Erowid
 
 
Plants - Drugs Mind - Spirit Freedom - Law Arts - Culture Library  
Hand-Crafted Glass Molecules!
Donate $150+ and get an art glass molecule.
(Pick caffeine, DMT, dopamine, ethanol, harmine, MDMA,
mescaline, serotonin, tryptamine, nitrous, THC, or psilocybin)

Nitrous Oxide Material Safety Data Sheet

HTML and Layout © Erowid

University of California - 
MSDS System                PAGE 1 
11/17/95 
Source of MSDS: LIQUID CARBONIC NITROUS OXIDE, COMPRESSED DOT UN 1070
HAZ.CL.: Division 2.2 
LABEL: Nonflammable Gas 
October 1991 
24 Hour Emergency Phone Numbers: (504) 673-8831; 
CHEMTREC (800)424-9300 

SECTION I--PRODUCT IDENTIFICATION 
CHEMICAL NAME: Nitrous Oxide, Dinitrogen Monoxide 
COMMON NAME AND SYNONYMS: Nitrous Oxide; Nitrous Oxide, Compressed (D.O.T.), 
	Laughing Gas 
CHEMICAL FAMILY: Oxide of Nitrogen 
FORMULA: N2O 

SECTION II--
HAZARDOUS INGREDIENTS 
MATERIAL VOLUME % CAS NO. 1991-1992 ACGIH TLV UNITS Nitrous Oxide 99 . 9+ 10024-97-2 
	TWA = 50 Molar PPM OSHA 1989 TWA = None Listed 

SECTION III--
PHYSICAL DATA 
BOILING POINT (dF.): -127 SPECIFIC GRAVITY (H2O=1) 1.22(-127d/60dF)
VAPOR PRESSURE: @ 70dF = 754 psia % 
VOLATILE BY VOLUME: 99.9+ 
VAPOR DENSITY (AIR=1):@ 70dF = 1.53 
EVAPORATION RATE (BUTYL ACETATE=1): 
SOLUBILITY IN WATER: Slightly Unknown 
APPEARANCE AND ODOR: Colorless gas with slightly sweet taste and odor 

SECTION IV--
FIRE AND EXPLOSION HAZARD 
DATA FLASH POINT (METHOD USED) N/A 
FLAMMABLE LIMITS LEL UEL 
EXTINGUISHING MEDIA: none Copious quantities of water for fires with nitrous oxide as 
	the oxidizer. 
SPECIAL FIRE FIGHTING PROCEDURES: If possible, stop the flow of nitrous oxide which is 
	supporting the fire.  If cylinders are involved in a fire, safely relocate or keep cool with 
	water spray. 
UNUSUAL FIRE AND EXPLOSION HAZARDS: Nitrous oxide has been known to decompose 
	exothermically to oxygen and nitrogen at elevated temperatures. This decomposition 
	has also been shown to have explosive force (also see Reactivity Data). 

SECTION V--
HEALTH HAZARD DATA 
Route(s) of Entry: Inhalation? Yes Skin? No Ingestion? No 
University of California - MSDS System 
PAGE 2 
11/17/95 
Carcinogenicity: NTP? No IARC Monographs? No OSHA? No 
EFFECTS OF OVEREXPOSURE: Inhalation: High concentrations of nitrous oxide so as to exclude an 
	adequate supply of oxygen to the lungs causes dizziness, deeper breathing due to air hunger, 
	possible nausea and eventual unconsciousness. It is also employed as an anesthetic when mixed 
	with oxygen. These mixtures are generally 80 molar % N2O and 20 molar % O2. Persons in ill health 
	where such illness would be aggravated by exposure to nitrous oxide should not be allowed to 
	work with or handle this product. 
EMERGENCY AND FIRST AID PROCEDURES: If Inhaled: Conscious persons should be assisted to an 
	uncontaminated area and inhale fresh air. Quick removal from the contaminated area is most 
	important. Unconscious persons should be moved to an uncontaminated area, given assisted 
	respiration with supplemental oxygen. Further treatment should be symptomatic and supportive. 
	Rescue personnel should be equipped with self- contained breathing apparatus and be cognizant 
	of fire and explosion hazards. 
		
SECTION VI--
REACTIVITY DATA STABILITY: UNSTABLE ( ) STABLE ( x ) CONDITIONS TO AVOID:
Decomposes to N2 and O2 (2:1 ratio) at high (>1200dF) temperatures (see Hazardous Decomposition Products). 
INCOMPATIBILITY(MATERIALS TO AVOID): All flammable materials 
HAZARDOUS DECOMPOSITION PRODUCTS: Decomposition to N2 and O2 will occur at a lower temperature 
	(approximately 650dF), if oxides of silver, copper and nickel are present. Some of these oxides may 
	result from soldering or brazing operations. 
HAZARDOUS POLYMERIZATION: MAY OCCUR ( ) WON'T OCCUR ( x ) 
CONDITIONS TO AVOID: N/A 

SECTION VII--
SPILL OR LEAK PROCEDURES STEPS TO BE TAKEN IN CASE MATERIAL IS RELEASED OR SPILLED: Attempt to stop leak, 
	if possible safely. Be cognizant of increased flammability possibility in high nitrous oxide content atmospheres. 
	Evacuate personnel from affected area. Remove sources of heat and ignition. Use respiratory protective 
	equipment as required. WASTE DISPOSAL: Safely relocate leaking cylinder to a remote, downwind location 
	and allow to vent slowly to atmosphere. Follow all federal, state, and local regulations. 
		
SECTION VIII--
SPECIAL PROTECTION INFORMATION 
University of California - MSDS System PAGE 3 11/17/95 
RESPIRATORY PROTECTION: Positive pressure air line or self-contained breathing apparatus available for 
		emergency purposes 
VENTILATION: LOCAL EXHAUST ( x ) To prevent accumulation above the TWA
MECHANICAL (GENERAL) ( x ) 
PROTECTIVE GLOVES: Any material 
EYE PROTECTION: Safety glasses 
OTHER PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT: Safety shoes 

SECTION IX--
SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS PRECAUTIONS TO BE TAKEN IN HANDLING AND STORING: 
Protect cylinders against physical damage. Store in cool, dry, well-ventilated area away from sources of heat 
	or direct sunlight. Do not allow areas where cylinders are stored to exceed 125dF. Use a check valve or 
	trap in the cylinder discharge line to prevent hazardous backflow. Cylinders should be stored upright 
	and firmly secured to prevent falling or being knocked over. Keep oil, grease and all flammables away. 
	Do not store with flammable gases. Open cylinder valves slowly. For additional recommendations 
	consult Compressed Gas Association's Pamphlets P- l, P-2, P-14, and Safety Bulletins SB-2 and SB-6. 
	
OTHER PRECAUTIONS: Use only DOT or ASME coded vessels. Use a pressure reducing regulator when connecting 
	cylinder to lower pressure piping or systems. All equipment to contain nitrous oxide should be cleaned 
	and degreased as if in oxygen service (see CGA G4.1). Close valve after each use and when empty. 
	Cylinders may not be refilled except by or with the consent of Liquid Carbonic. Reporting under 
	SARA, Title III, Section 313 not required. NFPA 704 NO. for nitrous oxide = 2 0 0 (OX) No guaranty 
	is made as to the accuracy of any data or statement implied herein. while this material is furnished 
	in good faith, NO WARRANTY EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, OF MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS OR OTHERWISE 
	IS MADE. This material is offered only for your consideration, investigation and verification and 
	Liquid Carbonic shall not in any event be liable for special, incidental or consequential damages 
	in connection with its publication. Last modified 16-Aug-96 07:58