University of California -
MSDS System PAGE 1
11/17/95
Source of MSDS: LIQUID CARBONIC NITROUS OXIDE, COMPRESSED DOT UN 1070
HAZ.CL.: Division 2.2
LABEL: Nonflammable Gas
October 1991
24 Hour Emergency Phone Numbers: (504) 673-8831;
CHEMTREC (800)424-9300
SECTION I--PRODUCT IDENTIFICATION
CHEMICAL NAME: Nitrous Oxide, Dinitrogen Monoxide
COMMON NAME AND SYNONYMS: Nitrous Oxide; Nitrous Oxide, Compressed (D.O.T.),
Laughing Gas
CHEMICAL FAMILY: Oxide of Nitrogen
FORMULA: N2O
SECTION II--
HAZARDOUS INGREDIENTS
MATERIAL VOLUME % CAS NO. 1991-1992 ACGIH TLV UNITS Nitrous Oxide 99 . 9+ 10024-97-2
TWA = 50 Molar PPM OSHA 1989 TWA = None Listed
SECTION III--
PHYSICAL DATA
BOILING POINT (dF.): -127 SPECIFIC GRAVITY (H2O=1) 1.22(-127d/60dF)
VAPOR PRESSURE: @ 70dF = 754 psia %
VOLATILE BY VOLUME: 99.9+
VAPOR DENSITY (AIR=1):@ 70dF = 1.53
EVAPORATION RATE (BUTYL ACETATE=1):
SOLUBILITY IN WATER: Slightly Unknown
APPEARANCE AND ODOR: Colorless gas with slightly sweet taste and odor
SECTION IV--
FIRE AND EXPLOSION HAZARD
DATA FLASH POINT (METHOD USED) N/A
FLAMMABLE LIMITS LEL UEL
EXTINGUISHING MEDIA: none Copious quantities of water for fires with nitrous oxide as
the oxidizer.
SPECIAL FIRE FIGHTING PROCEDURES: If possible, stop the flow of nitrous oxide which is
supporting the fire. If cylinders are involved in a fire, safely relocate or keep cool with
water spray.
UNUSUAL FIRE AND EXPLOSION HAZARDS: Nitrous oxide has been known to decompose
exothermically to oxygen and nitrogen at elevated temperatures. This decomposition
has also been shown to have explosive force (also see Reactivity Data).
SECTION V--
HEALTH HAZARD DATA
Route(s) of Entry: Inhalation? Yes Skin? No Ingestion? No
University of California - MSDS System
PAGE 2
11/17/95
Carcinogenicity: NTP? No IARC Monographs? No OSHA? No
EFFECTS OF OVEREXPOSURE: Inhalation: High concentrations of nitrous oxide so as to exclude an
adequate supply of oxygen to the lungs causes dizziness, deeper breathing due to air hunger,
possible nausea and eventual unconsciousness. It is also employed as an anesthetic when mixed
with oxygen. These mixtures are generally 80 molar % N2O and 20 molar % O2. Persons in ill health
where such illness would be aggravated by exposure to nitrous oxide should not be allowed to
work with or handle this product.
EMERGENCY AND FIRST AID PROCEDURES: If Inhaled: 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 assisted
respiration with supplemental oxygen. Further treatment should be symptomatic and supportive.
Rescue personnel should be equipped with self- contained breathing apparatus and be cognizant
of fire and explosion hazards.
SECTION VI--
REACTIVITY DATA STABILITY: UNSTABLE ( ) STABLE ( x ) CONDITIONS TO AVOID:
Decomposes to N2 and O2 (2:1 ratio) at high (>1200dF) temperatures (see Hazardous Decomposition Products).
INCOMPATIBILITY(MATERIALS TO AVOID): All flammable materials
HAZARDOUS DECOMPOSITION PRODUCTS: Decomposition to N2 and O2 will occur at a lower temperature
(approximately 650dF), if oxides of silver, copper and nickel are present. Some of these oxides may
result from soldering or brazing operations.
HAZARDOUS POLYMERIZATION: MAY OCCUR ( ) WON'T OCCUR ( x )
CONDITIONS TO AVOID: N/A
SECTION VII--
SPILL OR LEAK PROCEDURES STEPS TO BE TAKEN IN CASE MATERIAL IS RELEASED OR SPILLED: Attempt to stop leak,
if possible safely. Be cognizant of increased flammability possibility in high nitrous oxide content atmospheres.
Evacuate personnel from affected area. Remove sources of heat and ignition. Use respiratory protective
equipment as required. WASTE DISPOSAL: Safely relocate leaking cylinder to a remote, downwind location
and allow to vent slowly to atmosphere. Follow all federal, state, and local regulations.
SECTION VIII--
SPECIAL PROTECTION INFORMATION
University of California - MSDS System PAGE 3 11/17/95
RESPIRATORY PROTECTION: Positive pressure air line or self-contained breathing apparatus available for
emergency purposes
VENTILATION: LOCAL EXHAUST ( x ) To prevent accumulation above the TWA
MECHANICAL (GENERAL) ( x )
PROTECTIVE GLOVES: Any material
EYE PROTECTION: Safety glasses
OTHER PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT: Safety shoes
SECTION IX--
SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS PRECAUTIONS TO BE TAKEN IN HANDLING AND STORING:
Protect cylinders against physical damage. Store in cool, dry, well-ventilated area away from sources of heat
or direct sunlight. Do not allow areas where cylinders are stored to exceed 125dF. Use a check valve or
trap in the cylinder discharge line to prevent hazardous backflow. Cylinders should be stored upright
and firmly secured to prevent falling or being knocked over. Keep oil, grease and all flammables away.
Do not store with flammable gases. Open cylinder valves slowly. For additional recommendations
consult Compressed Gas Association's Pamphlets P- l, P-2, P-14, and Safety Bulletins SB-2 and SB-6.
OTHER PRECAUTIONS: Use only DOT or ASME coded vessels. Use a pressure reducing regulator when connecting
cylinder to lower pressure piping or systems. All equipment to contain nitrous oxide should be cleaned
and degreased as if in oxygen service (see CGA G4.1). Close valve after each use and when empty.
Cylinders may not be refilled except by or with the consent of Liquid Carbonic. Reporting under
SARA, Title III, Section 313 not required. NFPA 704 NO. for nitrous oxide = 2 0 0 (OX) No guaranty
is made as to the accuracy of any data or statement implied herein. while this material is furnished
in good faith, NO WARRANTY EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, OF MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS OR OTHERWISE
IS MADE. This material is offered only for your consideration, investigation and verification and
Liquid Carbonic shall not in any event be liable for special, incidental or consequential damages
in connection with its publication. Last modified 16-Aug-96 07:58
