MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEET
PRODUCT NAME: NITROUS OXIDE
1. Chemical Product and Company Identification
BOC Gases, BOC Gases
Division of Division of
The BOC Group, Inc. BOC Canada Limited
575 Mountain Avenue 5975 Falbourne Street, Unit 2
Murray Hill, NJ 07974 Mississauga, Ontario L5R 3W6
TELEPHONE NUMBER: (905) 501-1700
TELEPHONE NUMBER: (908) 464-8100
24-HOUR EMERGENCY TELEPHONE NUMBER: 24-HOUR EMERGENCY TELEPHONE NUMBER:
CHEMTREC (800) 424-9300 (905) 501-0802
EMERGENCY RESPONSE PLAN NO: 20101
PRODUCT NAME: NITROUS OXIDE
CHEMICAL NAME: Nitrous Oxide
COMMON NAMES/SYNONYMS: Dinitrogen Monoxide, Laughing Gas, Factitious Air, Hyponitrous Acid
Anhydride
TDG (Canada) CLASSIFICATION: 2.2 (5.1)
WHMIS CLASSIFICATION: A, C, D1B, D2A
PREPARED BY: Loss Control (908)464-8100/(905)501-1700
PREPARATION DATE: 6/1/95
REVIEW DATES: 6/7/96
2. Composition, Information on Ingredients
PEL-OSHA1 TLV-ACGIH2
INGREDIENT % VOLUME LD50 or LC50
Route/Species
Nitrous Oxide 98.0 to 99.995 Not Available 50 ppm TWA LC50
160 mg/m3/6H
FORMULA: N2O
CAS: 10024-97-2 (rat)
RTECS #: QX1350000
1
As stated in 29 CFR 1910, Subpart Z (revised July 1, 1993)
2
As stated in the ACGIH 1994-95 Threshold Limit Values for Chemical Substances and Physical Agents
3. Hazards Identification
EMERGENCY OVERVIEW
Anesthetic effects at high concentrations. Asphyxia by exclusion of oxygen. Reproductive Hazard.
Nonflammable. Oxidizer. May accelerate combustion of other materials.
MSDS: G-3
Revised: 6/7/96 Page 1 of 7
PRODUCT NAME: NITROUS OXIDE
ROUTE OF ENTRY:
Skin Contact Skin Absorption Eye Contact Inhalation Ingestion
Yes No Yes Yes No
HEALTH EFFECTS:
Exposure Limits Irritant Sensitization
Yes No No
Teratogen Reproductive Hazard Mutagen
Yes Yes Yes
Synergistic Effects
Other agents that depress the central nervous system
Carcinogenicity: -- NTP: No IARC: No OSHA: No
EYE EFFECTS:
Adverse effects not anticipated.
SKIN EFFECTS:
Adverse effects not anticipated.
INGESTION EFFECTS:
None known. Ingestion is unlikely.
INHALATION EFFECTS:
High concentrations may cause deep breathing, dizziness, nausea and eventual unconsciousness due to
inadequate oxygen supply. Anesthetic effects may occur when mixed with oxygen at a ratio of 80% nitrous
oxide to 20% oxygen. Laughter effects seem to occur after incipient asphyxia accompanied by the sudden return
of oxygen as in air. Nitrous oxide is a slight narcotic, but lacks substantial toxicity. Asphyxia will occur due to
oxygen exclusion. Maintain oxygen levels above 19.5% at sea level.
Chronic effects of overexposure may include reproductive effects.
NFPA HAZARD CODES HMIS HAZARD CODES RATINGS SYSTEM
Health: 2 Health: 2 0 = No Hazard
Flammability: 0 Flammability: 0 1 = Slight Hazard
Reactivity: 0 Reactivity: 0 2 = Moderate Hazard
3 = Serious Hazard
4 = Severe Hazard
4. First Aid Measures
EYES:
Never introduce ointment or oil into the eyes without medical advice! If pain is present, refer the victim to an
opthalmologist for treatment and follow up.
