIEW

Product definition

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). Health Hazards: A significant hazard associated with this gas mixture is the potential for Carbon Dioxide overexposures. 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. Flammability Hazards: This gas mixture is not flammable. A cylinder rupture hazard exists when this gas mixture, which is under pressure, is subject to heat or flames. Reactivity This gas mixture is not reactive.

Environmental hazards

Release of this mixture is not expected to cause environmental harm. Emergency Response Considerations: Provide adequate fire protection during emergency response. INHALATION: One of the most significant health hazards associated with this gas mixture is the potential for overexposure to 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 of Carbon Dioxide (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. (Continued) INHALATION (continued): CARBON DIOXIDE CONCENTRATION SYMPTOMS OF EXPOSURE 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. WARNING Exposure to atmospheres containing 8-10% or less oxygen will bring about unconsciousness without warning and so quickly that individuals cannot help or protect themselves. Lack of sufficient oxygen may cause serious injury or 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. It is important to note that the asphyxiating properties of Carbon Dioxide will be reached before oxygen-deficiency is a significant factor. 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.

Potential health effects

OR RISKS FROM EXPOSURE Over-exposure to this gas mixture may cause the following health effects: ACUTE: Depending on the concentration of Carbon Dioxide, inhalation of this gas mixture cause nausea, dizziness, visual disturbances, shaking, headache, mental confusion, sweating, increased heartbeat, and elevated blood pressure and respiratory rate. Severe inhalation overexposures may be fatal, due the effects of Carbon Dioxide or asphyxiation. High concentrations of the gas mixture may cause eye irritation. 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. Chronic exposure to oxygen-deficient atmospheres (below 18% oxygen in air) may affect the heart and nervous system. TARGET ORGANS ACUTE Respiratory system, cardiovascular system, eyes. CHRONIC Cardiovascular system, central nervous system.

HMIS® ratings

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