NITROUS OXIDE

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.

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

Behavior in Fire: Will support combustion, and may increase intensity of fire. Containers may explode when heated. (USCG, 1999)

Inhalation causes intense analgesia; concentrations of over 40-60% cause loss of consciousness preceded by hysteria. Contact of liquid with eyes or skin causes frostbite burn. (USCG, 1999)

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].

• Oxidizing Agents, Weak

No information available.

Excerpt from 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 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)

Excerpt from 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 engulfed in fire. For massive fire, use unmanned master stream devices or monitor nozzles; if this is impossible, withdraw from area and let fire burn. (ERG, 2020)

Excerpt from 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, 2020)

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).

Remove: No recommendation is made specifying the need for removing clothing that becomes wet or contaminated.

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

Provide: FROSTBITE WASH - Quick drench facilities and/or eyewash fountains should be provided within the immediate work area for emergency use where there is any possibility of exposure to liquids that are extremely cold or rapidly evaporating. (NIOSH, 2023)

Normalized Breakthrough Times (in Minutes)

Chemical	CAS Number	State	QS	QC	SL	C3	TF	TP	RC	TK	RF
Nitrous oxide	10024-97-2	Vapor							>480	>480	>480

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(DuPont, 2023)

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, 2023)

• DINITROGEN MONOXIDE
• HYPONITROUS ACID ANHYDRIDE
• LAUGHING GAS
• NITROUS OXIDE
• NITROUS OXIDE, COMPRESSED
• NITROUS OXIDE, [COMPRESSED]