Nitrous Oxide

H270 (100%): May cause or intensify fire; oxidizer [Danger Oxidizing gases]

H280 (56.4%): Contains gas under pressure; may explode if heated [Warning Gases under pressure]

H281 (40.6%): Contains refrigerated gas; may cause cryogenic burns or injury [Warning Gases under pressure]

H336 (31.7%): May cause drowsiness or dizziness [Warning Specific target organ toxicity, single exposure; Narcotic effects]

P220, P244, P261, P271, P282, P304+P340, P319, P336+P317, P370+P376, P403, P403+P233, P405, P410+P403, and P501 (click each P-code to see the statement)

Aggregated GHS information provided per 663 reports by companies from 15 notifications to the ECHA C&L Inventory. Each notification may be associated with multiple companies.

Information may vary between notifications depending on impurities, additives, and other factors. The percentage value in parenthesis indicates the notified classification ratio from companies that provide hazard codes. Only hazard codes with percentage values above 10% are shown. For more detailed information, please visit ECHA C&L website.

H270: May cause or intensify fire; oxidizer [Danger Oxidizing gases]

H336: May cause drowsiness or dizziness [Warning Specific target organ toxicity, single exposure; Narcotic effects]

H360: May damage fertility or the unborn child [Danger Reproductive toxicity]

H372: Causes damage to organs through prolonged or repeated exposure [Danger Specific target organ toxicity, repeated exposure]

P203, P220, P244, P260, P261, P264, P270, P271, P280, P304+P340, P318, P319, P370+P376, P403, P403+P233, P405, and P501 (click each P-code to see the statement)

H280: Contains gas under pressure; may explode if heated [Warning Gases under pressure]

P203, P220, P244, P260, P261, P264, P270, P271, P280, P304+P340, P318, P319, P370+P376, P403, P403+P233, P405, P410+P403, and P501 (click each P-code to see the statement)

P220, P244, P370+P376, P403, and P410+P403 (click each P-code to see the statement)

Fresh air, rest. Refer for medical attention.

ON FROSTBITE: rinse with plenty of water, do NOT remove clothes. Refer for medical attention .

First rinse with plenty of water for several minutes (remove contact lenses if easily possible), then refer for medical attention.

Excerpt from NIOSH Pocket Guide for Nitrous oxide:

Eye: FROSTBITE - If eye tissue is frozen, seek medical attention immediately; if tissue is not frozen, immediately and thoroughly flush the eyes with large amounts of water for at least 15 minutes, occasionally lifting the lower and upper eyelids. If irritation, pain, swelling, lacrimation, or photophobia persist, get medical attention as soon as possible.

Skin: FROSTBITE - If frostbite has occurred, seek medical attention immediately; do NOT rub the affected areas or flush them with water. In order to prevent further tissue damage, do NOT attempt to remove frozen clothing from frostbitten areas. If frostbite has NOT occurred, immediately and thoroughly wash contaminated skin with soap and water.

Breathing: FRESH AIR - If a person breathes large amounts of this chemical, move the exposed person to fresh air at once. Other measures are usually unnecessary. (NIOSH, 2024)

General First Aid:

· Call 911 or emergency medical service.

· Ensure that medical personnel are aware of the material(s) involved, take precautions to protect themselves and avoid contamination.

· Move victim to fresh air if it can be done safely.

· Administer oxygen if breathing is difficult.

· If victim is not breathing:

-- DO NOT perform mouth-to-mouth resuscitation; the victim may have ingested or inhaled the substance.

-- If equipped and pulse detected, wash face and mouth, then give artificial respiration using a proper respiratory medical device (bag-valve mask, pocket mask equipped with a one-way valve or other device).

-- If no pulse detected or no respiratory medical device available, provide continuous compressions. Conduct a pulse check every two minutes or monitor for any signs of spontaneous respirations.

· Remove and isolate contaminated clothing and shoes.

· For minor skin contact, avoid spreading material on unaffected skin.

· In case of contact with substance, remove immediately by flushing skin or eyes with running water for at least 20 minutes.

· For severe burns, immediate medical attention is required.

· Effects of exposure (inhalation, ingestion, or skin contact) to substance may be delayed.

· Keep victim calm and warm.

· Keep victim under observation.

· For further assistance, contact your local Poison Control Center.

· Note: Basic Life Support (BLS) and Advanced Life Support (ALS) should be done by trained professionals.

Specific First Aid:

· Clothing frozen to the skin should be thawed before being removed.

· In case of contact with liquefied gas, only medical personnel should attempt thawing frosted parts.

In Canada, an Emergency Response Assistance Plan (ERAP) may be required for this product. Please consult the shipping paper and/or the "ERAP" section.

(General first aid procedures)

Eye: Frostbite - If eye tissue is frozen, seek medical attention immediately; if tissue is not frozen, immediately and thoroughly flush the eyes with large amounts of water for at least 15 minutes, occasionally lifting the lower and upper eyelids. If irritation, pain, swelling, lacrimation, or photophobia persist, get medical attention as soon as possible.

Skin: Frostbite - Compressed gases may create low temperatures when they expand rapidly. Leaks and uses that allow rapid expansion may cause a frostbite hazard. Wear appropriate personal protective clothing to prevent the skin from becoming frozen.

Breathing: Fresh air

Excerpt from ERG Guide 122 [Gases - Oxidizing (Including Refrigerated Liquids)]:

Use extinguishing agent suitable for type of surrounding fire.

SMALL FIRE: Dry chemical or CO2.

LARGE FIRE: Water spray, fog or regular foam. If it can be done safely, move undamaged containers away from the area around the fire. Damaged cylinders should be handled only by specialists.

FIRE INVOLVING TANKS: Fight fire from maximum distance or use unmanned master stream devices or monitor nozzles. Cool containers with flooding quantities of water until well after fire is out. Do not direct water at source of leak or safety devices; icing may occur. Withdraw immediately in case of rising sound from venting safety devices or discoloration of tank. ALWAYS stay away from tanks in direct contact with flames. For massive fire, use unmanned master stream devices or monitor nozzles; if this is impossible, withdraw from area and let fire burn. (ERG, 2024)

In case of fire in the surroundings, use appropriate extinguishing media. In case of fire: keep cylinder cool by spraying with water. Combat fire from a sheltered position.

Suitable extinguishing media: Use water spray, alcohol-resistant foam, dry chemical or carbon dioxide.

Advice for firefighters: Wear self-contained breathing apparatus for firefighting if necessary.

Use water spray to cool unopened containers.

