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NITROGEN
TETROXIDE (ALSO KNOWN AS NITROGEN DIOXIDE)
Human Health Effects:
Human Toxicity Excerpts:
... SLOWLY EVOLVING BUT PROGRESSIVE INFLAMMATION OF LUNGS CAUSES PROFUSE
EXUDATION INTO ALVEOLAR SPACE. FLUID LOSS FROM BLOOD PRODUCES MASSIVE PULMONARY
EDEMA & SEVERE HEMOCONCENTRATION. ... IMPAIRED GAS EXCHANGE IN LUNGS,
BREATHING ... RAPID & CYANOSIS ... INTENSE. DEATH ... DUE TO ASPHYXIA ...
/NITROGEN OXIDES/
DURING THE BREAKING OF MANY GLASS AMPOULES OF PURE NITRATE-FREE NITROGEN DIOXIDE-NITROGEN TETROXIDE ... WHENEVER LIQ OR CONCN
GAS CAME IN CONTACT WITH DRY SKIN CORROSION RESULTED. CORRODED AREA HAD SAME
APPEARANCE THAT RESULTS FROM CONTACT WITH NITRIC ACID OR ITS CONCENTRATED VAPORS
EXCEPT ... NOT AS INTENSE. /NITROGEN
DIOXIDE-NITROGEN TETROXIDE/
INHALATION OF NITROGEN DIOXIDE IN
HIGH CONCN MAY RESULT IN TRIPHASIC SEQUENCE OF ACUTE BRONCHOSPASM, DELAYED
PULMONARY EDEMA & LATE BRONCHIOLITIS OBLITERANS. LOW CONCN INDUCE PULMONARY
FIBROSIS WITH CHRONIC EXPOSURE. /NITROGEN DIOXIDE/
ONLY VERY HIGH VAPOR CONCN INDUCE PROMPT OR IMMEDIATE DISTRESS. USUALLY THERE
ARE NO SYMPTOMS AT THE TIME OF EXPOSURE, EXCEPT PERHAPS FOR A SLIGHT &
TRANSIENT COUGH, MILD FATIGUE, & BRIEF NAUSEA. THE ACUTE DANGER PERIOD
ARISES 5 TO 72 HR LATER, WHEN A SLOWLY EVOLVING BUT PROGRESSIVE INFLAMMATION OF
THE LUNGS CAUSES PROFUSE EXUDATION INTO THE ALVEOLAR SPACES. FLUID LOSS FROM THE
BLOOD PRODUCES MASSIVE PULMONARY EDEMA & SEVERE HEMOCONCENTRATION. BECAUSE
OF IMPAIRED GAS EXCHANGE IN THE LUNGS, BREATHING BECOMES RAPID & CYANOSIS
BECOMES INTENSE. DEATH IS USUALLY DUE TO ASPHYXIA WITHIN A FEW HR AFTER
RESPIRATORY SYMPTOMS BEGIN. /NITROGEN OXIDES/
SYMPTOMATOLOGY: 1. Usually no symptoms occur at the time of exposure, with
the exception of a slight cough and perhaps fatigue and nausea. Exposure to low
concn may result in impaired pulmonary defense mechanisms (macrophages, cilia)
with complications ... . 2. Only very concn nitrous fumes produce prompt
coughing, choking, headache, nausea, abdominal pain and dyspnea (tightness and
burning pain in the chest). 3. A symptom-free period follows exposure and lasts
for 5-72 hr. 4. Fatigue, uneasiness, restlessness, cough, hyperpnea and dyspnea
appear insidiously, as the adult respiratory distress syndrome gradually
develops. /Nitrogen oxides/
SYMPTOMATOLOGY: 5. Increasingly rapid and shallow respirations, cyanosis,
mild or violent coughing with frothy expectoration and physical signs of
pulmonary edema (for example rales and rhonchi). The vital capacity is rapidly
reduced. A serous exudate may develop in the pleural cavity, but its volume is
usually small. 6. Anxiety, mental confusion, lethary and finally loss of
consciousness. 7. A weak, rapid pulse, dilated heart, venous congestion, intense
cyanosis and severe hemoconcentration. Circulatory collapse is secondary to
anoxia and hemoconcentration. 8. An asphyxial death due to blockade of gas
exchange in the lungs. Death commonly occurs within a few hours after the first
evidence of pulmonary edema. /Nitrogen oxides/
SYMPTOMATOLOGY: 9. Sometimes a second acute phase follows the initial
pulmonary reaction after a quiescent period of several weeks. Cough, tachypnea,
dyspnea, fever, tachycardia and cyanosis at this stage are usually due to
bronchiolitis obliterans. The relapse may be abrupt and fulminating, leading
either to death or a slow convalescence. 10. In nonfatal cases, convalescence
may be complicated by infectious bronchitis, bronchiolitis obliterans, pneumonia
and general asthenia. Rarely diffuse pulmonary fibrosis may develop. /Nitrogen
oxides/
... SEVERE SYMPTOMS & DEATH OF UNKNOWN ETIOLOGY HAVE BEEN REPORTED IN
FARMERS WHO WERE WORKING IN OR NEAR SILOS ... ("SILO-FILLERS' DISEASE") RESULTED
FROM ACUTE EXPOSURE TO OXIDES OF NITROGEN. /NITROGEN OXIDES/
NITROGEN DIOXIDE, WITH ITS DIMER
NITROGEN TETROXIDE, IS LARGEST COMPONENT
OF MOST /NITROGEN OXIDE/ FUMES & CAUSES MOST OF DAMAGE.
A review by the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists
suggests that a 60 min exposure of humans to 100 ppm leads to pulmonary edema
and death; 50 ppm to pulmonary edema with possible subacute or chronic lesions
in the lungs; and 25 ppm to respiratory irritation and chest pain. Fifty ppm
moderately irritating to the eyes and nose; 25 ppm is irritating to some people.
BACKGROUND: Reactive airways dysfunction syndrome (RADS) is characterized by
persistent bronchial hyperreactivity and asthmatic symptoms in a previously
healthy individual after a single intense exposure to an irritant fume, vapor,
or gas. On October 23, 1995, a cloud of dinitrogen
tetroxide (N2O4) escaped from a railroad tanker car in Bogalusa,
Louisiana, exposing an estimated 4,000 citizens to the gas. METHODS: A sample of
234 patients with respiratory complaints after the spill received a complete
history and physical examination, a symptom questionnaire, and pulmonary
function tests. Patients whose previously undocumented asthma-like symptoms
persisted for 3 months after exposure to N2O4 had methacholine challenge
testing. RESULTS: Of the 234 patients evaluated, six met the criteria for a
diagnosis of RADS. The distance of these six patients from the source of the
leak, their durations of exposure, and initial symptoms were not different from
those of the sample patients who did not have RADS. CONCLUSIONS: After
evaluation of 234 symptomatic patients who were exposed to N2O4, we diagnosed
six cases of RADS. There were no demographic characteristics or initial symptoms
that identified patients who were at risk of having this syndrome. We believe we
are the first to report cases of RADS due to N2O4 exposure.
VAPORS ARE EXTREMELY TOXIC & MAY CAUSE FATAL LUNG DAMAGE EVEN IN VERY
DILUTE CONCN. BOTH LIQ & VAPOR MAY CAUSE SEVERE EYE & SKIN BURNS.
Probable Routes of Human Exposure:
EXPOSURE TO NITROGEN TETROXIDE IN THE
MISSILE INDUSTRY CAN PRODUCE IDENTICAL SYMPTOMS AS THOSE FROM NITROGEN DIOXIDE & SHOULD BE TREATED IN A
SIMILAR FASHION.
Industrial exposures can take place wherever nitric acid is made or used and
has occurred most commonly where metals are dipped in acid baths. Electric arc
welding, and to a lesser extent gas welding, can generate hazardous
concentrations.
Emergency Medical Treatment:
Emergency Medical Treatment:
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The following Overview, *** NITROGEN OXIDES ***, is relevant for this HSDB record chemical. |
| Life Support: |
o This overview assumes that basic life support measures
have been instituted. |
| Clinical Effects: |
SUMMARY OF EXPOSURE
0.2.1.1 ACUTE EXPOSURE
o Exposure to nitrogen oxides is usually via inhalation
and may result in acute or chronic changes of the
pulmonary system including pulmonary edema,
pneumonitis, bronchitis, bronchiolitis, fibrosing
bronchiolitis, bronchiolitis obliterans, emphysema and
possibly methemoglobinemia.
o Exposure to low concentrations of nitrogen oxides
usually results in mild and transient symptoms
including a slight cough, fatigue and nausea. Very
concentrated exposures may result in immediate
coughing, choking, headache, nausea, abdominal pain and
dyspnea.
o Following exposure, there may be a latent period of 5
to 72 hours, before inflammation of the lungs develops
causing exudation into alveolar spaces. Clinical
deterioration may then occur.
o Nitric oxide toxicity is reviewed in a separate
document.
HEENT
0.2.4.1 ACUTE EXPOSURE
o Conjunctivitis may occur.
CARDIOVASCULAR
0.2.5.1 ACUTE EXPOSURE
o A weak rapid pulse and circulatory collapse may
develop.
RESPIRATORY
0.2.6.1 ACUTE EXPOSURE
o Cough, hyperpnea and dyspnea may be seen. Rapid and
shallow respirations, mild or violent coughing and
physical signs of acute lung injury may develop. Acute
lung injury may be delayed 4 to 24 hours.
o Nitrogen dioxide can cause bronchospasm, and acute or
chronic obstructive lung disease (after
repeated/chronic exposure), and may increase
susceptibility to respiratory virus infections.
NEUROLOGIC
0.2.7.1 ACUTE EXPOSURE
o Fatigue, restlessness, anxiety, mental confusion,
lethargy, and loss of consciousness may be noted.
GASTROINTESTINAL
0.2.8.1 ACUTE EXPOSURE
o Nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain may develop.
HEMATOLOGIC
0.2.13.1 ACUTE EXPOSURE
o Methemoglobinemia and DIC may occur with nitric oxide
exposures.
DERMATOLOGIC
0.2.14.1 ACUTE EXPOSURE
o Cyanosis may occur.
GENOTOXICITY
o Chromosome aberrations and mutations in lung cells were
evident in an in vivo animal study following inhalation
of NO2 and NO. Negative results were obtained for
chromosome aberrations in lymphocytes and spermatocytes
or micronuclei in bone marrow after NO2 inhalation
(reviewed in Victorin, 1994). |
| Laboratory: |
o Monitor pulmonary function. Chest x-ray may be diagnostic
of acute lung injury. Monitor pulse oximetry and arterial
blood gases as clinically indicated. |
| Treatment Overview: |
INHALATION EXPOSURE
o Treatment of exposures to nitrogen oxide is supportive.
Treatment should be directed towards maintaining
oxygenation by using oxygen or assisting ventilation if
necessary. In patients with bronchiolitis, steroids may
be beneficial in decreasing the amount of inflammation.
Methemoglobinemia and mild acidosis may be present, but
specific treatment for these conditions is usually
unnecessary.
o ACUTE LUNG INJURY: Maintain ventilation and oxygenation
and evaluate with frequent arterial blood gas or pulse
oximetry monitoring. Early use of PEEP and mechanical
ventilation may be needed.
o METHEMOGLOBINEMIA: Administer 1 to 2 mg/kg of 1%
methylene blue slowly IV in symptomatic patients.
Additional doses may be required. |
| Range of Toxicity: |
o Death due to airway obstruction from edema of the glottis
has not been well documented, but is estimated to occur
with nitrogen dioxide concentrations greater than 100 ppm.
The odor of nitrogen dioxide is perceptible at 1 to 3 ppm.
Symptoms generally appear at 13 ppm. |
Antidote and Emergency Treatment:
Basic treatment: Establish a patent airway. Suction if necessary. Aggressive
airway management may be needed. Encourage patient to take deep breaths. Watch
for signs of respiratory insufficiency and assist ventilations if necessary.
Administer oxygen by nonrebreather mask at 10 to 15 L/min. Monitor for pulmonary
edema and treat if necessary ... . Monitor for shock and treat if necessary ...
. For eye contamination, flush eyes immediately with water. Irrigate each eye
continuosly with normal saline during transport ... . Do not use emetics. For
ingestion, rinse mouth and administer 5 ml/kg up to 200 ml of water for dilution
if the patient can swallow, has a strong gag reflex, and does not drool.
Administer activated charcoal ... . /Nitrogen oxides (NOX) and related
compounds/
Advanced treatment: Consider orotracheal or nasotracheal intubation for
airway control in the patient who is unconscious or in respiratory arrest. Early
intubation at the first signs of upper airway obstruction may be necessary.
Positive-pressure ventilation techniques with a bag-valve-mask device may be
beneficial. Monitor cardiac rhythm and treat arrhythmias as necessary ... .
