Carbon dioxide, refrigerated liquid

SECTION 2: Hazards identification

OSHA EMERGENCY OVERVIEW WARNING! Cold liquid and gas under pressure. Can cause rapid suffocation. Can increase respiration and heart rate. May cause nervous system damage. May cause frostbite. May cause dizziness and drowsiness. Self-contained breathing apparatus and protective clothing may be required by rescue workers. This product is a colorless, odorless liquid that transforms to white crystalline particles when discharged from its container. The gas is slightly acidic and may be felt to have a slight, pungent odor and biting taste.

Potential health effects

Effects of a Single (Acute) Overexposure Inhalation. Carbon dioxide gas is an asphyxiant with effects due to lack of oxygen. It is also physiologically active, affecting circulation and breathing. Moderate concentrations may cause headache, drowsiness, dizziness, stinging of the nose and throat, excitation, rapid breathing and heart rate, excess salivation, vomiting, and unconsciousness. Lack of oxygen can kill. Skin Contact. No harm expected from vapor. Prolonged contact with carbon dioxide crystals (snow) could cause frostbite. Cold gas, or liquid or solid carbon dioxide may cause severe frostbite. Copyright © 1997, 1999, 2004, 2006, 2009, Praxair Technology, Inc. Page 1 of 10 All rights reserved. A vertical line in the left margin indicates revised or new material. Swallowing. An unlikely route of exposure. This product is a gas at normal temperature and pressure. But severe frostbite of the lips and mouth may result from contact with the liquid or solid. Eye Contact. No harm expected from vapor. Cold gas, or liquid or solid carbon dioxide may cause severe frostbite. Effects of Repeated (Chronic) Overexposure. No harm expected to healthy individuals. Where competent medical authority deems that such illness would be aggravated by exposure to carbon dioxide, persons in ill health should be restricted from working with or handling this product. Other Effects of Overexposure. Damage to retinal or ganglion cells and central nervous system may occur.

Medical Conditions Generally Aggravated by Exposure

Overexposure. The toxicology and the physical and chemical properties of carbon dioxide suggest that overexposure is unlikely to aggravate existing medical conditions.

Environmental effects

None known. For further information, see section 12, Ecological Information.