Extinguish fire using an agent suitable for type of surrounding fire. Nitrous oxide itself does not burn. Do not extinguish the fire unless the flow of gas can be stopped and any remaining gas is out of the line. Specially trained personnel may use fog lines to cool exposures and let the fire burn itself out. Vapors are heavier than air and will collect in low areas. Vapors in confined areas may explode when exposed to fire. Containers may explode in fire. Storage containers and parts of containers may rocket great distances, in many directions. If material or contaminated runoff enters waterways, notify downstream users of potentially contaminated waters. Notify local health and fire officials and pollution control agencies. From a secure, explosion-proof location, use water spray to cool exposed containers. If cooling streams are ineffective (venting sound increases in volume and pitch, tank discolors, or shows any signs of deforming), withdraw immediately to a secure position. If cylinders are exposed to excessive heat from fire or flame contact, withdraw immediately to a secure location ... The only respirators recommended for fire fighting are self-contained breathing apparatuses that have full facepieces and are operated in a pressure-demand or other positive pressure mode.

For more Fire Fighting Procedures (Complete) data for Nitrous oxide (6 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

Nitrous oxide is an oxidizer and will increase the intensity of any fire.

Exposure of the container to prolonged heat or fire can cause it to rupture violently and rocket.

· CALL 911. Then call emergency response telephone number on shipping paper. If shipping paper not available or no answer, refer to appropriate telephone number listed on the inside back cover.

· Keep unauthorized personnel away.

· Stay upwind, uphill and/or upstream.

· Many gases are heavier than air and will spread along the ground and collect in low or confined areas (sewers, basements, tanks, etc.).

· Ventilate closed spaces before entering, but only if properly trained and equipped.

· Keep combustibles (wood, paper, oil, etc.) away from spilled material.

· Do not touch or walk through spilled material.

· Stop leak if you can do it without risk.

· If possible, turn leaking containers so that gas escapes rather than liquid.

· Do not direct water at spill or source of leak.

· Use water spray to reduce vapors or divert vapor cloud drift. Avoid allowing water runoff to contact spilled material.

· Prevent entry into waterways, sewers, basements or confined areas.

· Allow substance to evaporate.

· Isolate area until gas has dispersed.

CAUTION: When in contact with refrigerated/cryogenic liquids, many materials become brittle and are likely to break without warning.

Excerpt from ERG Guide 122 [Gases - Oxidizing (Including Refrigerated Liquids)]:

IMMEDIATE PRECAUTIONARY MEASURE: Isolate spill or leak area for at least 100 meters (330 feet) in all directions.

LARGE SPILL: Consider initial downwind evacuation for at least 500 meters (1/3 mile).

FIRE: If tank, rail tank car or highway tank is involved in a fire, ISOLATE for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions; also, consider initial evacuation for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions. (ERG, 2024)

Immediate precautionary measure

· Isolate spill or leak area for at least 100 meters (330 feet) in all directions.

Large Spill

· Consider initial downwind evacuation for at least 500 meters (1/3 mile).

· If tank, rail tank car or highway tank is involved in a fire, ISOLATE for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions; also, consider initial evacuation for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions.

Evacuate danger area! Consult an expert! Personal protection: self-contained breathing apparatus. Ventilation. NEVER direct water jet on liquid. If liquid: do NOT absorb in saw-dust or other combustible components.

ACCIDENTAL RELEASE MEASURES: Personal precautions, protective equipment and emergency procedures: Avoid breathing vapors, mist or gas. Ensure adequate ventilation. Evacuate personnel to safe areas; Environmental precautions: Prevent further leakage or spillage if safe to do so. Do not let product enter drains; Methods and materials for containment and cleaning up: Contain spillage, and then collect with an electrically protected vacuum cleaner or by wet-brushing and place in container for disposal according to local regulations.

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.

Spill handling: If in a building, evacuate building and confine vapors by closing doors and shutting down HVAC systems. Restrict persons not wearing protective equipment from area of spill or leak until cleanup is complete. Remove all ignition sources. Ventilate area of spill or leak to disperse the gas. Wear chemical protective suit with self-contained breathing apparatus to combat spills. Stay upwind and use water spray to "knock down" vapor; contain runoff. Stop the flow of gas, if it can be done safely from a distance. If source is a cylinder and the leak cannot be stopped in place, remove the leaking cylinder to a safe place and repair leak or allow cylinder to empty. If flow cannot be stopped, allow it to flow into a mixture of caustic soda and slaked lime and dispose of the resulting material in a hood. Keep this chemical out of confined spaces, such as a sewer, because of the possibility of explosion, unless the sewer is designed to prevent the buildup of explosive concentrations.

SRP: Recycle any unused portion of the material for its approved use or return it to the manufacturer or supplier. Ultimate disposal of the chemical must consider: the material's impact on air quality; potential migration in air, soil or water; effects on animal, aquatic and plant life; and conformance with environmental and public health regulations. If it is possible or reasonable use an alternative chemical product with less inherent propensity for occupational harm/injury/toxicity or environmental contamination.

Product: Burn in a chemical incinerator equipped with an afterburner and scrubber but exert extra care in igniting as this material is highly flammable. Offer surplus and non-recyclable solutions to a licensed disposal company. Contact a licensed professional waste disposal service to dispose of this material; Contaminated packaging: Dispose of as unused product.

Precautions for safe handling: Keep away from sources of ignition - No smoking.

Appropriate engineering controls: Handle in accordance with good industrial hygiene and safety practice. Wash hands before breaks and at the end of workday.

Gloves must be inspected prior to use. Use proper glove removal technique (without touching glove's outer surface) to avoid skin contact with this product. Dispose of contaminated gloves after use in accordance with applicable laws and good laboratory practices. Wash and dry hands.

Nitrous oxide ... is still widely used today despite being associated with adverse effects caused by depression of vitamin B(12) function and diminished reproductive health. ... Levels of inhalational anesthetics in the ambient air of operating theatres and recovery rooms often exceed those stated in national guidelines. Anesthetic procedures can be modified and air-conditioning and air scavenging systems should be used to minimize the risks from occupational exposure and threats to the environment. Such contamination could be avoided with the use of total intravenous anesthesia.

For more Preventive Measures (Complete) data for Nitrous oxide (9 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

Excerpt from ERG Guide 122 [Gases - Oxidizing (Including Refrigerated Liquids)]:

Keep combustibles (wood, paper, oil, etc.) away from spilled material. Do not touch or walk through spilled material. Stop leak if you can do it without risk. If possible, turn leaking containers so that gas escapes rather than liquid. Do not direct water at spill or source of leak. Use water spray to reduce vapors or divert vapor cloud drift. Avoid allowing water runoff to contact spilled material. Prevent entry into waterways, sewers, basements or confined areas. Allow substance to evaporate. Isolate area until gas has dispersed. CAUTION: When in contact with refrigerated/cryogenic liquids, many materials become brittle and are likely to break without warning. (ERG, 2024)

Fireproof if in building. Separated from reducing agents and combustible substances. Cool.

Keep container tightly closed in a dry and well-ventilated place. Contents under pressure.

Store in a location separate from other materials, especially flammables and combustibles. ... Nitrous oxide must be stored to avoid contact with organic peroxides, ammonia, carbon monoxide, hydrogen, hydrogen sulfide, and phosphine, since violent reactions occur. Cylinders of nitrous oxide should be stored in a cool, preferably fire-resistant area, away from heat sources.