Start an IV with D5W TKO /SRP: "To keep open", minimal flow rate/. Consider drug
therapy for pulmonary edema ... . Consider the use of vasopressors to treat
hypotension without signs of hypovolemia ... . Administer 1% solution methylene
blue if patient is symptomatic with severe hypoxia, cyanosis, and cardiac
compromise not responding to oxygen. DIRECT PHYSICIAN ORDER ONLY ... . Use
proparacaine hydrochloride to assist eye irrigation. /Nitrogen oxides (NOX) and
related compounds/
Animal Toxicity Studies:
Non-Human Toxicity Excerpts:
/NITROGEN TETROXIDE LIQUID/ ... CAN
BE EXPECTED TO CAUSE SEVERE BURNS ON EVEN BRIEF CONTACT WITH THE SKIN OR EYES.
METHEMOGLOBIN LEVELS IN RATS INCR FROM 1.9% TO 36.7% & 54.8% TOTAL BLOOD
HEMOGLOBIN @ 1 HR FOLLOWING APPLICATION OF NITROGEN
TETROXIDE TO SKIN.
Metabolism/Pharmacokinetics:
Pharmacology:
Environmental Fate & Exposure:
Probable Routes of Human Exposure:
EXPOSURE TO NITROGEN TETROXIDE IN THE
MISSILE INDUSTRY CAN PRODUCE IDENTICAL SYMPTOMS AS THOSE FROM NITROGEN DIOXIDE & SHOULD BE TREATED IN A
SIMILAR FASHION.
Industrial exposures can take place wherever nitric acid is made or used and
has occurred most commonly where metals are dipped in acid baths. Electric arc
welding, and to a lesser extent gas welding, can generate hazardous
concentrations.
Artificial Pollution Sources:
Volatile organics and nitrogen oxides are emitted by transportation and
industrial sources. Oxides of nitrogen are emitted in the combustion of fossil
fuels. /Nitrogen oxides/
... RELEASED IN REACTION BETWEEN NITRIC ACID & ANY ORG MATERIAL; IN
EXHAUST FROM METAL CLEANING ... FROM ELECTRIC ARC WELDING; IN ELECTROPLATING,
ENGRAVING, & PHOTOGRAVURE OPERATIONS; IN DYNAMITE BLASTING ... IN DIESEL
ENGINE EXHAUST; IN BURNING OF NITROCELLULOSE ... & IN COMBUSTION OF SOME
SHOE POLISHES. /NITROGEN OXIDES/
/NITROGEN DIOXIDE & NITROGEN TETROXIDE/ ... ARE ... EVOLVED WHEN
NITRATED ORG CMPD BURN OR EXPLODE, OR WHEN ORG CMPD (AS GASOLINE) BURN @ HIGH
TEMP IN AIR (AUTOMOBILE EXHAUST). /NITROGEN DIOXIDE
AND NITROGEN TETROXIDE/
Environmental Fate:
PHOTOCHEMICAL AIR POLLUTION ARISES FROM A SERIES OF ATMOSPHERIC REACTIONS.
THE MAIN COMPONENTS ARE OZONE, OXIDES OF NITROGEN, ALDEHYDES, PEROXYACETYL
NITRATES, AND HYDROCARBONS. ... THEY ENTER INTO THE CHEMICAL REACTIONS THAT LEAD
TO FORMATION OF PHOTOCHEMICAL SMOG. /OXIDES OF NITROGEN/
Atmospheric Concentrations:
IN TERMS OF AMT OF MATERIAL EMITTED ANNUALLY INTO AIR, FIVE MAJOR POLLUTANTS
ACCOUNT FOR CLOSE TO 98% OF POLLUTION. ... NITROGEN OXIDES (6%). /NITROGEN
OXIDES/
Environmental Standards & Regulations:
CERCLA Reportable Quantities:
Persons in charge of vessels or facilities are required to notify the
National Response Center (NRC) immediately, when there is a release of this
designated hazardous substance, in an amount equal to or greater than its
reportable quantity of 10 lb or 4.54 kg. The toll free number of the NRC is
(800) 424-8802; In the Washington D.C. metropolitan area (202) 426-2675. The
rule for determining when notification is required is stated in 40 CFR 302.4
(section IV. D.3.b).
