International Chemical Safety Cards

NITROUS OXIDE ICSC: 0067

NITROUS OXIDE
Dinitrogen monoxide
Hyponitrous acid anhydride
Laughing gas
(cylinder)
N2O
Molecular mass: 44.0
CAS # 10024-97-2
RTECS # QX1350000
ICSC # 0067
UN # 1070 (compressed); 2201 (refrigerated liquid)
TYPES OF
HAZARD/
EXPOSURE 		ACUTE HAZARDS/
SYMPTOMS 		PREVENTION FIRST AID/
FIRE FIGHTING
FIRE Not combustible but enhances combustion of other substances. Many reactions may cause fire or explosion. Gives off irritating or toxic fumes (or gases) in a fire.
NO open flames, NO sparks, and NO smoking.
Powder, water spray, foam, carbon dioxide.
EXPLOSION Gas/air mixtures are explosive.
Closed system, ventilation, explosion-proof electrical equipment and lighting.
In case of fire: keep cylinder cool by spraying with water. Combat fire from a sheltered position.
EXPOSURE
AVOID EXPOSURE OF (PREGNANT) WOMEN!

  • INHALATION
    		• Drowsiness. Unconsciousness. Eurphoria.
    		Ventilation. Local exhaust or breathing protection.
    		Fresh air, rest. Refer for medical attention.
  • SKIN
    		• ON CONTACT WITH LIQUID: FROSTBITE.
    		Cold-insulating gloves.
    		ON FROSTBITE: rinse with plenty of water, do NOT remove clothes. Refer for medical attention.
  • EYES
    		• Redness. Pain.
    		Safety goggles or eye protection in combination with breathing protection.
    		First rinse with plenty of water for several minutes (remove contact lenses if easily possible), then take to a doctor.
  • INGESTION

    		• Do not eat, drink, or smoke during work.

    SPILLAGE DISPOSAL STORAGE PACKAGING & LABELLING
    Evacuate danger area! Consult an expert! Ventilation. If in liquid state: do NOT absorb in saw-dust or other combustible absorbents. NEVER direct water jet on liquid (extra personal protection: self-contained breathing apparatus).
    		Fireproof if in building. Separated from incompatible materials (see Chemical Dangers). Cool.

    UN Hazard Class: 2.2
    UN Subsidiary Risks: 5.1
    SEE IMPORTANT INFORMATION ON BACK
    ICSC: 0067 Prepared in the context of cooperation between the International Programme on Chemical Safety & the Commission of the European Communities © IPCS CEC 1993 No modifications to the International version have been made except to add the OSHA PELs, NIOSH RELs and IDLH values.

    International Chemical Safety Cards

    NITROUS OXIDE ICSC: 0067

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    PHYSICAL STATE; APPEARANCE:
     COLOURLESS COMPRESSED LIQUEFIED GAS , WITH CHARACTERISTIC ODOUR.

    PHYSICAL DANGERS:
     The gas is heavier than air and may accumulate in low ceiling spaces causing deficiency of oxygen.

    CHEMICAL DANGERS:
     The substance decomposes on burning producing toxic nitrogen oxides. Reacts violently with sulphurous anhydride, amorphous boron, phosphine, ethers, aluminium, hydrazine, phenyl-lithium and tungsten carbide causing fire and explosion hazard. The gas is a strong oxidant above 300°C and may form explosive mixtures with ammonia, carbon monoxide, hydrogen sulphide, oil, grease and fuels.

    OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE LIMITS (OELs):
     TLV: 50 ppm; 90 mg/m3 as TWA (ACGIH 1991-1992).
    OSHA PEL: none
    NIOSH REL: TWA 25 ppm (46 mg/m3) (TWA over the time exposed) *Note: REL for exposure to waste anesthetic gas.
    NIOSH IDLH: No data


    		ROUTES OF EXPOSURE:
     The substance can be absorbed into the body by inhalation.

    INHALATION RISK:
     A harmful concentration of this gas in the air will be reached very quickly on loss of containment.

    EFFECTS OF SHORT-TERM EXPOSURE:
     The liquid may cause frostbite. The substance may cause effects on the central nervous system.

    EFFECTS OF LONG-TERM OR REPEATED EXPOSURE:
     The substance may have effects on the bone marrow. May cause reproductive toxicity in humans.
    PHYSICAL
    PROPERTIES
    Boiling point: -89°C
    Melting point: -91°C
    Relative density (water = 1): 1.23 at -89°C
    		 Solubility in water, g/100 ml at 15°C: 0.015
    Vapour pressure, kPa at 20°C: 51.5
    Relative vapour density (air = 1): 1.53
    ENVIRONMENTAL
    DATA
    N O T E S
    Turn leaking cylinder with the leak up to prevent escape of gas in liquid state.
    ADDITIONAL INFORMATION


    ICSC: 0067 NITROUS OXIDE
    © IPCS, CEC, 1993
    IMPORTANT LEGAL NOTICE: Neither NIOSH, the CEC or the IPCS nor any person acting on behalf of NIOSH, the CEC or the IPCS is responsible for the use which might be made of this information. This card contains the collective views of the IPCS Peer Review Committee and may not reflect in all cases all the detailed requirements included in national legislation on the subject. The user should verify compliance of the cards with the relevant legislation in the country of use. The only modifications made to produce the U.S. version is inclusion of the OSHA PELs, NIOSH RELs and IDLH values.