Cylinders containing 50% nitrous oxide and 50% oxygen should be protected from the cold to prevent separation of the gases. Cylinders exposed to temperatures lower than -7 °C should be rolled at room temperature to ensure mixing or alternatively stores horizontally for 24 hours at a temperature of not less than 10 °C.

· Wear positive pressure self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA).

· Wear chemical protective clothing that is specifically recommended by the manufacturer when there is NO RISK OF FIRE.

· Structural firefighters' protective clothing provides thermal protection but only limited chemical protection.

· Always wear thermal protective clothing when handling refrigerated/cryogenic liquids.

100.0 [ppm]

200 [ppm]

2200 [ppm]

13000 [ppm]

25 ppm (46 mg/m³) [waste anesthetic gases only]

TWA 25 ppm (46 mg/m3) (TWA over the time exposed) [*Note: REL for exposure to waste anesthetic gas.]

See: IDLH INDEX

50.0 [ppm]

8 hr Time Weighted Avg (TWA): 50 ppm.

Excursion Limit Recommendation: Excursions in worker exposure levels may exceed 3 times the TLV-TWA for no more than a total of 30 minutes during a work day, and under no circumstances should they exceed 5 times the TLV-TWA, provided that the TLV-TWA is not exceeded.

A4; Not classifiable as a human carcinogen.

50 ppm as TWA; A4 (not classifiable as a human carcinogen).

50 ppm [1986]

180 mg/m

· Use extinguishing agent suitable for type of surrounding fire.

Small Fire

· Dry chemical or CO2.

Large Fire

· Water spray, fog or regular foam.

· If it can be done safely, move undamaged containers away from the area around the fire.

· Damaged cylinders should be handled only by specialists.

Fire Involving Tanks

· Fight fire from maximum distance or use unmanned master stream devices or monitor nozzles.

· Cool containers with flooding quantities of water until well after fire is out.

· Do not direct water at source of leak or safety devices; icing may occur.

· Withdraw immediately in case of rising sound from venting safety devices or discoloration of tank.

· ALWAYS stay away from tanks in direct contact with flames.

· For massive fire, use unmanned master stream devices or monitor nozzles; if this is impossible, withdraw from area and let fire burn.

Global Warming Potential (GWP): Chemical: Nitrous oxide; GWP: 298 (100-Year Time Horizon)

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

The liquid may cause frostbite. The substance may cause effects on the central nervous system. This may result in lowering of consciousness.

The substance may have effects on the bone marrow and nervous system. May cause reproductive toxicity in humans.

Excerpt from NIOSH Pocket Guide for Nitrous oxide:

Skin: FROSTBITE - Compressed gases may create low temperatures when they expand rapidly. Leaks and uses that allow rapid expansion may cause a frostbite hazard. Wear appropriate personal protective clothing to prevent the skin from becoming frozen.

Eyes: FROSTBITE - Wear appropriate eye protection to prevent eye contact with the liquid that could result in burns or tissue damage from frostbite.

Wash skin: No recommendation is made specifying the need for washing the substance from the skin (either immediately or at the end of the work shift).

Nitrous oxide is a colorless, sweet-tasting gas. It is also known as "laughing gas". Continued breathing of the vapors may impair the decision making process. It is noncombustible but it will accelerate the burning of combustible material in a fire. It is soluble in water. Its vapors are heavier than air. Exposure of the container to prolonged heat or fire can cause it to rupture violently and rocket. It is used as an anesthetic, in pressure packaging, and to manufacture other chemicals.

Nitrous oxide, refrigerated liquid appears as a colorless liquid. Density 1.22 g / cm3 at its boiling point of -89 °C. Boils to give a colorless gas that is sweet-smelling and moderately toxic. The gas has narcotic effects when inhaled (laughing gas). Shipped under refrigeration. Vapor pressure is at about 745 psig at 70 °F. Used to freeze foods and to manufacture other chemicals.

CBI; Gas Vapor

Colourless, non-flammable gas, sweetish odour

Colorless gas with a slightly sweet odor. [inhalation anesthetic] [Note: Shipped as a liquefied compressed gas.] [NIOSH]

COLOURLESS COMPRESSED LIQUEFIED GAS WITH CHARACTERISTIC ODOUR.

Colorless gas with a slightly sweet odor.

Colorless gas with a slightly sweet odor. [inhalation anesthetic] [Note: Shipped as a liquefied compressed gas.]

Colorless gas [Note: Shipped as a liquified compressed gas]

Slightly sweetish

Weak, pleasant odor

-129.1 °F at 760 mmHg (USCG, 1999)

-127 °F at 760 mmHg (NIOSH, 2024)

-88.48 °C

-88.00 °C. @ 760.00 mm Hg

-88.5 °C

-88.48 °C @760 [mm Hg]

-131.5 °F (USCG, 1999)

-132 °F (NIOSH, 2024)

-90.8 °C

-90.6 °C

0.1 % at 77 °F (NIOSH, 2024)

Slightly soluble in water

At 20 °C and 2 atm one liter of the gas dissolves in 1.5 liters of water

130 mL/100 mL water at 0 °C, 56.7 mL/100 mL water at 25 °C

Soluble in ethanol, ethyl ether

Soluble in alcohol, ether, oils; freely soluble in sulfuric acid

Solubility in water, g/l at 20 °C: 1.2

(77 °F): 0.1%

1.266 at -128.2 °F (USCG, 1999) - Denser than water; will sink

1.799 g/L

Density: 1.226 at -89 °C (liquid); 1.967 at standard temperature and pressure

Density: 1.9775 kg/cu m (gas, 0 °C, 101.3 kPa); 793 kg/cu m (liquid, 20 °C, 101.3 kPa)

Density (at the boiling point of the liquid): 1.28 kg/l

1.266 at -128.2 °F

1.799 @25 °C

1.53(relative gas density)

1.53 (NIOSH, 2024) - Heavier than air; will sink (Relative to Air)

1.53 (Air = 1) (gas)

Relative vapor density (air = 1): 1.53

No rapid reaction with air. No rapid reaction with water.

