Material Safety Data Sheet
Nitrous Oxide
Section 1. Chemical product and company identification
Product name : Nitrous Oxide
Supplier : AIRGAS INC., on behalf of its subsidiaries
259 North Radnor-Chester Road
Suite 100
Radnor, PA 19087-5283
1-610-687-5253
Product use : Synthetic/Analytical chemistry.
Synonym : Nitrogen oxide (N2O); Dinitrogen monoxide; Dinitrogen oxide; Laughing gas;
N2O; Factitious air; Hyponitrous acid anhydride; Nitrogen oxide; UN 1070; UN
2201; Nitrogen Monoxide; Nitral; Diazyne 1-oxide; NITROUS OXIDE,
REFRIGERATED LIQUID
MSDS # : 001042
Date of : 2/16/2009.
Preparation/Revision
In case of emergency : 1-866-734-3438
Section 2. Hazards identification
Physical state : Gas. [COLORLESS LIQUEFIED COMPRESSED GAS. ODORLESS OR WITH A MILD
SWEET ODOR. [INHALATION ANESTHETIC] [NOTE: SHIPPED AS A LIQUIFIED
COMPRESSED GAS]]
Emergency overview : DANGER!
GAS:
OXIDIZER.
CONTENTS UNDER PRESURE.
MAY CAUSE TARGET ORGAN DAMAGE, BASED ON ANIMAL
DATA. CONTACT WITH COMBUSTIBLE MATERIAL MAY CAUSE
FIRE.
Do not puncture or incinerate container.
Can cause rapid suffocation.
May cause severe frostbite.
LIQUID:
OXIDIZER.
MAY CAUSE TARGET ORGAN DAMAGE, BASED ON ANIMAL
DATA. CONTACT WITH COMBUSTIBLE MATERIAL MAY CAUSE
FIRE.
Extremely cold liquid and gas under
pressure. Can cause rapid suffocation.
May cause severe frostbite.
Do not puncture or incinerate container. May cause target organ damage, based on
animal data. Store in tightly-closed container. Avoid contact with combustible materials.
Contact with rapidly expanding gases or liquids can cause frostbite.
Target organs : May cause damage to the following organs: the reproductive system, upper
respiratory tract, central nervous system (CNS).
Routes of entry Ingestion :
:
Potential acute health effects
Eyes :
Skin :
Inhalation :
Build 1.1 Page:
Inhalation
May cause eye irritation.
Contact with rapidly
expanding gas may
cause burns or frostbite.
Contact with cryogenic
liquid can cause
frostbite and cryogenic
burns.
May cause skin
irritation. Contact with
rapidly expanding gas
may cause burns or
frostbite. Contact with
cryogenic liquid can
cause frostbite and
cryogenic burns.
Acts as a simple
asphyxiant.
Ingestion is not a normal
route of exposure for gases.
Contact with cryogenic liquid
can cause frostbite and
cryogenic burns.
Build 1.1 Page:
Nitrous
Oxide
Potential chronic health : CARCINOGENIC EFFECTS: A4 (Not classifiable for humans or animals.) by ACGIH,
effects 3 (Not classifiable for humans.) by IARC.
MUTAGENIC EFFECTS: Not available.
TERATOGENIC EFFECTS: Not available.
Medical conditions : Pre-existing disorders involving any target organs mentioned in this MSDS as being at
aggravated by over- risk may be aggravated by over-exposure to this product.
exposure
See toxicological information (section 11)
Section 3. Composition, Information on Ingredients
Name CAS number % Volume Exposure limits
Nitrous Oxide 10024-97-2 100 ACGIH TLV (United States, 1/2008).
TWA: 90 mg/m³ 8 hour(s).
TWA: 50 ppm 8 hour(s).
NIOSH REL (United States, 6/2008).
TWA: 46 mg/m³ 10 hour(s).
TWA: 25 ppm 10 hour(s).
Section 4. First aid measures
No action shall be taken involving any personal risk or without suitable [Link] it is suspected that fumes are still present,
the rescuer should wear an appropriate mask or self-contained breathing [Link] may be dangerous to the person
providing aid to give mouth-to-mouth resuscitation.
