argon

This chemical does not meet GHS hazard criteria for 0.6% (4 of 643) of reports.

H280 (68%): Contains gas under pressure; may explode if heated [Warning Gases under pressure]

H281 (33.3%): Contains refrigerated gas; may cause cryogenic burns or injury [Warning Gases under pressure]

P282, P336+P317, P403, and P410+P403 (click each P-code to see the statement)

Aggregated GHS information provided per 643 reports by companies from 10 notifications to the ECHA C&L Inventory. Each notification may be associated with multiple companies.

Reported as not meeting GHS hazard criteria per 4 of 643 reports by companies.

There are 9 notifications provided by 639 of 643 reports by companies with hazard statement code(s).

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.

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

P410+P403</a, and a href="https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/ghs/#P410+P403">P410+P403 (click each P-code to see the statement)

Fresh air, rest. Artificial respiration may be needed. 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 ERG Guide 120 [Gases - Inert (Including Refrigerated Liquids)]:

Refer to the "General First Aid" section. 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. (ERG, 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.

Excerpt from ERG Guide 120 [Gases - Inert (Including Refrigerated Liquids)]:

Use extinguishing agent suitable for type of surrounding fire. 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. (ERG, 2024)

In case of fire in the surroundings, use appropriate extinguishing media.

If material involved in fire: Extinguish fire using agent suitable for type of surrounding fire. Material itself does not burn or burns with difficulty. Cool all affected containers with flooding quantities of water. Apply water from as far a distance as possible. /Argon, compressed; Argon, refrigerated liquid/

If material involved in fire: Do not use water on material itself. /Argon, refrigerated liquid/

Suitable extinguishing media: Use water spray, alcohol-resistant foam, dry chemical or carbon dioxide. Special protective equipment for fire-fighters: Wear self contained breathing apparatus for fire fighting if necessary.

· 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.

· Do not touch or walk through spilled material.

· Stop leak if you can do it without risk.

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

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

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

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

· Allow substance to evaporate.

· Ventilate the area.

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

Excerpt from ERG Guide 120 [Gases - Inert (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 100 meters (330 feet).

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 100 meters (330 feet).

· 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.

Personal protection: self-contained breathing apparatus. Ventilation. NEVER direct water jet on liquid.

Personal precautions: Avoid breathing vapors, mist or gas. Environmental precautions: No special environmental precautions required. Methods for cleaning up: Wipe up with absorbent material (e.g. cloth, fleece).

SRP: The most favorable course of action is to use an alternative chemical product with less inherent propensity for occupational harm/injury/toxicity or environmental contamination. 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 soil or water; effects on animal and plant life; and conformance with environmental and public health regulations.

If material not involved in fire: Do not use water on material itself. /Argon, refrigerated liquid/

If material not involved in fire: Attempt to stop leak it without undue personnel hazard. /Argon, compressed; Argon, refrigerated liquid/

Personnel protection: Avoid breathing vapors. Keep upwind. Do not handle broken packages unless wearing appropriate personal protective equipment. /Argon, compressed; Argon, refrigerated liquid/

If breathed in, move person into fresh air. If not breathing give artificial respiration In case of skin contact: Wash off with soap and plenty of water. In case of eye contact: Flush eyes with water as a precaution. If swallowed: Never give anything by mouth to an unconscious person. Rinse mouth with water.

Excerpt from ERG Guide 120 [Gases - Inert (Including Refrigerated Liquids)]:

Do not touch or walk through spilled material. Stop leak if you can do it without risk. Use water spray to reduce vapors or divert vapor cloud drift. Avoid allowing water runoff to contact spilled material. Do not direct water at spill or source of leak. If possible, turn leaking containers so that gas escapes rather than liquid. Prevent entry into waterways, sewers, basements or confined areas. Allow substance to evaporate. Ventilate the area. 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. Keep in a well-ventilated room.

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

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

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

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

65000 [ppm]

230000 [ppm]

400000 [ppm]

Simple asphyxiant. /A simple asphyxiant may not be assigned a TLV because the limiting factor is the available oxygen./

· Use extinguishing agent suitable for type of surrounding fire.

· 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.

On loss of containment this substance can cause suffocation by lowering the oxygen content of the air in confined areas.

Asphyxiation. The liquid may cause frostbite.

