MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEET
P R ODU CT NAME : NI T R OU S OX I DE
1. Product and Company Identification
BOC India Limited
BOC India Limited,
Unit:
Oxygen House
P-43 Taratala Road
Kolkata 700 0888
TELEPHONE NUMBER: (033) 24014708-20
Customer Service Center: 1800 345 6789
PRODUCT NAME: NITROUS OXIDE
CHEMICAL NAME: Nitrous Oxide
COMMON NAMES/SYNONYMS: Dinitrogen Monoxide, Laughing Gas, Factitious Air, Hyponitrous Acid Anhydride
2. Composition, Information on Ingredients
EXPOSURE LIMITS1:
PEL-OSHA2
INGREDIENT % VOLUME TLV
5 0 ppm T WA
9 8 .0 t o 99 .9 95 Not Avai l abl e
Ni t r ous Ox i de
F OR MU L A: N2O
CAS : 1 0 0 2 4 -9 7 -2
OSHA Regulatory Status: This material is classified as hazardous under OSHA regulations.
3. Hazards Identification
E ME R GE NCY OVE R VI E W
Col or l es s nonfl ammabl e gas w i t h s l i ght l y s w eet odor . Ox i di z er . Wi l l accel er ate combus t i on and i ncr eas e
t he r i s k of fi r e and ex pl os i on i n combus t i bl e or fl ammabl e mat er i al . I nhal at i on of hi gh concent r at i ons w i l l
caus e anes thes i a. R epeat ed ex pos ur e over ti me may have adver s e r epr oduct i ve effect s , decr eas e
neur obehavi or al funct i ons and i nj ur e ot her or gans . I nt ent i onal mi s us e of t hi s pr oduct can be har mful or
fatal . R epeat ed abus e of ni t r ous ox i de can have l ong-t er m heal t h effect s . May caus e as phyx i at i on by
ex cl us i on of ox ygen. R epr oduct i ve H az ar d. Cont ent s under pr es s ur e. U s e and s tor e bel ow 5 2 ?C.
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P R ODU CT NAME : NI T R OU S OX I DE
ROUTE OF ENTRY:
Skin Absorption Eye Contact Inhalation Ingestion
Skin Contact
No No Yes No
No
HEALTH EFFECTS:
Exposure Limits Sensitization
Irritant
No
Yes No
Teratogen Reproductive Hazard Mutagen
Yes Yes Yes
Synergistic Effects
Other agents that depress the central nervous system
Carcinogenicity: -- OSHA: No
EYE EFFECTS: Harmful effects are not expected.
SKIN EFFECTS: Harmful effects are not expected.
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.
Intentional misuse or abuse of this product may be harmful or fatal. Repeated abuse can have long-term health
effects.
Repeated exposure over time may adversely affect the liver, kidneys, nervous system, blood, reproductive
system and fetus (See Section 11).
Due to the effects nitrous oxide has on volume and pressure characteristic of air containing spaces, it should not be
used as an anesthetic for patients with pneumothorax, sinus and middle ear disease, bowel obstruction, and following
cerebral air contrast studies. Many anesthesiologists feel that N2O use should be restricted during the first two
trimesters of pregnancy.
MEDICAL CONDITIONS AGGRAVATED BY EXPOSURE: None known.
POTENTIAL ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS: Ecotoxicity values were unavailable. Expected to have effects
similar to those seen in experimental animals and humans.
4. First Aid Measures
EYES: None required.
SKIN: None required.
INGESTION: None required.
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P R ODU CT NAME : NI T R OU S OX I DE
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
Not Applicable Temperature: None
None
LEL(%): None UEL(%): None
Hazardous combustion products: None
Sensitivity to mechanical shock: None
Sensitivity to static discharge: None
FIRE AND EXPLOSION HAZARDS:
Nonflammable. Oxidizer. Can readily support or initiate combustion/explosion of organic matter and other
oxidizable material. May decompose violently at temperatures above 1112oF (600oC). Cylinder may vent rapidly
or rupture violently from pressure when involved in a fire situation.
EXTINGUISHING MEDIA:
Use extinguishing media suitable for the combustible materials involved in the fire.
FIRE FIGHTING INSTRUCTIONS:
Firefighters should wear respiratory protection (SCBA) and full turnout or Bunker gear. If possible, stop the flow
of gas that is accelerating the fire. Continue to cool fire-exposed cylinders until well after flames are extinguished.
6. Accidental Release Measures
Extinguish all ignition sources. Evacuate all personnel from affected area. A leak near combustible or flammable
materials may represent a severe fire or explosion hazard. Use appropriate protective equipment (See Section 8). Stop
the flow of gas or remove cylinder to outdoor location if this can be done without risk. Ventilate enclosed areas. If
leak is in user's 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
Electrical classification: Nonhazardous
Use only in well-ventilated areas. Do not drag, slide or roll cylinders. Use a suitable hand truck for cylinder
movement. Valve protection caps must remain in place unless container is secured with valve outlet piped to use point.
Use a pressure-reducing regulator when connecting cylinder to lower pressure piping or systems.