MSDS: G-3
Revised: 6/7/96 Page 2 of 7
PRODUCT NAME: NITROUS OXIDE
SKIN:
No adverse effects anticipated.
INGESTION:
None required.
INHALATION:
PROMPT MEDICAL ATTENTION IS MANDATORY IN ALL CASES OF OVEREXPOSURE TO
NITROUS OXIDE. RESCUE PERSONNEL SHOULD BE EQUIPPED WITH SELF-CONTAINED
BREATHING APPARATUS. Conscious persons should be assisted to an uncontaminated area and inhale fresh
air. Quick removal from the contaminated area is most important. Unconscious persons should be moved to an
uncontaminated area, given artificial resuscitation and supplemental oxygen. Further treatment should be
symptomatic and supportive.
5. Fire Fighting Measures
Conditions of Flammability: Not Flammable
Flash point: Method: Autoignition
None Not Applicable Temperature: None
LEL(%): None UEL(%): None
Hazardous combustion products: None
Sensitivity to mechanical shock: None
Sensitivity to static discharge: None
FIRE AND EXPLOSION HAZARDS:
Nonflammable. May decompose violently at temperatures above 1112oF (600oC).
EXTINGUISHING MEDIA:
Use extinguishing media suitable for the combustible materials involved in the fire.
FIRE FIGHTING INSTRUCTIONS:
None required. Use media suitable for surrounding fire.
6. Accidental Release Measures
Evacuate all personnel from affected area. Use appropriate protective equipment. If leak is in user鈥檚 equipment,
be certain to purge piping with inert gas prior to attempting repairs. If leak is in container or container valve,
contact the appropriate emergency telephone number listed in Section 1 or call your closest BOC location.
7. Handling and Storage
Use only in well-ventilated areas. Do not drag, slide or roll cylinders. Use a suitable hand truck for cylinder
movement. Do not heat cylinder by any means to increase the discharge rate of product from the container. Use
a check valve or trap in the discharge line to prevent hazardous back flow into the container.
MSDS: G-3
Revised: 6/7/96 Page 3 of 7
PRODUCT NAME: NITROUS OXIDE
For additional recommendations, consult Compressed Gas Association鈥檚 Pamphlet P-1.
Protect containers from physical damage. Store in cool, dry, well-ventilated area of non-combustible
construction away from heavily trafficked areas and emergency exits. Do not allow the temperatures where
containers are stored to exceed 130oF (54oC). Containers should be stored upright and firmly secured to prevent
falling or being knocked over. Full and empty cylinders should be segregated. Use "first in-first out" inventory
system to prevent full containers being stored for excessive periods of time.
8. Exposure Controls, Personal Protection
EXPOSURE LIMITS1:
PEL-OSHA2 TLV-ACGIH3
INGREDIENT % VOLUME LD50 or LC50
Route/Species
Nitrous Oxide 98.0 to 99.995 Not Available 50 ppm TWA LC50
160 mg/m3/6H
FORMULA: N2O
CAS: 10024-97-2 (rat)
RTECS #: QX1350000
1
Refer to individual state of provincial regulations, as applicable, for limits which may be more stringent than
those listed here.
2
As stated in 29 CFR 1910, Subpart Z (revised July 1, 1993)
3
As stated in the ACGIH 1994-1995 Threshold Limit Values for Chemical Substances and Physical Agents.
ENGINEERING CONTROLS:
Use local exhaust to prevent accumulation of high concentrations that may reduce the oxygen level in the air to
less than 19.5%.
EYE/FACE PROTECTION:
Chemical safety goggles or safety glasses. Do not wear contact lenses.
SKIN PROTECTION:
Use protective gloves; any material suitable to the use situation.
RESPIRATORY PROTECTION:
Self-contained breathing apparatus should be available for emergency use.
OTHER/GENERAL PROTECTION:
Safety shoes, safety shower.
