Nitrous oxide

Agent Name
Nitrous oxide
CAS Number
10024-97-2
Formula
N2-O
Major Category
Toxic Gases & Vapors
Nitrous oxide formula graphical representation
Synonyms
Dinitrogen monoxide; Hyponitrous acid anhydride; Laughing gas; [NIOSH]
Category
Other Toxic Gases & Vapors
Description
Colorless gas with a slightly sweet odor. [inhalation anesthetic] [Note: Shipped as a liquefied compressed gas.] [NIOSH]
Sources/Uses
Nitrous oxide has been used as an anesthetic since 1844. It has also been used as a foaming agent for whipped cream, as an oxidant in organic chemical production and as a component of rocket fuel. Occupational exposures have been measured in the 400 to 3000 ppm range without anesthetic waste gas scavenging and 50 ppm with waste gas scavenging. [ACGIH]
Comments
Nitrous oxide is a simple asphyxiant; it has caused neuropathy when abused for its euphoric effects. The TLV basis is CNS impairment, hematologic effect, and embryo/fetal damage. Rats exposed for 2 or more days to 80% NO and 20% O2 have altered hematopoiesis. At 1000 ppm, NO inactivates vitamin B12. [ACGIH] Possible frostbite from contact with liquid; [NIOSH] In substance abuse cases with peripheral neuropathy, nitrous oxide was administered at 300,000 to 800,000 ppm (30-80%) for 30-60 minutes per day, 2-7 days a week for 3 months to several years. [CHEMINFO]
Reference Link #1
Biomedical References

Exposure Assessment

Skin Designation (ACGIH)
Insufficient data
TLV (ACGIH)
50 ppm
MAK
100 ppm
Explanatory Notes
Does not burn; [CHEMINFO]

Adverse Effects

Neurotoxin
Sensorimotor
Reproductive Toxin
Yes
ACGIH Carcinogen
Not Classifiable
Other Poison
Simple Asphyxiant

Diseases, Processes, and Activities Linked to This Agent

Diseases

Occupational diseases associated with exposure to this agent: