Chemical of the Week Part 2 - Carbon Dioxide

Hazard Profile

Chemical Name and Pseudonyms

Carbon Dioxide, Dry Ice, Carbonic Acid Gas, Carbonic Anhydride

UN Number

1013, 1845 (dry ice), 2187 (liquid)

Chemical Formula

CO2

Hazards

Asphyxiant, compressed gas, cryogenic liquid/solid (expansion ratio)

PPE Considerations

SFPC with SCBA, cryogenic garment

Fire Fighting Considerations

Does not support combustion.  Cool cylinders exposed to heat/flame.

Decontamination

Ventilation.

Detection and Monitoring

Colormetric, electrochemical sensor, PID IP = 13.77

Chemical and Physical Properties

Physical State

Colorless, odorless gas

Vapor Pressure

56.5 ATM

Boiling Point

Sublimates

Vapor Density

1.53

Specific Gravity

-

Miscibility

-

Flash Point

-

LEL/UEL

-

Autoignition Temp

-

pH

-

Toxicity

IDLH

40,000 ppm

PEL/REL/STEL

5,000 ppm/5,000 ppm/30,000 ppm

LD50

-

LC50

-

Radioactive (Yes/No)

No

Medical

Toxicological Considerations

Asphyxiant gas, may cause frostbite

Signs/Symptoms of Exposure

Respiratory symptoms, skin burns (cold), frostbite/hypothermia, CNS depression

Medical Treatment

Fresh air and treat symptomatically

Other Information

Forms carbonic acid in water

Chemical Structure