Oxidizing Agents, Weak

CSL00194

Nitrous oxide + Nitric oxide + Sodium + Hydrogen + Sodium formate + Toluene

"A safety letter from Merck & Co. chemists titled “Nitric Oxide at High Pressure” (C&EN, Jan. 30, page 6) described two explosions during depressurization of a reaction between NO and methanol under basic conditions. The products in a model system with sodium methoxide were described as nitrous oxide and formic acid, presumably as sodium formate. A potential danger in this system should be pointed out: Sodium formate undergoes thermal decomposition to give hydrogen gas (J. Am. Chem. Soc.,DOI: 10.1021/ja02245a004), which explodes spontaneously in the presence of nitrous oxide above critical limits (J. Am. Chem. Soc., DOI: 10.1021/ja01179a036), even in the absence of a catalyst or source of ignition. The presence of hydrogen and nitrous oxide above a reaction mixture was undoubtedly the cause of an explosion and fire in my laboratory in 1981 during workup of a reaction between sodium and nitric oxide. The major product of the reaction is cis-sodium hyponitrite, which decomposes immediately in water to form sodium hydroxide and nitrous oxide. The employee, a biology major who was badly burned, had carried out the reaction a number of times without incident. This time he tried twice and failed to disperse about 30 g of sodium in toluene and, without consulting me, decided to continue the reaction. The explosion occurred as he was attempting to destroy the unreacted sodium, a lump too large to remove from the flask, by dropwise addition of water. Most of the sodium had reacted at the time of the explosion, and there was no indication of mechanical failure. At the time, I was unaware of the extreme incompatibility of the two gases, and the accident was extremely puzzling. The reaction mixture was close to room temperature and was stirred rapidly while the headspace was flushed with a stream of nitrogen. When I arrived at the laboratory a few minutes after the accident, nitrogen was still flowing from the burned-off end of the plastic tubing. Since that time, I noticed a reference to the “hydrogen explosion” in the ancient chemical literature as a way to identify nitrous oxide." (reprint of the full-text)

Explosive

Medium (up to 100g)

10.1021/cen-09013-letters

Literature Reference

10/15/2022

10/14/2022

CSL00200

Nitric oxide + Nitrous oxide + Methanol

"Chemists at Merck & Co. were performing experiments using nitric oxide at high pressure (10–20 bar) when two instances of an explosion occurred during rapid depressurization of the NO headspace from a 500-mL closed reactor system. No injuries occurred, and damage was contained to the barricaded cell area. Both before and in between these events, NO had been used successfully about 100 times. Each explosion occurred after completion of the reaction, while venting through three-eighths- or one-quarter-inch i.d. Teflon-lined steel-braided tubing to atmospheric pressure. Static electricity was suspected as the ignition source that, in conjunction with the presence of an oxidant (NO) and fuel (CH3OH), would lead to combustion. To confirm this hypothesis, an investigation was conducted. Preliminary results are communicated here. The reaction system consisted of NO in conjunction with methanol under basic conditions. A literature search didn’t point to any existing cautionary notes about this reaction. Experimental ignition testing of NO systems was conducted by Fauske & Associates, which showed no combustion unless ignition energy greater than 3 J was used. This exceeds the energy typical of a static discharge, so it does not fully explain the observed combustion. Further analysis of the reaction headspace using gas chromatography/mass spectrometry revealed that N2O was formed over time from a simple model system of NO + sodium methoxide + methanol. The conversion of NO to N2O and concomitant oxidation of methanol to formic acid proceeds to 50% in about six hours. Testing showed the energy needed to ignite the headspace of methanol under 1 bar of 50/50 NO/N2O is less than 3 mJ, several orders of magnitude lower than for similar systems without N2O. On the basis of these results, the likely cause of the explosions is the combination of (a) formation of N2O gas and (b) generation of static potential caused by the rapid flow of gas and condensing methanol through the Teflon-lined tubing during rapid depressurization (while venting), which leads to sparking of sufficient energy to cause the combustible vapor to ignite. We wanted to alert the chemical process industry to risks associated with this particular procedure. Anyone contemplating use of this chemistry should thoroughly evaluate its safety. " (reprint of full text)

10.1021/cen-09005-letters

10/19/2022

NITROUS OXIDE is a weak oxidizing agent. Nonflammable but supports combustion. Can explode at high temperature (after vaporization). Vapors can undergo a violent reaction with aluminum, boron, hydrazine, lithium hydride, phenyllithium, phosphine, sodium, tungsten carbide [Bretherick, 5th ed., 1995, p. 1686]. Contact of the cold liquefied gas with water may result in vigorous or violent boiling. If the water is hot, a liquid "superheat" explosion may occur. Pressures may build to dangerous levels if liquefied gas contacts water in a closed container [Handling Chemicals Safely 1980].

NITROUS OXIDE, REFRIGERATED LIQUID is a weak oxidizing agent. Nonflammable but supports combustion. Can explode at high temperature (after vaporization). Vapors may undergo a violent reaction with aluminum, boron, hydrazine, lithium hydride, phenyllithium, phosphine, sodium, tungsten carbide [Bretherick, 5th ed., 1995, p. 1686]. Contact of the cold liquefied gas with water may result in vigorous or violent boiling. If the water is hot, a liquid "superheat" explosion may occur. Pressures may build to dangerous levels if liquefied gas contacts water in a closed container [Handling Chemicals Safely 1980].

Incompatible materials: Aluminum, Borane/boron oxides, Hydrazine, Strong reducing agents

Violent reactions with organic peroxides, hydrazine, hydrogen, hydrogen sulfide, lithium, boron, lithium hydride, sodium, aluminum, phosphine ... Strong oxidizer above 300 °C ...

Powdered aluminum burns in the vapor of ... nitrous oxide ... .

Spontaneous ignition occurs when nitrous oxide and lithium hydride or hydrazine are mixed.

For more Hazardous Reactivities and Incompatibilities (Complete) data for Nitrous oxide (10 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