Chemical/Physical Properties:
Molecular Formula:
N2-O4
Molecular Weight:
92.02
Color/Form:
COLORLESS GAS
YELLOW LIQUID BELOW 22 DEG C
Colorless liquid
Boiling Point:
21.15 deg C
Melting Point:
-9.3 deg C
Corrosivity:
Corrosive liquid
Critical Temperature & Pressure:
Critical temperature: 431 K; critical pressure: 10.1 MPa
Density/Specific Gravity:
1.45 g/cu cm at 20 deg C
Heat of Vaporization:
Molar enthalpy of vaporization: 38.12 kJ/mol at 21.15 deg C
Surface Tension:
In contact with vapor 27.5 dynes/cm at 19.8 deg C
Vapor Pressure:
646 mm Hg @ 25 deg C
Other Chemical/Physical Properties:
GAS REACTS WITH WATER TO FORM MIXTURE OF NITROUS ACID & NITRIC ACID
0.532 PPM= 1 MG/CU M; 1 PPM= 1.88 MG/CU M @ 25 DEG C & 760 MM HG
Molar enthalpy of fusion: 14.65 kJ/mol at -9.3 deg C
Dielectric constant 2.44 at 293.2 K
Critical volume: 167 cu cm/mol
Chemical Safety & Handling:
DOT Emergency Guidelines:
Health: TOXIC; may be fatal if inhaled or absorbed through skin. Fire will
produce irritating, corrosive and/or toxic gases. Contact with gas or liquefied
gas may cause burns, severe injury and/or frostbite. Runoff from fire control
may cause pollution. /Nitrogen tetroxide,
liquid/
Fire or explosion: Substance does not burn but will support combustion.
Vapors from liquefied gas are initially heavier than air and spread along
ground. These are strong oxidizers and will react vigorously or explosively with
many materials including fuels. May ignite combustibles (wood, paper, oil,
clothing, etc.). Some will react violently with air, moist air and/or water.
Containers may explode when heated. Ruptured cylinders may rocket. /Nitrogen tetroxide, liquid/
Public safety: CALL Emergency Response Telephone Number. ... Isolate spill or
leak area immediately for at least 100 to 200 meters (330 to 660 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. /Nitrogen tetroxide,
liquid/
Protective clothing: Wear positive pressure self-contained breathing
apparatus (SCBA). Wear chemical protective clothing which is specifically
recommended by the manufacturer. It may provide little or no thermal protection.
Structural firefighters' protective clothing provides limited protection in fire
situations ONLY; it is not effective in spill situations. /Nitrogen tetroxide, liquid/
Evacuation: ... 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. /Nitrogen tetroxide, liquid/
Fire: Small Fires: Water only; no dry chemical, CO2 or Halon. Contain fire
and let burn. If fire must be fought, water spray or fog is recommended. Do not
get water inside containers. Move containers from fire area if you can do it
without risk. Damaged cylinders should be handled only by specialists. Fire
involving Tanks: Fight fire from maximum distance or use unmanned hose holders
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 hose holders or monitor nozzles; if this is
impossible withdraw from area and let fire burn. /Nitrogen tetroxide, liquid/
Spill or leak: Fully encapsulating, vapor protective clothing should be worn
for spills and leaks with no fire. 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. /Nitrogen tetroxide,
liquid/
First aid: Move victim to fresh air. Call 911 or emergency medical service.
Apply artificial respiration if victim is not breathing. Do not use
mouth-to-mouth method if victim ingested or inhaled the substance; induce
artificial respiration with the aid of a pocket mask equipped with a one-way
valve or other proper respiratory medical device. Administer oxygen if breathing
is difficult. Clothing frozen to the skin should be thawed before being removed.
Remove and isolate contaminated clothing and shoes. In case of contact with
substance, immediately flush skin or eyes with running water for at least 20
minutes. Keep victim warm and quiet. Keep victim under observation. Effects of
contact or inhalation may be delayed. Ensure that medical personnel are aware of
the material(s) involved, and take precautions to protect themselves. /Nitrogen tetroxide, liquid/
Fire Potential:
Strong oxidizer. Enhances combustion of organic matter and other combustible
materials.
NFPA Hazard Classification:
Health: 3. 3= Materials that, on short exposure, could cause serious
temporary or residual injury, including those requiring protection from all
bodily contact. Fire fighters may enter the area only if they are protected from
all contact with the material. Full protective clothing, including
self-contained breathing apparatus, coat, pants, gloves, boots, and bands around
legs, arms, and waist, should be provided. No skin surface should be exposed.