Argon Decay Pathways

Table: Artificial Isotopes [Table#7726]

Table: Natural Isotopes [Table#7727]

ALI values have been established for individual radionuclides and are presented in Table 1 in Appendix B to PART 20.1001-20.2401. The ALI values for inhalation, presented in Column 2 in Table 1, correspond to a committed effective dose equivalent of 5 rems (0.05 Sv) or a committed dose equivalent of 50 rems (0.5 Sv) to any individual organ or tissue, whichever is more limiting. If the ALI value presented in Table 1 is limited by the 50-rem committed dose equivalent, the controlling organ is listed directly below the ALI value, and the stochastic ALI value based on the 5-rem committed effective dose equivalent is listed ... directly below the organ name. If a stochastic ALI is listed in parentheses, that value should be used to calculate the committed effective dose equivalent.

OCCUPATIONAL VALUES FOR ARGON (Class Submersion) [Table#7728]

For more Radiation Limits and Potential (Complete) data for Argon, Elemental (6 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

Excerpt from ERG Guide 120 [Gases - Inert (Including Refrigerated Liquids)]:

Wear positive pressure self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA). Structural firefighters' protective clothing provides thermal protection but only limited chemical protection. Always wear thermal protective clothing when handling refrigerated/cryogenic liquids or solids. (ERG, 2024)

Personnel protection: Wear appropriate chemical protective gloves and goggles. /Argon, compressed; Argon, refrigerated liquid/

Eye protection: Safety glasses.

For prolonged or repeated contact use protective gloves.

Respiratory protection is not required. Where protection is desired, use multi-purpose combination (US) or type AXBEK (EN 14387) respirator cartridges. Use respirators and components tested and approved under appropriate government standards such as NIOSH (US) or CEN (EU).

Use ventilation.

Cold-insulating gloves. Protective clothing.

Wear safety goggles or face shield.

Argon appears as a colorless odorless noncombustible gas. Heavier than air and can asphyxiate by displacement of air. Exposure of the container to prolonged heat or fire can cause it to rupture violently and rocket. If liquefied, contact of the very cold liquid with water may cause violent boiling. If the water is hot, there is the possibility that a liquid "superheat" explosion may occur. Contacts with water in a closed container may cause dangerous pressure to build.

Argon, refrigerated liquid (cryogenic liquid) appears as a colorless noncombustible liquid. Heavier than air. Contact may cause frostbite. May cause asphyxiation by displacement of air. Prolonged exposure to fire or intense heat may cause the container to rupture violently and rocket.

Gas Vapor; Liquid

Colourless, odourless, non-flammable gas

An inert gas that is colorless and odorless; [ACGIH] Heavier than air; [Burke, p. 90]

ODOURLESS COLOURLESS LIQUEFIED GAS.

Colorless monatomic gas

Odorless

Tasteless

-185.847 °C

-185.9 °C

-185.7 °C @760 [mm Hg]

-186.36 °C triple point (69 kPa)

-189.4 °C

-189.2 °C

Soluble in organic liquids

Solubility of gas in water at 20 °C: 33.6 cu cm/kg water

Argon is two and one half times as soluble in water as nitrogen, having about the same solubility as oxygen.

Slightly soluble in water

Solubility in water, ml/100ml at 20 °C: 3.4

1.633 g/L

Inert gas. Critical density: 535.7 kg/cu m

Solid: density (triple point): 1623 kg/cu m; heat of fusion (triple point):1.191 kJ/mol, exists as face-centered cubic crystals at normal pressure

1.38 (Air = 1)

Relative vapor density (air = 1): 1.66

Liquid (normal BP): 6469 J/mol; Solid: (triple pt): 7.785 kJ/mol.

A noble gas characterized by an electronic structure in which the outer p subshell is entirely filled

Naturally occurring argon is a mixture of three isotopes. Seventeen radioactive isotopes are now known to exist.

It is not known to combine chemically with any element, but forms a stable clathrate with beta-hydroquinone.

Will form compounds with highly electromagnetic elements such as O, F, Cl.

For more Other Experimental Properties (Complete) data for Argon, Elemental (8 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

Liquid: normal BP: -185.87 °C, density (normal BP): 1393.9 kg/cu m; at triple point: 1415 kg/cu m

Compton scattering

Gibbs energy

Absorbance

Acentric factor

Activation energy

Anisotropy parameter

Atomic mass

Boiling point

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

Not Chemically Reactive

These substances undergo no chemical reactions under any known circumstances. They are nonflammable, noncombustible and nontoxic. They can asphyxiate.

These substances undergo no chemical reactions under any known circumstances. They are nonflammable, noncombustible and nontoxic. They can asphyxiate. Contact of very cold liquefied gas with water may result in vigorous or violent boiling of the product and extremely rapid vaporization due to the large temperature differences involved. If the water is hot, there is the possibility that a liquid "superheat" explosion may occur. Pressures may build to dangerous levels if liquid gas contacts water in a closed container [Handling Chemicals Safely 1980].

