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Chemical Datasheet

NITROGEN DIOXIDE

2.3 - Poisonous gas 5.1 - Oxidizer 8 - Corrosive

Chemical Identifiers

CAS Number UN/NA Number DOT Hazard Label USCG CHRIS Code
  • 10102-44-0   (NITROGEN DIOXIDE)
  • 1067
  • Poison Gas
  • Oxidizer
  • Corrosive
none
NIOSH Pocket Guide International Chem Safety Card
Nitrogen dioxide
  • NITROGEN DIOXIDE
NFPA 704
Diamond Hazard Value Description
0
3 0
ox
Blue Health 3 Can cause serious or permanent injury.
Red Flammability 0 Will not burn under typical fire conditions.
Yellow Instability 0 Normally stable, even under fire conditions.
White Special OX Possesses oxidizing properties.
(NFPA, 2010)
General Description
A reddish brown gas or yellowish-brown liquid when cooled or compressed. Shipped as a liquefied gas under own vapor pressure. Vapors are heavier than air. Toxic by inhalation (vapor) and skin absorption. Noncombustible, but accelerates the burning of combustible materials. Cylinders and ton containers may not be equipped with a safety relief device.

Hazards

Reactivity Alerts
Air & Water Reactions
Combines with oxygen to form nitrogen dioxide, a brown gas that is deadly poisonous [Merck 11th ed. (1989]. Decomposes in water to form nitric acid and nitric oxide, reacts with alkalis to form nitrate and nitrites [Merck 11th ed. 1989]. The liquid nitrogen oxide is very sensitive to detonation, in the presence of water.
Fire Hazard
When heated to decomposition, toxic fumes of nitrogen oxides are emitted. May ignite other combustible materials (wood, paper, oil, etc.). Mixture with fuels may explode. Container may explode in heat of fire. Vapor explosion and poison hazard may occur indoors, outdoors or in sewers. Decomposes in water, forming nitric acid and nitric oxide. Avoid moisture and physical damage to storage container.

Incompatible with combustible matter, chlorinated hydrocarbons, ammonia, carbon disulfide. Reacts with alkalies to form nitrates and nitrites. Violent reaction with cyclohexane, fluorine, formaldehyde, alcohols, nitrobenzene, petroleum, and toluene. (EPA, 1998)
Health Hazard
Severe exposures may be fatal. Contact may cause burns to skin and eyes. Contact with liquid may cause frostbite. This compound was reported to react with blood to form methemoglobin. The lowest lethal human inhalation dose has been reported at 200 ppm/1 min. (EPA, 1998)
Reactivity Profile
Nitrogen Dioxide (nitrogen peroxide) is a strong oxidizing agent. Powdered aluminum burns in the vapor of carbon disulfide, sulfur dioxide, sulfur dichloride, nitrous oxide, nitric oxide, or nitrogen peroxide [Mellor 5:209-212. 1946-47]. Boron trichloride reacts energetically with nitrogen peroxide, phosphine, or fat and grease [Mellor 5:132. 1946-47]. Nitrogen peroxide and acetic anhydride reacted to form tetranitromethane, but resulted in an explosion [Van Dolah 1967]. Nitrogen peroxide forms explosive mixtures with incompletely halogenated hydrocarbons [Chem. Eng. News 42(47):53. 1964]. During an experiment to produce lactic acid by oxidizing propylene with nitrogen peroxide, a violent explosion occurred. These mixtures (olefins and nitrogen peroxide) form extremely unstable nitrosates or nitrosites [Comp. Rend. 116:756. 1893]. 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]. Corrosive to steel when wet, but may be stored in steel cylinders when moisture content is 0.1% or less.
Belongs to the Following Reactive Group(s)
Potentially Incompatible Absorbents

Use caution: Liquids with this reactive group classification have been known to react with the absorbents listed below.

Response Recommendations

Isolation and Evacuation
Excerpt from 124 Polymerizable warning [Gases - Toxic and/or Corrosive - Oxidizing]:

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

SPILL: See ERG Table 1 - Initial Isolation and Protective Action Distances on the UN/NA 1067 datasheet.

FIRE: If tank, rail car or tank truck 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, 2020)
Firefighting
Move container from fire area if you can do so without risk. Stay away from ends of tanks. Spray cooling water on containers that are exposed to flames until well after fire is out.