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. Do not insert any object (i.e.: screwdriver)
into valve cap openings as this can damage the valve causing leakage.
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P R ODU CT NAME : NI T R OU S OX I DE
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
52oC. 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. "Post NO SMOKING OR OPEN FLAMES" signs in the storage or use area. There should be
no sources of ignition in the storage or use area.
Due to increased misuse and abuse of nitrous oxide, handling storage precautions should be implemented to prevent theft
and improper use. The following recommendations may not include all precautions, which are necessary. Nitrous oxide
systems should be installed in accordance with CGA G-8.1, "Standard for Nitrous Oxide Systems at Consumer Sites."
Keep full and empty nitrous oxide containers and utilization equipment stored in a secured area. Allow only authorized
personnel to remove containers. Inventory and account for both full and empty containers and bulk product. Promptly
report any theft of nitrous oxide to the police and the supplier. Establish other procedures as necessary to check for
unusual use or loss of nitrous oxide.
Never carry a compressed gas cylinder or a container of gas in a cryogenic liquid form in an enclosed space such as a car
trunk, van or station wagon. A leak can result in a fire, explosion, asphyxiation or a toxic exposure.
8. Exposure Controls, Personal Protection
ENGINEERING CONTROLS:
Local exhaust ventilation and enclosed processes as necessary to control air contaminants to at or below
acceptable exposure guidelines.
EYE/FACE PROTECTION: Chemical safety goggles or safety glasses.
SKIN PROTECTION:
Protective gloves as suitable for the job. Gloves must be clean and free from grease or oil.
RESPIRATORY PROTECTION:
For emergency release use NIOSH approved air-supplying respirator systems (SCBA or airline/escape bottle) using
at a minimum Grade D air.
OTHER/GENERAL PROTECTION:
Safety shoes.
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P R ODU CT NAME : NI T R OU S OX I DE
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 : Gas
Boiling point o
: -88.47 C
o
Freezing point C
: -90.81
PH : Not Applicable
Specific gravity at boiling : 1.227
Oil/water partition coefficient : Not Available
@ 21.1 ?C; 1 atm
Solubility (H20) : 2.3, (slight)
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/CONDITIONS: All flammable, inorganic and combustible 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. Avoid heat, sparks, flames, and other
ignition sources.
HAZARDOUS DECOMPOSITION PRODUCTS: At elevated temperatures. Nitrous oxide decomposes into
nitrogen and oxygen, the rate of decomposition being appreciable at about 600oC. Nitrous oxide exposed to fire or
other intense heat source may decompose violently.
HAZARDOUS POLYMERIZATION: Will not occur.
11. Toxicological Information
INHALATION: Nitrous oxide has a narcotic effect at high concentrations.
SKIN AND EYE: None.
OTHER: Although nitrous oxide has adversely affected a variety of organs in both human and animal studies dose-
response and causal relationships are poorly defined. Various studies indicate that nitrous oxide may adversely affect
the blood and blood forming organs, liver, kidneys, nervous system, reproductive system, and fetus. The ACGIH TLV
for nitrous oxide was established to protect against adverse hematologic, nervous system, and reproductive effects.
Dentists and dental assistants (> 8 H/week) heavily exposed to nitrous oxide exhibited higher hepatic and renal disease
rates than nonexposed dentists and their assistants. Neurological impairment from nitrous oxide exposure has been
reported at concentrations of several hundred to several thousand ppm; however, decrements in human cognitive and
psychomotor functions have been reported at much lower concentrations. Dentists
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P R ODU CT NAME : NI T R OU S OX I DE
exposed to nitrous oxide longer than 3000 hours within the prior 10 years exhibited neurologic symptoms (i.e.: weakness,
tingling, and numbness).
Reproductive toxicity has been observed in humans and animals following exposure to nitrous oxide in concentrations in
excess of the TLV. Fetal mortality increased at all concentrations in pregnant rats exposed to 0, 100, 1000, or 15,000 ppm
nitrous oxide (8 or 24 H/day for 5-9 days, 2-3 week of pregnancy) and teratogenic effects (skeletal anomalies) were seen at
1,000 ppm.
Female workers directly exposed to waste anesthetic gases have exhibited a higher than expected incidence of
spontaneous abortion. Exposure to nitrous oxide alone resulted in a 50% increase in congenital abnormalities and a
100% increase in spontaneous abortions in female dental assistants compared to nonusers of nitrous oxide.
Three carcinogenic bioassays with nitrous oxide yielded negative results. Three epidemiologic studies reported a small
increase in the incidence of cancer in women, but not in men, occupationally exposed to anesthetic gases.
12. Ecological Information
Product does not contain Class I or Class II ozone depleting substances.
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 India
Ni t r ous Ox i de
PROPER SHIPPING NAME:
2 .2 (5 .1 )
HAZARD CLASS:
U N 1070
IDENTIFICATION NUMBER:
SHIPPING LABEL: NONF L AMMAB L E GAS , OX I DI Z E R
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.
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's 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).
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