Flammability: 0. 0= This degree includes any material that will not burn.
Reactivity: 0. 0= This degree includes materials that are normally stable,
even under fire exposure conditions, and that do not react with water. Normal
fire fighting procedures may be used.
Fire Fighting Procedures:
Extinguish surrounding fire using suitable agent. Use water spray to keep
fire-exposed containers cool. Approach fire from upwind to avoid hazardous
vapors.
Hazardous Reactivities & Incompatibilities:
A violent explosion ocurred during the ready interaction to produce alkyl
nitrates.
Liquid ammonia reacts explosively with the solid tetraoxide at -80 deg C,
while aqueous ammonia reacts vigorously with the gas at ambient temperature.
In contact with the gas at 200 deg C the barium oxide suddenly reacts,
reaches red heat and melts.
Mixtures of the tetraoxide with dichloromethane, chloroform, carbon
tetrachloride, 1,2-dichloroethane, trichloroethylene and tetrachloroethylene are
explosive when subjected to shock of 25 g TNT equivalent or less. Mixtures with
trichloroethylene react violently on heating to 150 deg C
Dinitrogen tetraoxde reacts explosively between -32 deg C and -90 deg C with
propene, 1-butene, isobutene, 1,3-butadiene, cyclopentadiene and 1-hexene, but 6
other unsaturated failed to react.
Warm or molten white phosphorus burns vigorously in nitrogen oxide, dinitrogen tetraoxide or dinitrogen
pentaoxide. White phosphorus ignites after some delay in contact with the vapor
of sulfur trioxide, but immediately in contact with the liquid if a large
portion is used.
Interaction with the oxide in carbon tetrachloride is vigorous, producing
sparks.
A wide variety of solids, liquids and gases will initiate the violent and
often explosive decomposition of nitrogen trichloride. These include conc
ammonia, arsenic, dinitrogen tetroxide
(above -40 deg C, with more than 25% solutions of trichloride in
chloroform), hydrogen sulfide, hydrogen trisulfide, nitrogen oxide, organic
matter (including grease from the fingers), ozone, phosphine, phosphorus (solid,
or in carbon disulfide solution), potassium cyanide (solid, or aqueous
solution), potassium hydroxide solution or selenium.
Hazardous Decomposition:
When heated to decomposition it emits toxic fumes of nitroxides.
Protective Equipment & Clothing:
WEAR SPECIAL PROTECTIVE CLOTHING AND POSITIVE PRESSURE SELF-CONTAINED
BREATHING APPARATUS.
Vendor recommendations concerning the protective qualities of materials are
as follows: Butyl, polyethylene, chlorinated polyethylene and CR-39 received
excellent or good ratings from less than three vendors (no fair or poor
ratings), and good or fair ratings, with good ratings predominating, from
several vendors; Polyvinyl chloride received fair or poor ratings from three or
more vendors; Chlorobutyl received excellent or good ratings from three or more
vendors.
Wear positive pressure self-contained breathing apparatus. /Nitrogen dioxide/
Recommendations for respirator selection. Max concn for use: 20 ppm.
Respirator Class(es): Any supplied-air respirator operated in a continuous flow
mode. Eye protection needed. Any self-contained breathing apparatus with a full
facepiece. Any supplied-air respirator with a full facepiece. /Nitrogen dioxide/
Recommendations for respirator selection. Condition: Emergency or planned
entry into unknown concn or IDLH conditions: Respirator Class(es): Any
self-contained breathing apparatus that has a full facepiece and is operated in
a pressure-demand or other positive-pressure mode. Any supplied-air respirator
that has a full facepiece and is operated in a pressure-demand or other
positive-pressure mode in combination with an auxiliary self-contained breathing
apparatus operated in pressure-demand or other positive-pressure mode. /Nitrogen dioxide/
Recommendations for respirator selection. Condition: Escape from suddenly
occurring respiratory hazards: Respirator Class(es): Any air-purifying,
full-facepiece respirator (gas mask) with a chin-style, front- or back-mounted
canister providing protection against the compound of concern. Only
nonoxidizable sorbents are allowed (not charcoal). Any appropriate escape-type,
self-contained breathing apparatus. /Nitrogen dioxide/
Preventive Measures:
SRP: Contaminated protective clothing should be segregated in such a manner
so that there is no direct personal contact by personnel who handle, dispose, or
clean the clothing. Quality assurance to ascertain the completeness of the
cleaning procedures should be implemented before the decontaminated protective
clothing is returned for reuse by the workers. Contaminated clothing should not
be taken home at end of shift, but should remain at employee's place of work for
cleaning.