Extinguish with dry chemical, carbon dioxide, water spray, fog, or foam. For massive fire in cargo area, use unmanned hose holder or monitor nozzles; if this is impossible, withdraw from area and let fire burn. (EPA, 1998)
Non-Fire Response
Excerpt from 124 Polymerizable warning [Gases - Toxic and/or Corrosive - Oxidizing]:

Do not touch or walk through spilled material. Keep combustibles (wood, paper, oil, etc.) away from 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. Isolate area until gas has dispersed. Ventilate the area. (ERG, 2020)
Protective Clothing
Excerpt from NIOSH Pocket Guide for Nitrogen dioxide:

Skin: PREVENT SKIN CONTACT - Wear appropriate personal protective clothing to prevent skin contact.

Eyes: PREVENT EYE CONTACT - Wear appropriate eye protection to prevent eye contact.

Wash skin: WHEN CONTAMINATED - The worker should immediately wash the skin when it becomes contaminated.

Remove: WHEN WET OR CONTAMINATED - Work clothing that becomes wet or significantly contaminated should be removed and replaced.

Change: No recommendation is made specifying the need for the worker to change clothing after the workshift.

Provide:
• EYEWASH - Eyewash fountains should be provided in areas where there is any possibility that workers could be exposed to the substances; this is irrespective of the recommendation involving the wearing of eye protection.
• QUICK DRENCH - Facilities for quickly drenching the body should be provided within the immediate work area for emergency use where there is a possibility of exposure. [Note: It is intended that these facilities provide a sufficient quantity or flow of water to quickly remove the substance from any body areas likely to be exposed. The actual determination of what constitutes an adequate quick drench facility depends on the specific circumstances. In certain instances, a deluge shower should be readily available, whereas in others, the availability of water from a sink or hose could be considered adequate.] (NIOSH, 2023)
DuPont Tychem® Suit Fabrics
Normalized Breakthrough Times (in Minutes)
Chemical CAS Number State QS QC SL C3 TF TP RC TK RF
Nitrogen Dioxide (liquid) 10102-44-0 Liquid >480
Nitrogen dioxide 10102-44-0 Vapor <15 <15
> indicates greater than.
< indicates less than.

Special Warning from DuPont: Tychem® and Tyvek® fabrics should not be used around heat, flames, sparks or in potentially flammable or explosive environments. Only...

(DuPont, 2023)

First Aid
Warning: Effects may be delayed for hours to days. Caution is advised.

Signs and Symptoms of Acute Nitrogen Dioxide Exposure: Acute exposure to nitrogen dioxide may be severe and result in a weak, rapid pulse; cyanosis (blue tint to the skin and mucous membranes); and circulatory collapse. Cough, dyspnea (shortness of breath), bronchitis, pneumonitis, and pulmonary edema may occur following inhalation exposure. Gastrointestinal symptoms include nausea and abdominal pain. Fatigue, lethargy, restlessness, fever, anxiety, headache, mental confusion, and loss of consciousness may also occur. Contact with the skin and mucous membranes may result in severe irritation and burns. When liquid nitrogen dioxide contacts the skin, frostbite will result.

Emergency Life-Support Procedures: Acute exposure to nitrogen dioxide may require decontamination and life support for the victims. Emergency personnel should wear protective clothing appropriate to the type and degree of contamination. Air-purifying or supplied-air respiratory equipment should also be worn, as necessary. Rescue vehicles should carry supplies such as plastic sheeting and disposable plastic bags to assist in preventing spread of contamination.

Inhalation Exposure:
1. Move victims to fresh air. Emergency personnel should avoid self-exposure to nitrogen dioxide.
2. Evaluate vital signs including pulse and respiratory rate, and note any trauma. If no pulse is detected, provide CPR. If not breathing, provide artificial respiration. If breathing is labored, administer oxygen or other respiratory support.
3. Obtain authorization and/or further instructions from the local hospital for administration of an antidote or performance of other invasive procedures.
4. Transport to a health care facility.