Aluminum, boron, hydrazine, lithium hydride, phosphine, sodium

IDENTIFICATION AND USE: Nitrous Oxide is a stable, non-irritating colorless gas with slightly sweetish odor and taste. It is used as anesthetic in dentistry and surgery, propellant gas in food aerosols, leak detection. HUMAN EXPOSURE AND TOXICITY: The main complication following inhalation of nitrous oxide is varying degrees of hypoxia, affecting the functions of the heart and the brain. This may be associated with hypotension, fatal cardiac arrhythmias, headache, dizziness, anoxic brain damage, cerebral edema and permanent mental deficit. Chronic exposure can cause neurological and hematological changes including megaloblastic erythropoiesis and neurological features similar to subacute combined degeneration of the spinal cord. Nitrous oxide should not be administered for more than 24 hours because of the risk of bone marrow depression. During induction with high concentrations of nitrous oxide, the oxygen in the lungs is rapidly used up and the anoxia with increased respiratory effort causes rapid depletion of carbon dioxide in the issues. Absence of carbon dioxide and depression of the medullary centers by the anesthetic quickly lead to respiratory failure, and rarely, the patient's cerebral function fails to recover from cerebral damage caused by the prolonged anoxia. Nitrous oxide is harmless and non-irritating to the respiratory tract, but concentrations over 50 ppm reduce dexterity, cognition and motor and audiovisual skills. Neurological manifestations similar to subacute combined degeneration of the spinal cord were reported following prolonged heavy exposure to nitrous oxide in 15 patients. Poisoning manifested by symptoms such as cyanosis, hypotension and methemoglobinemia occurred in two patients anesthetized with nitrous oxide contaminated with nitric oxide. Psychological dependency on nitrous oxide may occur. Malignant hyperthermia induced by nitrous oxide anesthesia was reported in an eleven year-old girl. No convincing evidence of carcinogenicity in man has been shown by epidemiological studies. The incidence of spontaneous abortion is increased among women exposed to nitrous oxide. It has been suggested, that there is an increased incidence of congenital anomalies in the offspring of women exposed during pregnancy and of spontaneous abortion in the wives of exposed men. No adverse effects were found in a retrospective study of 175 pregnancies during which nitrous oxide was administered. By using single-cell gel electrophoresis (comet assay), the effect of nitrous oxide on DNA damage in circulating human leukocytes was determined: nitrous oxide increased DNA damage compared with nitrous oxide-free anesthesia. ANIMAL STUDIES: Sedation with 70% nitrous oxide profoundly, but transiently, reduces the activity of cortical methionine synthase but produces lasting impairment in spatial working memory in aged rats. Exposure of pregnant rats to nitrous oxide has caused fetal death, skeletal malformations and various macroscopic lesions. Exposure of pregnant cats on 9th day of gestation to anesthetic concentrations of nitrous oxide-oxygen produces fetal resorption and various skeletal anomalies. Physical dependency and withdrawal have been demonstrated in mice. A long-term study in rats exposed to low concentrations of nitrous oxide did not find increase of neoplasia. ECOTOXICITY STUDIES: High triploid rates (> 90%) were induced when newly fertilized rainbow trout (Salmo gairdneri) eggs were exposed to nitrous oxide at elevated pressure (11 atm) for 0-30 or 0-60 min following fertilization. The triploid yield was lowered following exposure for the longer time period. Triploid rates and therefore triploid yields were reduced following exposure at a lower pressure (5 atm). Treatment of eggs at 1 atm caused no alteration in the triploidy rate.

While nitrous oxide inactivates methionine synthase, intraoperative use results in a transient metabolic abnormality that soon reverses upon replacing the degrading enzyme.

When nitrous oxide is used recurrently (during occupational exposure or as a drug of abuse), it may lead to megaloblastic anemia with neurologic dysfunction. This situation also may occur in patients with an unrecognized cobalamin deficiency (vegans, pernicious anemia, hereditary disorders of cobalamin, and folate metabolism). Subacute combined degeneration of the spinal cord (SACD) and death is reported with repeated exposure in a case of a rare congenital 5,10-methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) deficiency.

A4; Not classifiable as a human carcinogen.

◉ Summary of Use during Lactation

Because the serum half-life of nitrous oxide in the mother is short and the drug is not expected to be absorbed by the infant, no waiting period or discarding of milk is required. Some evidence indicates that primiparous mothers who use inhaled nitrous oxide during labor for analgesia have better breastfeeding success than mothers who do not. If used as part of general anesthesia, breastfeeding can be resumed as soon as the mother has recovered sufficiently from anesthesia to nurse. When a combination of anesthetic agents is used for a procedure, follow the recommendations for the most problematic medication used during the procedure.

◉ Effects in Breastfed Infants

Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.

◉ Effects on Lactation and Breastmilk

A randomized, but nonblinded, study in women undergoing cesarean section compared epidural anesthesia with bupivacaine to general anesthesia with intravenous thiopental 4 mg/kg and succinylcholine 1.5 mg/kg for induction followed by nitrous oxide and isoflurane. The time to the first breastfeed was significantly shorter (107 vs 228 minutes) with the epidural anesthesia than with general anesthesia. This difference was probably caused by the anesthesia's effects on the infant, because the Apgar and neurologic and adaptive scores were significantly lower in the general anesthesia group of infants. It is not known what part nitrous oxide played in this difference in outcome.

A retrospective database study found that primiparous women who receive a nitrous oxide-oxygen mixture for pain during delivery in addition to routine analgesia were more likely to be breastfeeding their infants at 48 hours postpartum than women who did not receive nitrous oxide. This correlation was not found when all women were included in the analysis.

In a nonrandomized, nonblinded retrospective study, 62 women who chose labor with gas analgesia with 50% nitrous oxide and oxygen were compared to a control group of 124 women who did not receive gas analgesia during labor. Most of the women in the study were primiparous. Use of other labor medications was not reported. Women who received nitrous oxide had higher rates of breastfeeding and exclusive breastfeeding than those who did not at 7 days after discharge, at 1 month postpartum, and at 3 months postpartum.

A randomized study compared intravenous meperidine 50 mg to inhaled nitrous oxide for labor analgesia. A higher percentage of mothers receiving nitrous oxide were able to breastfeed immediately after birth (95% vs 88%), but the difference was not statistically significant. There were no differences in breastfeeding rates at 24 hours after delivery or formula use.

The substance can be absorbed into the body by inhalation.

inhalation, skin and/or eye contact (liquid)

Euphoria. Drowsiness. Dizziness. Unconsciousness.

ON CONTACT WITH LIQUID: FROSTBITE.

dyspnea (breathing difficulty); drowsiness, headache; asphyxia; reproductive effects; liquid: frostbite

respiratory system, central nervous system, reproductive system

Neurotoxin - Sensorimotor

Other Poison - Simple Asphyxiant

Reproductive Toxin - A chemical that is toxic to the reproductive system, including defects in the progeny and injury to male or female reproductive function. Reproductive toxicity includes developmental effects. See Guidelines for Reproductive Toxicity Risk Assessment.

ACGIH Carcinogen - Not Classifiable.

Adverse effects of nitrous include:

* Respiratory Depression: When used alone, nitrous has limited respiratory effects, but when used in combination with other sedatives, hypnotics, or opioids, it can potentiate the respiratory depressant effects of these agents.

* Diffusion hypoxia: Following discontinuation of nitrous oxide, the concentration gradient between the gases in the lung and alveolar circulation rapidly reverses, leading to rapid oxygen dilution in the alveoli and subsequent hypoxia, and 100% oxygen administration should follow nitrous oxide cessation.

* Postoperative Nausea and Vomiting: Nitrous has an increased risk of postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) compared with other agents, but this is controllable with prophylactic anti-emetics. The ENIGMA I trial showed an increased incidence of PONV with nitrous oxide use. The ENIGMA II trial showed that severe PONV with nitrous oxide use is more common in procedures lasting over 2 hours. This study also showed nitrous oxide is not associated with increased mortality, cardiovascular complications, or wound infections.

* Fever, pulmonary atelectasis, and infectious complications

* Hyperhomocysteinemia: Nitrous oxide irreversibly oxidizes the cobalt atom of vitamin b12 and reduces the activity of vitaminb12 dependent enzymes such as methionine synthetases which can also lead to megaloblastic anemia.

* Subacute myeloneuropathy: Nitrous oxide use disorder can cause a severe but potentially reversible myeloneuropathy characterized by axonal sensorimotor neuropathy.