Eye contact : Check for and remove any contact lenses. Immediately flush eyes with plenty of water
for at least 15 minutes, occasionally lifting the upper and lower eyelids. Get medical
attention immediately.
Skin contact : In case of contact, immediately flush skin with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes
while removing contaminated clothing and shoes. Wash clothing before reuse. Clean
shoes thoroughly before reuse. Get medical attention immediately.
Frostbite : Try to warm up the frozen tissues and seek medical attention.
Inhalation : Move exposed person to fresh air. If not breathing, if breathing is irregular or if
respiratory arrest occurs, provide artificial respiration or oxygen by trained
personnel. Loosen tight clothing such as a collar, tie, belt or waistband. Get medical
attention immediately.
Ingestion : As this product is a gas, refer to the inhalation section.
Section 5. Fire-fighting measures
Flammability of the product : Non-flammable.
Products of combustion : Decomposition products may include the following materials:
nitrogen oxides
Fire hazards in the presence : Extremely flammable in the presence of the following materials or conditions: reducing
of various substances materials and combustible materials.
Fire-fighting media and : Use an extinguishing agent suitable for the surrounding fire.
instructions
Apply water from a safe distance to cool container and protect surrounding area. If
involved in fire, shut off flow immediately if it can be done without risk.
Contains gas under pressure. Contact with combustible material may cause fire. This
material increases the risk of fire and may aid combustion. In a fire or if heated, a
pressure increase will occur and the container may burst or explode.
Special protective : Fire-fighters should wear appropriate protective equipment and self-contained breathing
equipment for fire-fighters apparatus (SCBA) with a full face-piece operated in positive pressure mode.
Nitrous
Oxide
Section 6. Accidental release measures
Personal precautions : Immediately contact emergency personnel. Keep unnecessary personnel away. Use
suitable protective equipment (section 8). Eliminate all ignition sources if safe to do so.
Do not touch or walk through spilled material. Shut off gas supply if this can be done
safely. Isolate area until gas has dispersed.
Environmental precautions : Avoid dispersal of spilled material and runoff and contact with soil, waterways, drains
and sewers.
Methods for cleaning up : Immediately contact emergency personnel. Stop leak if without risk. Use spark-proof
tools and explosion-proof equipment. Note: see section 1 for emergency contact
information and section 13 for waste disposal.
Section 7. Handling and storage
Handling : High pressure gas. Do not puncture or incinerate container. Use equipment rated for
cylinder pressure. Close valve after each use and when empty. Store in tightly-
closed container. Avoid contact with combustible materials. Protect cylinders from
physical damage; do not drag, roll, slide, or drop. Use a suitable hand truck for
cylinder movement.
Never allow any unprotected part of the body to touch uninsulated pipes or vessels
that contain cryogenic liquids. Prevent entrapment of liquid in closed systems or piping
without pressure relief devices. Some materials may become brittle at low
temperatures and will easily fracture.
Storage : Keep container tightly closed. Keep container in a cool, well-ventilated area. Separate
from acids, alkalies, reducing agents and combustibles. Cylinders should be stored
upright, with valve protection cap in place, and firmly secured to prevent falling or
being knocked over. Cylinder temperatures should not exceed 52 °C (125 °F).
For additional information concerning storage and handling refer to Compressed Gas
Association pamphlets P-1 Safe Handling of Compressed Gases in Containers and P-
12 Safe Handling of Cryogenic Liquids available from the Compressed Gas
Association, Inc.
Section 8. Exposure controls/personal protection
Engineering controls : Use only with adequate ventilation. Use process enclosures, local exhaust ventilation or
other engineering controls to keep worker exposure to airborne contaminants below
any recommended or statutory limits.
Personal protection
Eyes : Safety eyewear complying with an approved standard should be used when a risk
assessment indicates this is necessary to avoid exposure to liquid splashes, mists
or dusts.