Dermal/Eye Exposure:
1. Remove victims from exposure. Emergency personnel should avoid self- exposure to nitrogen dioxide.
2. Evaluate vital signs including pulse and respiratory rate, and note any trauma. If no pulse is detected, provide CPR. If not breathing, provide artificial respiration. If breathing is labored, administer oxygen or other respiratory support.
3. Remove contaminated clothing as soon as possible.
4. If eye exposure has occurred, eyes must be flushed with lukewarm water for at least 15 minutes.
5. Wash exposed skin areas with soap and water for at least 15 minutes.
6. Obtain authorization and/or further instructions from the local hospital for administration of an antidote or performance of other invasive procedures.
7. Transport to a health care facility.

Ingestion Exposure:
1. Evaluate vital signs including pulse and respiratory rate, and note any trauma. If no pulse is detected, provide CPR. If not breathing, provide artificial respiration. If breathing is labored, administer oxygen or other respiratory support.
2. DO NOT induce vomiting or attempt to neutralize!
3. Obtain authorization and/or further instructions from the local hospital for administration of an antidote or performance of other invasive procedures.
4. Activated charcoal is of no value.
5. Give the victims water or milk: children up to 1 year old, 125 mL (4 oz or 1/2 cup); children 1 to 12 years old, 200 mL (6 oz or 3/4 cup); adults, 250 mL (8 oz or 1 cup). Water or milk should be given only if victims are conscious and alert.
6. Transport to a health care facility. (EPA, 1998)

Physical Properties

Chemical Formula:
  • NO2
Flash Point: data unavailable
Lower Explosive Limit (LEL): Does not burn. (EPA, 1998)
Upper Explosive Limit (UEL): Does not burn. (EPA, 1998)
Autoignition Temperature: data unavailable
Melting Point: 15.3°F (EPA, 1998)
Vapor Pressure: 720 mmHg at 68°F (EPA, 1998)
Vapor Density (Relative to Air): 1.58 (EPA, 1998) - Heavier than air; will sink
Specific Gravity: 1.448 at 68°F (EPA, 1998) - Denser than water; will sink
Boiling Point: 70.07°F at 760 mmHg (EPA, 1998)
Molecular Weight: 46.01 (EPA, 1998)
Water Solubility: Reacts with water (NIOSH, 2023)
Ionization Energy/Potential: 9.75 eV (NIOSH, 2023)
IDLH: 13 ppm (NIOSH, 2023)

AEGLs (Acute Exposure Guideline Levels)

Final AEGLs for Nitrogen Dioxide (10102-44-0)
Exposure Period AEGL-1 AEGL-2 AEGL-3
10 minutes 0.5 ppm 20 ppm 34 ppm
30 minutes 0.5 ppm 15 ppm 25 ppm
60 minutes 0.5 ppm 12 ppm 20 ppm
4 hours 0.5 ppm 8.2 ppm 14 ppm
8 hours 0.5 ppm 6.7 ppm 11 ppm
(NAC/NRC, 2023)

ERPGs (Emergency Response Planning Guidelines)

Chemical ERPG-1 ERPG-2 ERPG-3
Nitrogen Dioxide (10102-44-0) 1 ppm star-in-circle icon indicates that odor should be detectable near ERPG-1. 15 ppm 30 ppm
star-in-circle icon indicates that odor should be detectable near ERPG-1.
(AIHA, 2022)

PACs (Protective Action Criteria)

Chemical PAC-1 PAC-2 PAC-3
Nitrogen dioxide (10102-44-0) 0.5 ppm 12 ppm 20 ppm
(DOE, 2018)

Regulatory Information

EPA Consolidated List of Lists

Regulatory Name CAS Number/
313 Category Code
EPCRA 302
EHS TPQ
EPCRA 304
EHS RQ
CERCLA RQ EPCRA 313
TRI
RCRA
Code
CAA 112(r)
RMP TQ
Nitrogen dioxide 10102-44-0 100 pounds 10 pounds 10 pounds @ P078

(EPA List of Lists, 2022)

CISA Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards (CFATS)

No regulatory information available.

OSHA Process Safety Management (PSM) Standard List

Chemical Name CAS Number Threshold Quantity (TQ)
Nitrogen Dioxide 10102-44-0 250 pounds
Nitrogen Oxides (NO; NO2; N204; N203) 10102-44-0 250 pounds

(OSHA, 2019)

Alternate Chemical Names