NITROUS OXIDE
      Source: igasex.net

            Nature: 

            1. A colorless, non-toxic, odorless, oxidizing liquefied gas with a 
            slightly sweetish taste and odor. 

            2.In the eighteenth century, nitrous oxide was known as "Laughing 
            gas" 

            3.Nitrous oxide was also known to have an anaesthetic effect. 
            Toxicity: 

            Simple asphyxiant and anesthetic. Contact with liquid can cause 
            cryogenic burns. 
            Fire Potential: 

            Mild oxidizer; supports combustion. 
            Compatible Materials: 

            Noncorrosive; most common structural materials can be used. Some 
            plastic materials may not be acceptable for nitrous oxide service. 

            a)Metals: Brass; Carbon Steel; Zinc; Copper; Monel 

            b)Plastics: Kel-F; Tefzel; Kynar; PVC 

            c)Elastomers: Viton; Buna-N; Neoprene; Polyurethane 
            Key Properties: 

            Nitrous oxide is a weak anaesthetic, it vigorously accelerates 
            combustion and is soluble in water. 
            Physical and Chemical Properties (Metric): 

            MOLECULAR WEIGHT: 44.0128 

            SPECIFIC GRAVITY 
            (Air = 1) at 70°F (21.1°C) and 1 atm: 1.5297 

            GAS DENSITY 
            at 70°F (21.1°C) and 1 atm: 0.1146 lb/ft 3 (1.947 kg/m 3 ) 

            VAPOR PRESSURE 
            at 70°F (21.1°C) 735 psig (5070 kPa) 

            SOLUBILITY IN WATER 
            vol/vol at 68°F (20°C) and 1 atm 0.68 

            BOILING POINT 
            at 1 atm -127.4°F (-88.5°C) 

            MELTING POINT 
            at 1 atm -131.5°F (-90.8°C) 
            Applications: 

            1. As a base anaesthetic generally supplemented by other agents. 

            2. Extensively used as an analgesic and also in cryosurgery. 

            3. Exceptionally, as an engine boosting fuel for "Dragsters" where 
            special safety precautions are essential. 

            4. Propellant for aerosol products such as whipped cream, cosmetics, 
            shaving cream and some insect sprays 

            5.Used as the oxidizing agent of combustion gases for atomic 
            absorption spectrometry. 

            6. Used in medical applications, and in certain food processing 
            applications. 

            7. Semiconductor fabrication 

            8. Used in combination with Silane for chemical vapour deposition 
            (CVD) of Silicone Nitride layers. 

            9. Used in Rapid Thermal Processing to grow high quality gate 
            oxides. 
            Production of Nirous oxide: 

            Nitrous oxide is obtained from the continuous thermal decomposition 
            of ammonium nitrate. After several purification stages, the nitrous 
            oxide is compressed, dried and liquefied for storage 
            Safety: 

            EFFECTS OF A SINGLE (ACUTE) OVEREXPOSURE: 

            1.INHALATION 
            May cause excitation, dizziness, drowsiness, poor coordination, and 
            narcosis. Exposure to concentrations of 50% or greater will produce 
            clinical anesthesia. High concentrations may cause asphyxia and 
            death from lack of oxygen. 

            2.SKIN CONTACT 
            No harm expected from gas. Liquid may cause frostbite. 

            3.SWALLOWING 
            An unlikely route of exposure. This product is a gas at normal 
            temperature and pressure, but frostbite of the lips and mouth may 
            result from contact with the liquid. 

            4.EYE CONTACT 
            No harm expected from gas. Liquid may cause frostbite. 
            Effects due to overexposure: 

            1.EFFECTS OF REPEATED (CHRONIC) OVEREXPOSURE 
            Metabolic injury to the nervous system has resulted from frequent 
            exposure to anesthetic concentrations of nitrous oxide. Complaints 
            include numbness, tingling of hands and legs, loss of feeling in 
            fingers, poor balance, and muscular weakness. 

            2.OTHER EFFECTS OF OVEREXPOSURE 
            Nitrous oxide is an asphyxiant. Lack of oxygen can kill. 

            3.MEDICAL CONDITIONS AGGRAVATED BY OVEREXPOSURE 
            Pregnant women should avoid exposure to nitrous oxide. 

            4.SIGNIFICANT LABORATORY DATA WITH POSSIBLE RELEVANCE TO HUMAN 
            HEALTH HAZARD EVALUATION 
            Exposure to nitrous oxide has produced embryofetal toxicity in 
            laboratory animals as evidenced by reduced fetal weight, delayed 
            ossification, and increased incidence of visceral and skeletal 
            variations. Exposure to nitrous oxide may be associated with an 
            increased incidence of abortion in humans. Single prolonged exposure 
            to high concentrations of nitrous oxide has resulted in bone marrow 
            injury and adverse effects on the blood. 

            5.CARCINOGENICITY 
            Nitrous oxide is not listed by NTP, OSHA, or IARC. 
            Handling and Storage 

            PRECAUTIONS TO BE TAKEN IN STORAGE: 

            1.Store and use with adequate ventilation, away from oil, grease, 
            and other hydrocarbons. 

            2.Separate nitrous oxide cylinders from flammables by at 20 ft (6.1 
            m) or use a barricade of noncombustible material. This barricade 
            should be at least 5 ft (1.53 m) high and have a fire resistance 
            rating of at least ¨ö hour. 

            3.Firmly secure cylinders upright to keep them from falling or being 
            knocked over. 

            4.Screw valve protection cap firmly in place by hand. Store only 
            where temperature will not exceed 125ò§...F (52ò§...C). 

            5.Store full and empty cylinders separately. 

            6.Use a first-in, first-out inventory system to prevent storing full 
            cylinders for long periods. 
            PRECAUTIONS TO BE TAKEN IN HANDLING: 

            1.Protect cylinders from damage. 

            2.Use a suitable hand truck to move cylinders; do not drag, roll, 
            slide, or drop. 

            3.Never attempt to lift a cylinder by its cap; the cap is intended 
            solely to protect the valve. 

            4.Never insert an object (e.g., wrench, screwdriver, pry bar) into 
            cap openings; doing so may damage the valve and cause a leak. 

            5. Use an adjustable strap wrench to remove over-tight or rusted 
            caps. 

            6.Open valve slowly. If valve is hard to open, discontinue use and 
            contact your supplier. 

            7.Never apply flame or localized heat directly to any part of the 
            cylinder. 

            8.High temperatures may damage the cylinder and could cause the 
            pressure relief device to fail prematurely, venting the cylinder 
            contents.