LIQUID NITROGEN

SECTION 2: Hazards identification

EMERGENCY OVERVIEW: Liquid Nitrogen is a colorless, odorless, cryogenic liquid. The main health hazard associated with releases of this gas is asphyxiation, by displacement of oxygen. The cryogenic liquid will rapidly boil to the gas at standard temperatures and pressures. The liquefied gas can cause freezing of tissue, or cryogenic burns , similar to frostbite to eyes or skin upon contact. SYMPTOMS OF OVER-EXPOSURE BY ROUTE OF EXPOSURE: The most significant routes of over-exposure for HAZARDOUS MATERIAL IDENTIFICATION SYSTEM this gas are by inhalation, and contact with the cryogenic liquid. INHALATION: High concentrations of this gas can cause an oxygen-deficient environment. Individuals breathing such an

Health hazards

BLUE) 3 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 over-exposure, death FLAMMABILITY HAZARD (RED) 0 may occur. The following effects associated with various levels of oxygen are as follows: CONCENTRATION SYMPTOM OF EXPOSURE 12-16% Oxygen: Breathing and pulse rate increased, muscular coordination slightly PHYSICAL HAZARD (YELLOW) 0 disturbed. 10-14% Oxygen: Emotional upset, abnormal fatigue, disturbed respiration. PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT 6-10% Oxygen: Nausea and vomiting, collapse or loss of consciousness. EYES HANDS BODY Below 6%: RESPIRATORY Convulsive movements, possible respiratory collapse, and death. CONTACT WITH SKIN or EYES: Contact of the liquid with the SEE SECTION 8 skin can lead to severe cryogenic burns or dermatitis (red, cracked, irritated skin), depending upon concentration and For Routine Industrial Use and Handling Applications duration of exposure. Contact of the liquid with the eyes can cause pain, redness, severe cryogenic burns, and prolonged exposure could cause blindness. Contact with the undiluted liquid will cause frostbite, ulceration of the skin (which may be delayed in appearance for several hours), blistering, and pain. Contact with rapidly expanding gas poses a frostbite hazard. OTHER POTENTIAL HEALTH EFFECTS: Contact with cryogenic liquid or rapidly expanding gases (which are released under high pressure) may cause frostbite. Symptoms of frostbite include change in skin color to white or grayish-yellow. The pain after contact with liquid can quickly subside. HEALTH EFFECTS OR RISKS FROM EXPOSURE: An Explanation in Lay Terms. Over-exposure to Nitrogen may cause the following health effects: ACUTE: The most significant hazard associated with this gas is inhalation of oxygen-deficient atmospheres. Symptoms of oxygen deficiency include respiratory difficulty, ringing in ears, headaches, shortness of breath, wheezing, headache, dizziness, indigestion, nausea, and, at high concentrations, unconsciousness or death may occur. The skin of a victim of over-exposure may have a blue color. Contact with cryogenic liquid or rapidly expanding gases (which are released under high pressure) may cause frostbite. Symptoms of frostbite include change in skin color to white or grayish-yellow. The pain after contact with liquid can quickly subside. CHRONIC: There are currently no known adverse health effects associated with chronic exposure to this gas. TARGET ORGANS ACUTE Respiratory system. CHRONIC None known