MSDS: G-3
Revised: 6/7/96 Page 4 of 7
PRODUCT NAME: NITROUS OXIDE
9. Physical and Chemical Properties
PARAMETER VALUE UNITS
Physical state (gas, liquid, solid) : Gas
Vapor pressure at 20oC : 736. psig
Vapor density (Air = 1) : 1.529
Evaporation point : Not Available
o
Boiling point : -127.2 F
o
C
: -88.47
o
Freezing point : -131.5 F
o
: -90.81 C
pH : Not Applicable
Specific gravity at boiling : 1.227
Oil/water partition coefficient : Not Available
Solubility (H20) : Slightly Soluble
Odor threshold : Not Available
Odor and appearance : Colorless gas, slightly sweet taste and odor.
Liquid appears similar to water.
10. Stability and Reactivity
STABILITY:
Stable
INCOMPATIBLE MATERIALS
All flammable materials. Nitrous oxide will serve as the oxidant for most flammable materials. Some
flammables will have a lower flammable limit in nitrous oxide than in pure oxygen. Powerful reducing agents
will react violently.
HAZARDOUS DECOMPOSITION PRODUCTS:
At elevated temperatures. Nitrous oxide decomposes into nitrogen and oxygen, the rate of decomposition being
appreciable at about 1112oF (600oC). Nitrous oxide exposed to fire or other intense heat source may decompose
violently.
HAZARDOUS POLYMERIZATION:
Will not occur.
11. Toxicological Information
REPRODUCTIVE:
Reproductive toxicity has been observed in experimental animals exposed at concentrations in excess of the
current TLV. These toxic effects include:
Toxic effects to newborn rats after exposure of pregnant female to 50,000 ppm for 4 hours.
Toxic effects to testes, epididymis, sperm duct in male rat following exposures of 200,000 ppm for 8 hours.
Effects on embryo and fetus in exposed rats. Teratogenic effects observed in other mammalian species.
MUTAGENIC:
MSDS: G-3
Revised: 6/7/96 Page 5 of 7
PRODUCT NAME: NITROUS OXIDE
Effects on genetic material have been observed in human, mammalian and insect mutation test systems exposed
at concentrations of 50,000 ppm or greater.
OTHER:
Blood changes, including changes in erythrocite and leukocyte count, have been reported in experimental rats
and mice exposed at near the current TLV (50 ppm). Changes in body and liver weight have been reported.
12. Ecological Information
No data given.
13. Disposal Considerations
Do not attempt to dispose of residual waste or unused quantities. Return in the shipping container PROPERLY
LABELED, WITH ANY VALVE OUTLET PLUGS OR CAPS SECURED AND VALVE PROTECTION CAP
IN PLACE to BOC Gases or authorized distributor for proper disposal.
14. Transport Information
PARAMETER United States DOT Canada TDG
Nitrous Oxide, compressed Nitrous Oxide, compressed
PROPER SHIPPING NAME:
2.2 2.2 (5.1)
HAZARD CLASS:
UN 1070 UN 1070
IDENTIFICATION NUMBER:
NONFLAMMABLE GAS, OXIDIZER NONFLAMMABLE GAS, OXIDIZER
SHIPPING LABEL:
15. Regulatory Information
SARA TITLE III NOTIFICATIONS AND INFORMATION
SARA TITLE III - HAZARD CLASSES:
Acute Health Hazard
Fire Hazard
Reactivity Hazard
16. Other Information
Compressed gas cylinders shall not be refilled without the express written permission of the owner. Shipment of
a compressed gas cylinder which has not been filled by the owner or with his/her (written) consent is a
violation of transportation regulations.
MSDS: G-3
Revised: 6/7/96 Page 6 of 7
PRODUCT NAME: NITROUS OXIDE
DISCLAIMER OF EXPRESSED AND IMPLIED WARRANTIES:
Although reasonable care has been taken in the preparation of this document, we extend no warranties and make
no representations as to the accuracy or completeness of the information contained herein, and assume no
responsibility regarding the suitability of this information for the user鈥檚 intended purposes or for the
consequences of its use. Each individual should make a determination as to the suitability of the information for
their particular purpose(s).
MSDS: G-3
Revised: 6/7/96 Page 7 of 7
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