Lethal nitrous oxide blood level 350 mg/L, 35 mg/dL

LC50 Rat inhalation 160 mg/cu m/6 hr

When administered alone, nitrous oxide can significantly increase cerebral blood flow and intracranial pressure. This cerebral vasodilatory capacity of /nitrous oxide/ is significantly attenuated by the simultaneous administration of intravenous agents such as opiates and propofol. By contrast, the combination of /nitrous oxide/ and inhaled agents results in greater vasodilation than the administration of the inhaled agent alone at equivalent anesthetic depth.

The abuse-related behavioral effects produced by nitrous oxide (N2O) gas have been suggested as being unique compared with other abused inhalants. The drug discrimination paradigm in animals can be used to study subjective effects of drugs in humans and to test this hypothesis. The goals of the present experiment were to establish N2O discrimination in mice and to compare its discriminative stimulus effects with those of abused volatile vapors and vapor anesthetics. Sixteen B6SJLF1/J mice were trained to discriminate between 10 min of exposure to 60% N2O+40% oxygen (O2) and 10 min of exposure to 100% O2. The time course of N2O discrimination was examined, followed by cross-substitution testing with abused vapors, volatile anesthetics, ethanol, D-amphetamine, and 2-butanol. Mice acquired the ability to discriminate between N2O and O2 in 40 days. N2O fully substituted for 10 min of exposure to 60% N2O in a concentration-dependent manner. Full substitution required 7 min of 60% N2O exposure, but the offset of stimulus effects following the cessation of exposure was more rapid. The aromatic hydrocarbon toluene almost fully substituted for N2O. 1,1,1-Trichloroethane, methoxyflurane, isoflurane, and ethanol showed lesser degrees of substitution. D-amphetamine and the odorant 2-butanol did not substitute for N2O. Given the varying degrees of incomplete substitution by test compounds, the discriminative stimulus properties of N2O and, perhaps, its subjective effects in humans are probably not unique. As none of the inhalants tested fully mimicked N2O, its overall effects may include one or more novel stimulus components.

In recent years, the glutamate theory of alcoholism has emerged as a major theory in the addiction research field and N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptors have been shown to play a major role in alcohol craving and relapse. The NMDA receptors are considered as the primary site of action of the anesthetic gases xenon (Xe) and nitrous oxide (N2O). Despite the rapid on/off kinetics of these gases on the NMDA receptor, a brief gas exposure can induce an analgesic or antireward effect lasting several days. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of both Xe and N2O on alcohol-seeking and relapse-like drinking behavior (measured as the alcohol deprivation effect) in Wistar rats. We used 2 standard procedures-the alcohol deprivation model with repeated deprivation phases and the cue-induced reinstatement model of alcohol seeking-to study the effect of 2 brief gas exposures of either Xe, N2O, or control gas on relapse-like drinking and alcohol-seeking behavior. Here, we show that exposure to Xe during the last 24 hours of abstinence produced a trend toward reduced ethanol intake during the first alcohol re-exposure days. In addition, Xe gas exposure significantly decreased the cue-induced reinstatement of alcohol-seeking behavior. N2 O had no effect on either behavior. Xe reduces alcohol-seeking behavior in rats and may therefore also interfere with craving in human alcoholics.

The displacement curves for air, nitrogen, and oxygen gave only a single point of inflection and IC50 values of 20, 9.2, and 7.8 nmol, respectively, on in vitro (3)H-naloxone binding to rat forebrain (strain not given). Nitrous oxide at 100% and 50% caused an extra inflection point in displacement curve giving rise to 2 IC50 values of 62.9 and 57.8 nmol (for lower affinity receptor) and 0.06 and 0.06 nmol (for higher affinity receptor) for 100 and 50%, respectively.

For more Interactions (Complete) data for Nitrous oxide (26 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

Immediate first aid: Ensure that adequate decontamination has been carried out. If patient is not breathing, start artificial respiration, preferably with a demand-valve resuscitator, bag-valve-mask device, or pocket mask, as trained. Perform CPR if necessary. Immediately flush contaminated eyes with gently flowing water. Do not induce vomiting. If vomiting occurs, lean patient forward or place on left side (head-down position, if possible) to maintain an open airway and prevent aspiration. Keep patient quiet and maintain normal body temperature. Obtain medical attention. /Nitrogen Oxides (NOx) and Related Compounds/

Basic treatment: Establish a patent airway (oropharyngeal or nasopharyngeal airway, if needed). Suction if necessary. Aggressive airway management may be needed. Encourage patient to take deep breaths. Watch for signs of respiratory insufficiency and assist ventilations if necessary. Administer oxygen by nonrebreather mask at 10 to 15 L/min. Monitor for pulmonary edema and treat if necessary ... . Monitor for shock and treat if necessary ... . For eye contamination, flush eyes immediately with water. Irrigate each eye continuously with 0.9% saline (NS) during transport ... . Do not use emetics. For ingestion, rinse mouth and administer 5 mL/kg up to 200 mL of water for dilution if the patient can swallow, has a strong gag reflex, and does not drool. Administer activated charcoal ... . /Nitrogen Oxides (NOx) and Related Compounds/

Advanced treatment: Consider orotracheal or nasotracheal intubation for airway control in the patient who is unconscious, has severe pulmonary edema, or is in severe respiratory distress. Early intubation at the first signs of upper airway obstruction may be necessary. Positive-pressure ventilation techniques with a bag-valve-mask device may be beneficial. Consider drug therapy for pulmonary edema ... . Consider administering a beta agonist such as albuterol for severe bronchospasm ... . Monitor cardiac rhythm and treat arrhythmias as necessary ... . Start IV administration of D5W TKO. Consider the use of vasopressors if patient is hypotensive with a normal fluid volume. Watch for signs of fluid overload ... . Administer 1% solution methylene blue if patient is symptomatic with severe hypoxia, cyanosis, and cardiac compromise not responding to oxygen. ... . Use proparacaine hydrochloride to assist eye irrigation ... . /Nitrogen Oxides (NOx) and Related Compounds/

/AQUATIC SPECIES/ High triploid rates (> 90%) were induced when newly fertilized rainbow trout (Salmo gairdneri) eggs were exposed to nitrous oxide (N2O) at elevated pressure (11 atm) for 0-30 or 0-60 min following fertilization. The triploid yield was lowered following exposure for the longer time period. Triploid rates and therefore triploid yields were reduced following exposure at a lower pressure (5 atm). Treatment of eggs with N2O at 1 atm caused no alteration in the triploidy rate.

Nitrous oxide is found in the air as part of the earth's natural nitrogen cycle. The compound remains in the atmosphere for about 114 years(1). It is present in the environment at concentrations ranging from 0.25 to 0.29 ppm, arising from biodegradation of organic nitrogen compounds that occur in soil(2).

Nitrous oxide's production and use as a chemical intermediate, component of rocket fuels, human and veterinary anesthetic agent and foaming agent for whipping cream(1) may result in its release to the environment through various waste streams(SRC).