When working with cryogenic liquids, wear a full face shield.
Skin : Personal protective equipment for the body should be selected based on the task being
performed and the risks involved and should be approved by a specialist before handling
this product.
Respiratory : Use a properly fitted, air-purifying or air-fed respirator complying with an approved
standard if a risk assessment indicates this is necessary. Respirator selection must be
based on known or anticipated exposure levels, the hazards of the product and the
safe working limits of the selected respirator.
The applicable standards are (US) 29 CFR 1910.134 and (Canada) Z94.4-93
Hands : Chemical-resistant, impervious gloves complying with an approved standard should
be worn at all times when handling chemical products if a risk assessment indicates
this is necessary.
Insulated gloves suitable for low temperatures
Personal protection in case : Self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) should be used to avoid inhalation of the
of a large spill product.
Product name
dinitrogen oxide ACGIH TLV (United States, 1/2008).
TWA: 90 mg/m³ 8 hour(s).
TWA: 50 ppm 8 hour(s).
NIOSH REL (United States, 6/2008).
TWA: 46 mg/m³ 10 hour(s).
TWA: 25 ppm 10 hour(s).
Consult local authorities for acceptable exposure limits.
Section 9. Physical and chemical properties
Molecular weight : 44.02 g/mole
Molecular formula : N2-O
Boiling/condensation : -88°C (-126.4°F)
point Melting/freezing : -91°C (-131.8°F)
point Critical temperature : 36.6°C (97.9°F)
Vapor pressure : 745 (psig)
Vapor density : 1.53 (Air = 1) Liquid Density@BP: 76.8 lb/ft3 (1230 kg/m3)
Specific Volume (ft 3/lb) : 8.6957
Gas Density (lb/ft 3) : 0.115
Section 10. Stability and reactivity
Stability and reactivity : The product is stable.
Incompatibility with various : Extremely reactive or incompatible with the following materials: oxidizing materials,
substances reducing materials and combustible materials.
Hazardous decomposition : Under normal conditions of storage and use, hazardous decomposition products should
products not be produced.
Hazardous polymerization : Under normal conditions of storage and use, hazardous polymerization will not occur.
Section 11. Toxicological information
Toxicity data
Chronic effects on humans : CARCINOGENIC EFFECTS: A4 (Not classifiable for humans or animals.) by ACGIH,
3 (Not classifiable for humans.) by IARC.
May cause damage to the following organs: the reproductive system, upper
respiratory tract, central nervous system (CNS).
Other toxic effects on : No specific information is available in our database regarding the other toxic effects of
humans this material to humans.
Specific effects
Carcinogenic effects : No known significant effects or critical hazards.
Mutagenic effects : No known significant effects or critical hazards.
Reproduction toxicity : No known significant effects or critical hazards.
Section 12. Ecological information
Aquatic ecotoxicity
Not available.
Environmental fate : Not available.
Environmental hazards : No known significant effects or critical hazards.
Toxicity to the environment : Not available.
Nitrous
Oxide
Section 13. Disposal considerations
Product removed from the cylinder must be disposed of in accordance with appropriate Federal, State,
local [Link] cylinders with residual product to Airgas, [Link] not dispose of locally.
Section 14. Transport information
Regulatory UN number Proper shipping Class Packing group Label Additional
information name information
DOT Classification UN1070 NITROUS OXIDE 2.2 Not applicable (gas). Limited
quantity
Yes.
UN2201 Nitrous oxide,
refrigerated Packaging
liquid instruction
Passenger
aircraft
Quantity
limitation:
75 kg
Cargo aircraft
Quantity
limitation:
150 kg
TDG Classification UN1070 NITROUS OXIDE 2.2 Not applicable (gas). Explosive
Limit and
Limited
UN2201 Nitrous oxide, Quantity
refrigerated Index
liquid 0
ERAP Index
3000
Passenger
Carrying Ship
Index
450
Passenger
Carrying
Road or Rail
Index
75
Mexico UN1070 NITROUS OXIDE 2.2 Not applicable (gas). -
Classification
UN2201 Nitrous oxide,
refrigerated
liquid
“Refer to CFR 49 (or authority having jurisdiction) to determine the information required for shipment of
the product.”
