Helium

SECTION 2: Hazards identification

Emergency Overview WARNING! Extremely cold liquid and gas under pressure. Can cause rapid suffocation. Can cause severe frostbite. Liquid or cold gas will freeze air in vent lines. May cause dizziness and drowsiness. Self-contained breathing apparatus and protective clothing may be required by rescue workers. This is a colourless, odourless, cryogenic liquid.

Principle Routes of Exposure

Inhalation EFFECTS OF A SINGLE (ACUTE) OVEREXPOSURE: INHALATION: Asphyxiant. Effects are due to lack of oxygen. Moderate concentrations may cause headaches, drowsiness, dizziness, excitation, excess salivation, vomiting, and unconsciousness. Lack of oxygen can kill. SKIN CONTACT: No harm expected. SKIN ABSORPTION: No harm expected. Rev. 4 SWALLOWING: This product is a gas at normal temperature and pressure. EYE CONTACT: No harm expected. EFFECTS OF REPEATED (CHRONIC) OVEREXPOSURE: None known. OTHER EFFECTS OF OVEREXPOSURE: None known.

Medical Conditions Generally Aggravated by Exposure

OVEREXPOSURE Repeated or prolonged exposure is not known to aggravate medical condition. SIGNIFICANT LABORATORY DATA WITH POSSIBLE RELEVANCE TO HUMAN HEALTH HAZARD EVALUATION: None currently known. CARCINOGENICITY: Not listed as carcinogen.