The production of nitric acid used for ammonium nitrate and nitrophosphate fertilizers leads to the emission of nitrous oxide (N2O), which is a much more potent global warming agent than carbon dioxide. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency ... estimated that N2O is 310 times more effective at trapping heat in the atmosphere than carbon dioxide during a 100-year time period. It also is considered to be detrimental to the ozone layer. The rate of N2O emission varies widely from 1 to more than 10 kilograms per metric ton (kg/t) of 100 percent nitric acid. Abatement techniques can reduce N2O emissions significantly but are costly. The International Fertilizer Industry Association ... estimated that fertilizer production accounts for about 6 percent of human-generated N2O emissions compared with nearly 50 percent from motor vehicles. Most N2O recycles to land and water, and as with CO2, larger quantities are emitted through natural biological processes. N2O is estimated to be responsible for 7.5 percent of the calculated global warming effect of human activities. Fertilizer production is estimated to be responsible for less than 0.5 percent of this effect.

Concentrations of nitrous oxide ... began to rise at the beginning of the industrial revolution and is understood to be produced by microbial processes in soil and water, including those reactions which occur in fertilizer containing nitrogen. Increasing use of these fertilizers has been made over the last century. Atmospheric global concentration for N2O in 1998 was 314 ppb, and in addition to agricultural sources for the gas, some industrial processes (fossil fuel-fired power plants, nylon production, nitric acid production and vehicle emission) also contribute to its atmospheric load(1).

Many chemical compounds present in Earth's atmosphere behave as 'greenhouse gases'. These are gases which allow direct sunlight (relative shortwave energy) to reach the Earth's surface unimpeded. As the shortwave energy (that in the visible and ultraviolet portion of the spectra) heats the surface, longer-wave (infrared) energy (heat) is reradiated to the atmosphere. Greenhouse gases absorb this energy, thereby allowing less heat to escape back to space, and 'trapping' it in the lower atmosphere. Many greenhouse gases occur naturally in the atmosphere, such as carbon dioxide, methane, water vapor, and nitrous oxide, while others are synthetic. Those that are man-made include the chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) and Perfluorocarbons (PFCs), as well as sulfur hexafluoride (SF6). Atmospheric concentrations of both the natural and man-made gases have been rising over the last few centuries due to the industrial revolution. As the global population has increased and our reliance on fossil fuels (such as coal, oil and natural gas) has been firmly solidified, so emissions of these gases have risen. While gases such as carbon dioxide occur naturally in the atmosphere, through our interference with the carbon cycle (through burning forest lands, or mining and burning coal), we artificially move carbon from solid storage to its gaseous state, thereby increasing atmospheric concentrations(1). /Greenhouse Gases/

ATMOSPHERIC FATE: Nitrous oxide has an atmospheric lifetime of 114 years. The Global Warming Potential = 298 (100-year)(1).

INDOOR: The average nitrous oxide concentration was reported as 368 ppb volume from 5 samples taken inside a rural home in Sundarijal, Nepal, sampled during December 1982 through January 1983. Heating and cooking fuel sources were wood, followed by crop residues, animal dung and charcoal(1).

RURAL/REMOTE: The average nitrous oxide concentration was reported as 307 ppb volume from 4 samples taken outside a rural home in Sundarijal, Nepal, sampled during December 1982 through January 1983(1). Tropospheric concentration of nitrous oxide was expected to reach 380 ppb in 2050, based on the 1986 growth rate of world energy consumption(2). Fifteen-year sampling was conducted from January 1997 to December 2011 in Herantut, Pahang, Malaysia. The median concentration of nitrous oxide was 2.2 ppb (min 1.9, max 3.4 ppb). Higher concentrations were observed between June and September, corresponding to mid-range transport from more urbanized and industrial areas(3).

SOURCE DOMINATED: Nitrous oxide emissions in 1992 from target groups in the Netherlands expressed as CO2-equivalents (based on the Global Warming Potential). Nitrous oxide greenhouse gas emissions for 1988, 1990 and 1992 were 4.47, 5.94 and 11.0 Ceq.y-1, respectively(1).[Table#1373]

SOURCE DOMINATED: Nitrous oxide emissions from agriculturally-derived synthetic or organic fertilizers used worldwide ranged from 0.34% to 37%(1). Application of cattle slurry to mixed clover rye grass sward in the Basque region of Spain resulted in 16.0% of the NH4-N applied being lost to the atmosphere as nitrous oxide(2). Nitrous oxide was found to be produced by combustion of natural gas, No.6 fuel oil and coal-water slurries(3). Ship emissions account for 15% of the global Nox emissions with nearly 70% emissions occurring within 400 km of land. The 2009 annual in-port emission of nitrous oxide in the Yangshan port, Hangzhou Bay, Shanghai was reported as 33 tons. Annual emissions based on activity/source are as follows (tons): at-sea, 13.7; maneuvering, 3.3; hotelling-berth, 12.2; hotelling anchorage, 3.4; resulting in total emissions of 32.6 tons/year. Ship engine emissions factors are 0.031, 0.031 and 0.080 g/kw-hr from a main engine, auxiliary engine and boiler, respectively. Annual ship emissions based on engine type are as follows (tons): main engine, 12.7; auxiliary engine, 10.9; boiler, 9.9, resulting in total emissions of 32.5 tons/year(4).

For more Atmospheric Concentrations (Complete) data for Nitrous oxide (6 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

Nitrous oxide concentration ranged from 285 (1802) to 294 (1960) ppb volume in bubbles from south Greenland glacial ice. The concentration range was as reported 286 (1858) to 292 (1939) ppb volume in bubbles from Mt Logan (Yukon, Alaska)(1).

Nitrous oxide concentrations were measured in smoke from two prescribed boreal forest fires in Ontario, Canada during the summer of 1988. Mixing ratios ranged from 0.319-0.776 parts per million volume from the first fire where plant species consisted of 46% balsam fir (Abies balsamea), 23% paper birch (Betula papyrifera), 16% white cedar (Thuja occidentalis), 9% aspen (Populus tremuloides), and 6% black spruce (Picea mariana). Mixing ratios ranged from 0.315-0.367 parts per million volume from the second fire where plant species consisted of 38% balsam fir (Abies balsamea), 32% aspen (Populus tremuloides), 15% black spruce (Picea mariana), 11% paper birch (Betula papyrifera) and 4% jackpine (Pinus banksiana)(1).