The substance can be absorbed into the body by inhalation.

Dizziness. Lethargy. Headache. Suffocation.

ON CONTACT WITH LIQUID: FROSTBITE.

Other Poison - Simple Asphyxiant

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 as 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. /Simple asphyxiants and related compounds/

Basic treatment: Establish a patent airway (oropharyngeal or nasopharyngeal airway, if needed). Suction if necessary. Watch for signs of respiratory insufficiency and assist ventilations if necessary. Administer oxygen by nonrebreather mask at 10 to 15 L/min. Anticipate seizures and treat if necessary ... . Use rapid rewarming techniques if frostbite occurs ... . /Simple asphyxiants and related compounds/

Advanced treatment: Consider orotracheal or nasotracheal intubation for airway control in the patient who is unconscious or is in severe respiratory distress. Monitor cardiac rhythm and treat arrhythmias if necessary ... . Start IV administration of D5W /SRP: "To keep open", minimal flow rate/. Treat seizures with diazepam or lorazepam ... . /Simple asphyxiants and related compounds/

/SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS/ Contact with the liquid will cause frostbite./Argon, refrigerated liquid/

/CASE REPORTS/ A 31-year-old engineer was found dead in a reaction vessel (diameter 0.8 m, height 1.8 m) of a bulb factory some minutes after he had entered it for repair work. Resuscitation attempts with artificial respiration were unsuccessful. Despite autopsy and usual toxicological analyses, no cause of death could be found. Since in the normal production process, argon was used as a protecting gas, the possibility of suffocation in an argon atmosphere was investigated. This was rendered more difficult because of the natural content of 0.93 vol.% argon in air and since the excessive argon could have been removed by the resuscitation attempts. Gas samples from larynx, esophagus, bronchi, and stomach, separated blood samples from both ventricles of the heart and from the vena iliaca externa as well as tissue samples from lung and liver were collected during autopsy into headspace vials in such a way that the loss of gas and a dilution by surrounding air was avoided as far as possible. The samples were analyzed by headspace GC-MS. The abundance of Ar+ (m/z = 40) was used for quantification with N2(2+) (m/z = 14) as internal standard. The following argon concentrations were measured (mean values, case under investigation/comparison cases): gas from larynx 1.79/0.96 vol.%, stomach gas 1.58/0.89 vol.%, heart blood (left ventricle) 7.2/2.7 microg/mL, heart blood (right ventricle) 5.8/2.7 microg/mL, blood from vena iliaca externa 3.6/2.7 microg/mL. A clearly increased concentration was also found in lung tissue, whereas in liver tissue no significant difference in comparison to other cases was measured. From the results, it follows that the deceased inhaled an increased amount of argon a short time before death. The concentrations are consistent with asphyxia and subsequent resuscitation attempts. ...

/CASE REPORTS/ ... /A/ fatality from argon gas emboli during prostate cryosurgery /is reported/. The decedent underwent cryotherapy for prostate carcinoma using cryoablation probes which were cooled with argon and nitrous oxide and warmed with helium. Minutes into the procedure he experienced sudden cardiovascular collapse and could not be resuscitated. Postmortem examination was performed ... . Collection of tissues and blood samples had to be conducted carefully to capture suspected noble gases, argon, and helium. Specimens were submitted ... for toxicological examination and for evaluation of the composition of the gas retrieved from the vascular system. Gas chromatography mass spectrometric analyses confirmed argon in blood, brain, liver, and gas retrieved from the aorta. These samples had significant argon compared with room air also sent for comparison. The manner of death was accident. ...

/LABORATORY ANIMALS: Acute Exposure/ ... Carbon dioxide, argon, and nitrogen /were compared/ for inducing unconsciousness and euthanasia of Sprague-Dawley rats. We determined time to unconsciousness and monitored heart rate and mean arterial blood pressure by radiotelemetry to assess stress, recovery after exposure, and time of death. Unconsciousness (mean +/- standard error) occurred 24 +/- 3, 87 +/- 8, and 93 +/- 8 seconds after short-term exposure to carbon dioxide, argon, and nitrogen, respectively. During exposure, carbon dioxide depressed heart rate, whereas argon and nitrogen increased heart rate. Upon removal from the chamber, rats' heart rate rapidly normalized after carbon dioxide or nitrogen but remained elevated for 60 min after argon. During exposure, all agents depressed MAP, which returned to resting levels 10 to 50 min after rats removal from the chamber. For euthanasia, carbon dioxide at approximately 100% induced unconsciousness in 37 +/- 3 seconds, increased and then depressed mean arterial blood pressure and heart rate, and caused death at 188 +/- 15 seconds. Carbon dioxide at approximately 30% induced unconsciousness in 150 +/- 15 seconds, decreased heart rate and mean arterial blood pressure, and induced death at 440 +/- 9 seconds. Argon at approximately 100% increased mean arterial blood pressure but decreased heart rate, induced unconsciousness with hyperreflexia at 54 +/- 4 seconds, and caused death at 197 +/- 20 seconds. Nitrogen at approximately 100% decreased mean arterial blood pressure but not heart rate and produced unconsciousness with hyperreflexia at 164 +/- 17 seconds and death at 426 +/- 28 seconds. ... Carbon dioxide effectively produced unconsciousness and euthanasia, but we were unable to ascertain distress. Argon also appears effective but produced hyperreflexia and tachycardia. Nitrogen was ineffective.