Nitrous
Oxide
Section 15. Regulatory information
United States
U.S. Federal regulations : United States inventory (TSCA 8b): This material is listed or exempted.
SARA 302/304/311/312 extremely hazardous substances: No products were found.
SARA 302/304 emergency planning and notification: No products were found.
SARA 302/304/311/312 hazardous chemicals: dinitrogen oxide
SARA 311/312 MSDS distribution - chemical inventory - hazard identification:
dinitrogen oxide: Fire hazard, Sudden release of pressure, Delayed (chronic)
health hazard
Clean Water Act (CWA) 307: No products were found.
Clean Water Act (CWA) 311: No products were found.
Clean Air Act (CAA) 112 accidental release prevention: No products were found.
Clean Air Act (CAA) 112 regulated flammable substances: No products were
found. Clean Air Act (CAA) 112 regulated toxic substances: No products were
State regulations found.
: Connecticut Carcinogen Reporting: This material is not listed.
Connecticut Hazardous Material Survey: This material is not listed.
Florida substances: This material is not listed.
Illinois Chemical Safety Act: This material is not listed.
Illinois Toxic Substances Disclosure to Employee Act: This material is not listed.
Louisiana Reporting: This material is not listed.
Louisiana Spill: This material is not listed.
Massachusetts Spill: This material is not listed.
Massachusetts Substances: This material is listed.
Michigan Critical Material: This material is not listed.
Minnesota Hazardous Substances: This material is not listed.
New Jersey Hazardous Substances: This material is listed.
New Jersey Spill: This material is not listed.
New Jersey Toxic Catastrophe Prevention Act: This material is not listed.
New York Acutely Hazardous Substances: This material is not listed.
New York Toxic Chemical Release Reporting: This material is not
listed. Pennsylvania RTK Hazardous Substances: This material is
listed.
Rhode Island Hazardous Substances: This material is not listed.
California Prop. 65 WARNING: This product contains a chemical known to the State
of California to cause birth defects or other reproductive harm.
Cancer Reproductive Maximum
significant risk level acceptable
dosage
level
Nitrous Oxide No. Yes. No. N
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Nitrous
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Section 15. Regulatory information
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Oxide
Section 16. Other information
United States
Label requirements : GAS:
OXIDIZER.
CONTENTS UNDER PRESURE.
MAY CAUSE TARGET ORGAN DAMAGE, BASED ON ANIMAL
DATA. CONTACT WITH COMBUSTIBLE MATERIAL MAY CAUSE
FIRE.
Do not puncture or incinerate container.
Can cause rapid suffocation.
May cause severe frostbite.
LIQUID:
OXIDIZER.
MAY CAUSE TARGET ORGAN DAMAGE, BASED ON ANIMAL
DATA. CONTACT WITH COMBUSTIBLE MATERIAL MAY CAUSE
FIRE.
Extremely cold liquid and gas under
pressure. Can cause rapid suffocation.
Canada
May cause severe frostbite.
Label requirements : Class A: Compressed gas.
Class C: Oxidizing material.
Class D-2A: Material causing other toxic effects (Very toxic).
Hazardous Material : Health * 0
Information System (U.S.A.)
Flammability 0
Physical hazards 2
liquid:
Health 3
Fire hazard 0
Reactivity 0
Personal protection
National Fire Protection :
Association (U.S.A.) 0 Flammability
Health 1 0 Instability
Special
liquid:
0 Flammability
Health 3 0 Instability
Special
Notice to reader
To the best of our knowledge, the information contained herein is accurate. However, neither the above-
named supplier, nor any of its subsidiaries, assumes any liability whatsoever for the accuracy or
completeness of the information contained herein.
Final determination of suitability of any material is the sole responsibility of the user. All materials may
present unknown hazards and should be used with caution. Although certain hazards are described herein,
we cannot guarantee that these are the only hazards that exist.