Short and long-term impacts of biochar on soil properties under field conditions are poorly understood. In addition, there is a lack of field reports of the impacts of biochar on soil physical properties, gaseous emissions and C stability, particularly in comparison with other amendments. Thus, three amendments - biochar produced from oak at 650 °C, humic acid (HA) and water treatment residual - (WTR) were added to a scalped silty-loam soil at 0.5% (w/w) in triplicated plots under soybean. Over the 4-month active growing season, all amendments significantly increased soil pH, but the effect of biochar was the greatest. Biochar significantly increased soil-C by 7%, increased sub-nanopore surface area by 15% and reduced soil bulk density by 13% compared to control. However, only WTR amendment significantly increased soil nanopore surface area by 23% relative to the control. While total cumulative CH4 and CO2 emissions were not significantly affected by any amendment, cumulative N2O emission was significantly decreased in the biochar-amended soil (by 92%) compared to control over the growing period. Considering both the total gas emissions and the C removed from the atmosphere as crop growth and C added to the soil, WTR and HA resulted in net soil C losses and biochar as a soil C gain. However, all amendments reduced the global warming potential (GWP) of the soil and biochar addition even produced a net negative GWP effect. The short observation period, low application rate and high intra-treatment variation resulted in fewer significant effects of the amendments on the physicochemical properties of the soils than one might expect indicating further possible experimentation altering these variables. However, there was clear evidence of amendment-soil interaction processes affecting both soil properties and gaseous emissions, particularly for biochar, that might lead to greater changes with additional field emplacement time.

The estimated total nitrogen loss in the European Union in 2008 was approximately 13 Mton with 3% as nitrous oxide(1). It was observed that the removal of the litter layer of a subtropical pine plantation in China reduced nitrous oxide soil emissions by 15%(2).

According to the 2012 TSCA Inventory Update Reporting data, 4 reporting facilities estimate the number of persons reasonably likely to be exposed during the manufacturing, processing, or use of nitrous oxide in the United States may be as low as <10 workers per plant; the data may be greatly underestimated due to confidential business information (CBI) or unknown values(1).

According to the 2006 TSCA Inventory Update Report, the number of workers reasonably likely to be exposed in the industrial manufacturing, processing, and use of nitrous oxide is 100 to 999 persons; the data may be greatly underestimated(1).

NIOSH (NOES Survey 1981-1983) has statistically estimated that 112,585 workers (74,465 of these are female) were potentially exposed to nitrous oxide in the US(1). Occupational exposure to nitrous oxide may occur through inhalation and dermal contact with this compound at workplaces where nitrous oxide is produced or used. (SRC)

Nitrous oxide exposure among workers in the Frankfurt University Medical Center, Germany was shown to be related to the anesthesia delivery system and distance of the exposed person to the patient. Nitrous oxide concentrations were shown to be below the maximum working place concentration of 100 ppm(1).

For more Probable Routes of Human Exposure (Complete) data for Nitrous oxide (6 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

Therapeutic nitrous oxide blood-level 290-440 mg/L, 29-44 mg/dL

SRP: Recycle any unused portion of the material for its approved use or return it to the manufacturer or supplier. Ultimate disposal of the chemical must consider: the material's impact on air quality; potential migration in air, soil or water; effects on animal, aquatic and plant life; and conformance with environmental and public health regulations. If it is possible or reasonable use an alternative chemical product with less inherent propensity for occupational harm/injury/toxicity or environmental contamination.

Product: Burn in a chemical incinerator equipped with an afterburner and scrubber but exert extra care in igniting as this material is highly flammable. Offer surplus and non-recyclable solutions to a licensed disposal company. Contact a licensed professional waste disposal service to dispose of this material; Contaminated packaging: Dispose of as unused product.

/GUIDE 122 GASES - OXIDIZING (Including Refrigerated Liquids)/ Fire or Explosion: Substance does not burn but will support combustion. Some may react explosively with fuels. May ignite combustibles (wood, paper, oil, clothing, etc.). Vapors from liquefied gas are initially heavier than air and spread along ground. Runoff may create fire or explosion hazard. Containers may explode when heated. Ruptured cylinders may rocket. /Nitrous oxide; Nitrous oxide, compressed; Nitrous oxide, refrigerated liquid/

/GUIDE 122 GASES - OXIDIZING (Including Refrigerated Liquids)/ Health: Vapors may cause dizziness or asphyxiation without warning. Contact with gas or liquefied gas may cause burns, severe injury and/or frostbite. Fire may produce irritating and/or toxic gases. /Nitrous oxide; Nitrous oxide, compressed; Nitrous oxide, refrigerated liquid/

/GUIDE 122 GASES - OXIDIZING (Including Refrigerated Liquids)/ Public Safety: CALL Emergency Response Telephone Number on Shipping Paper first. If Shipping Paper not available or no answer, refer to appropriate telephone number listed on the inside back cover. As an immediate precautionary measure, isolate spill or leak area for at least 100 meters (330 feet) in all directions. Keep unauthorized personnel away. Stay upwind. Many gases are heavier than air and will spread along ground and collect in low or confined areas (sewers, basements, tanks). Keep out of low areas. Ventilate closed spaces before entering. /Nitrous oxide; Nitrous oxide, compressed; Nitrous oxide, refrigerated liquid/

/GUIDE 122 GASES - OXIDIZING (Including Refrigerated Liquids)/ Protective Clothing: Wear positive pressure self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA). Wear chemical protective clothing that is specifically recommended by the manufacturer. It may provide little or no thermal protection. Structural firefighters' protective clothing provides limited protection in fire situations ONLY; it is not effective in spill situations where direct contact with the substance is possible. Always wear thermal protective clothing when handling refrigerated/cryogenic liquids. /Nitrous oxide; Nitrous oxide, compressed; Nitrous oxide, refrigerated liquid/

For more DOT Emergency Guidelines (Complete) data for Nitrous oxide (8 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

2201 122(refrigerated liquid)

UN 1070; Nitrous oxide

UN 2201; Nitrous oxide, refrigerated liquid

IMO 2.2; Nitrous oxide; Nitrous oxide, refrigerated liquid

49 043 40; Nitrous oxide, compressed

49 043 45; Nitrous oxide, refrigerated liquid

No person may /transport,/ offer or accept a hazardous material for transportation in commerce unless that person is registered in conformance ... and the hazardous material is properly classed, described, packaged, marked, labeled, and in condition for shipment as required or authorized by ... /the hazardous materials regulations (49 CFR 171-177)./

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) Dangerous Goods Regulations are published by the IATA Dangerous Goods Board pursuant to IATA Resolutions 618 and 619 and constitute a manual of industry carrier regulations to be followed by all IATA Member airlines when transporting hazardous materials. Nitrous oxide and nitrous oxide, refrigerated liquid are is included on the dangerous goods list.

The International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code lays down basic principles for transporting hazardous chemicals. Detailed recommendations for individual substances and a number of recommendations for good practice are included in the classes dealing with such substances. A general index of technical names has also been compiled. This index should always be consulted when attempting to locate the appropriate procedures to be used when shipping any substance or article. Nitrous oxide and nitrous oxide, refrigerated liquid are included on the dangerous goods list.

Non-Flammable Gas Oxidizer

UN Hazard Class: 2.2; UN Subsidiary Risks: 5.1