SRP: The scientific literature for the use of contact lenses in industry is
conflicting. The benefit or detrimental effects of wearing contact lenses depend
not only upon the substance, but also on factors including the form of the
substance, characteristics and duration of the exposure, the uses of other eye
protection equipment, and the hygiene of the lenses. However, there may be
individual substances whose irritating or corrosive properties are such that the
wearing of contact lenses would be harmful to the eye. In those specific cases,
contact lenses should not be worn. In any event, the usual eye protection
equipment should be worn even when contact lenses are in place.
Shipment Methods and Regulations:
No person may /transport,/ offer or accept a hazardous material for
transportation in commerce unless that person is registered in conformance ...
and the hazardous material is properly classed, described, packaged, marked,
labeled, and in condition for shipment as required or authorized by ... /the
hazardous materials regulations (49 CFR 171-177)./
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) Dangerous Goods
Regulations are published by the IATA Dangerous Goods Board pursuant to IATA
Resolutions 618 and 619 and constitute a manual of industry carrier regulations
to be followed by all IATA Member airlines when transporting hazardous
materials.
The International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code lays down basic principles
for transporting hazardous chemicals. Detailed recommendations for individual
substances and a number of recommendations for good practice are included in the
classes dealing with such substances. A general index of technical names has
also been compiled. This index should always be consulted when attempting to
locate the appropriate procedures to be used when shipping any substance or
article.
Storage Conditions:
Store in a cool, dry, well ventilated location. Separate from oxidizable
materials. Outside or detached storage is preferred.
Cleanup Methods:
1. Ventilate area of spill or leak to disperse gas. 2. If in the liquid form,
allow to vaporize. 3. If in the gaseous form, stop flow of gas. If source of
leak is a cylinder and the leak cannot be stopped in place, remove the leaking
cylinder to a safe place in the open air, and repair the leak or allow the
cylinder to empty.
Disposal Methods:
SRP: At the time of review, criteria for land treatment or burial (sanitary
landfill) disposal practices are subject to significant revision. Prior to
implementing land disposal of waste residue (including waste sludge), consult
with environmental regulatory agencies for guidance on acceptable disposal
practices.
Nitrogen tetroxide is a poor
candidate for incineration.
Occupational Exposure Standards:
OSHA Standards:
Permissible Exposure Limit: Table Z-1 Ceiling value: 5 ppm (9 mg/cu m).
Vacated 1989 OSHA PEL STEL 1 ppm (1.8 mg/cu m) is still enforced in some
states.
Threshold Limit Values:
8 hr Time Weighted Avg (TWA): 3 ppm; 15 min Short Term Exposure Limit (STEL):
5 ppm.
A4; Not classifiable as a human carcinogen.
NIOSH Recommendations:
Recommended Exposure Limit: 15 Min Short-Term Exposure Limit: 1 ppm (1.8
mg/cu m).
Immediately Dangerous to Life or Health:
20 ppm
Manufacturing/Use Information:
Major Uses:
INTERMEDIATE IN NITRIC ACID & SULFURIC ACID PRODUCTION; IN NITRATION OF
ORG CMPD & EXPLOSIVES; IN MANUFACTURE OF OXIDIZED CELLULOSE CMPD (HEMOSTATIC
COTTON); HAS BEEN USED TO BLEACH FLOUR; PROPOSED AS OXIDIZING AGENT IN ROCKET
PROPULSION /NITROGEN DIOXIDE/
Manufacturers:
Cedar Chemical Corporation, Hq, 5100 Poplar Ave, Suite 2414, Memphis, TN
38137, (901) 685-5348; Vicksburg Chemical Company, division, P.O. Box 821003,
Vicksburg, MS 39182, (601) 636-1231; Production site: P.O. Box 3, Rifle Range
Road, Vicksburg, MS 39180
General Manufacturing Information:
COMMERCIAL BROWN LIQ UNDER PRESSURE IS CALLED NITROGEN TETROXIDE. ACTUALLY THIS IS AN
EQUILIBRIUM MIXT OF NITROGEN DIOXIDE
& COLORLESS NITROGEN TETROXIDE.
/NITROGEN DIOXIDE & NITROGEN TETROXIDE/ ... ARE FREQUENTLY
REFERRED TO AS THE DIOXIDE, & COMPUTATIONS ... ARE ALMOST ALWAYS MADE ON THE
SAME BASIS AS THOUGH THE MIXTURE WERE ALL NITROGEN
DIOXIDE.
THIS MIXTURE HAS FREQUENTLY BEEN ERRONEOUSLY REFERRED TO AS NITROUS FUMES,
BUT IT IS NOT NITROUS OXIDE & IT IS A GASEOUS MIXTURE & NOT A FUME.
Nitrogen dioxide and its dimer, nitrogen tetroxide, are always found together
at normal environmental temp ... . At -9.3 deg C and below, the oxides are ...
composed completely of nitrogen tetroxide.
At temp of 135 deg C and above, the gas ... /is/ essentially
nitrogen dioxide. At temp within this
range, the gases are always present as a mixture ... .
Laboratory Methods:
Analytic Laboratory Methods:
ANALYTE: NITROGEN DIOXIDE; MATRIX:
AIR; RANGE 3.1-11.5 PPM; PROCEDURE: COLLECTION ON TEA /TRIETHANOLAMINE/-COATED
MOLECULAR SIEVE, DESORPTION WITH TEA, SPECTROMETRIC ANALYSIS. /Nitrogen dioxide/
MEASUREMENT OF SUB-PPB BY VOLUME LEVELS OF ATMOSPHERIC NITROGEN DIOXIDE SPECTROFLUOROMETRIC ANALYSIS.
/NITROGEN DIOXIDE/
Analyte: nitrite ion; Matrix: air; Procedure: Visible absorption
spectrophotometry; Range: 0.13-8.5 ug nitrogen
dioxide/sample; Estimated LOD: 0.01 ug nitrogen dioxide/sample; Precision: 0.05.
Interferences: In very dusty environments, particles may deposit on the inside
surface of the samplers. Resuspension of the dust in the analytical reagent can
give a positive bias in the spectrophotometric reading. /Nitrogen dioxide/
A REVIEW WITH 12 REFERENCES IS GIVEN OF CURRENTLY AVAILABLE TECHNIQUES FOR
THE EST OF NITROGEN DIOXIDE CONCN IN
AIR. /NITROGEN DIOXIDE/
Sampling Procedures:
PERSONAL SAMPLER FOR GASES IN AIR ADAPTED TO MEASUREMENT OF NITROGEN DIOXIDE. /NITROGEN DIOXIDE/
ANALYTE: NITROGEN DIOXIDE; MATRIX:
AIR; COLLECTION ON TEA /TRIETHANOLAMINE/-COATED MOLECULAR SIEVE, DESORPTION WITH
TEA. /NITROGEN DIOXIDE/
Sampler: Passive (Palmes tube with three triethanolamine-treated screens);
Sampling time: Min: 15 minutes @ 5 ppm; Max: 8 hr @ 10 ppm. Sample stability:
Use sampler within 1 mo after preparation; analyze within 1 month after
sampling. Range studied: 1.2 to 80 ppm-hr (0.13 to 8.5 ug nitrogen dioxide per sample); Overall
precision: 0.06. /Nitrogen dioxide/
Special References:
Special Reports:
USEPA; Draft Criteria Document: Oxides of Nitrogen (1983).
Synonyms and Identifiers:
Related HSDB Records:
718
[NITROGEN DIOXIDE] (Analog)
Synonyms:
DINITROGEN TETRAOXIDE
**PEER REVIEWED**
Nitrogen dioxide, di-
**PEER REVIEWED**
NITROGEN OXIDE (N2O4) **PEER REVIEWED**
NITROGEN TETRAOXIDE **PEER
REVIEWED**
Shipping Name/ Number DOT/UN/NA/IMO:
UN 1067; Dinitrogen tetroxide
IMO 2.3; Dinitrogen tetroxide
Standard Transportation Number:
49 203 60; Nitroxide tetroxide (gases, compressed, not elsewhere classified,
poison)
RTECS Number:
NIOSH/QX1575000
Administrative Information:
Hazardous Substances Databank Number: 1067
Last Revision Date: 20021108
Last Review Date: Reviewed by SRP on 9/18/1998