Stable naturally occurring isotopes (mass numbers): 36 (0.377%); 38 (0.063%); 40 (99.600%) ... Abundance in igneous rock of the earth's crust: 4X10-2 ppm by weight ... The isotope As(40) is always found in minerals containing potassium, since it is a product of K(40) decay.

In the earth's atmosphere, noble gases make up about 1% ... argon is their major component.

The atmosphere of Mars contains 1.6% of argon-40 and 5 ppm of argon-36.

GROUNDWATER: Argon concentrations ranged from 13.1 to 17.2 micromoles/L (median 15.5 micromoles/L) in samples of groundwater from Orangeburg County, SC, collected in November 1997(1). Argon was reported at a concentration range of 0.7515 to 1.0923 mg/L in ground water samples taken at Mirror Lake, New Hampshire in 1991 and 1992(2).

Concentration in atmosphere: 93.40 ppm by volume

According to the 2006 TSCA Inventory Update Reporting data, the number of persons reasonably likely to be exposed in the industrial manufacturing, processing, and use of argon is 1 to 99; the data may be greatly underestimated(1).

Stable naturally occurring isotopes (mass numbers): 36 (0.377%); 38 (0.063%); 40 (99.600%) ... Abundance in igneous rock of the earth's crust: 4X10-2 ppm by weight ... The isotope As(40) is always found in minerals containing potassium, since it is a product of K(40) decay.

In the earth's atmosphere, noble gases make up about 1% ... argon is their major component.

The atmosphere of Mars contains 1.6% of argon-40 and 5 ppm of argon-36.

GROUNDWATER: Argon concentrations ranged from 13.1 to 17.2 micromoles/L (median 15.5 micromoles/L) in samples of groundwater from Orangeburg County, SC, collected in November 1997(1). Argon was reported at a concentration range of 0.7515 to 1.0923 mg/L in ground water samples taken at Mirror Lake, New Hampshire in 1991 and 1992(2).

Concentration in atmosphere: 93.40 ppm by volume

According to the 2006 TSCA Inventory Update Reporting data, the number of persons reasonably likely to be exposed in the industrial manufacturing, processing, and use of argon is 1 to 99; the data may be greatly underestimated(1).

SRP: The most favorable course of action is to use an alternative chemical product with less inherent propensity for occupational harm/injury/toxicity or environmental contamination. 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 soil or water; effects on animal and plant life; and conformance with environmental and public health regulations.

/GUIDE 120: GASES - INERT (INCLUDING REFRIGERATED LIQUIDS)/ Health: Vapors may cause dizziness or asphyxiation without warning. Vapors from liquefied gas are initially heavier than air and spread along ground. Contact with gas or liquefied gas may cause burns, severe injury and/or frostbite. /Argon, refrigerated liquid (cryogenic liquid)/

/GUIDE 120: GASES - INERT (INCLUDING REFRIGERATED LIQUIDS)/ Fire or Explosion: Non-flammable gases. Containers may explode when heated. Ruptured cylinders may rocket. /Argon, refrigerated liquid (cryogenic liquid)/

/GUIDE 120: GASES - INERT (INCLUDING REFRIGERATED LIQUIDS)/ Public Safety: CALL Emergency Response Telephone Number ... 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. /Argon, refrigerated liquid (cryogenic liquid)/

/GUIDE 120: GASES - INERT (INCLUDING REFRIGERATED LIQUIDS)/ Protective Clothing: Wear positive pressure self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA). Structural firefighters' protective clothing will only provide limited protection. Always wear thermal protective clothing when handling refrigerated/cryogenic liquids or solids. /Argon, refrigerated liquid (cryogenic liquid)/

For more DOT Emergency Guidelines (Complete) data for Argon, Elemental (16 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

Non-Flammable Gas

UN Hazard Class: 2.2