CARBON DIOXIDE

← Back to Chemical Safety

Basic information

  • Chemical formula(s): \({\rm CO_2}\)
  • Other names: carbonic acid gas, carbonic anhydride
  • CAS: 124-38-9
  • International Chemical Safety Card (ICSC): 0021
  • Flammability: no
  • NOAA’s description: colourless, odourless gas at atmospheric temperatures and pressures; relatively nontoxic and noncombustible; heavier than air and may asphyxiate by the displacement of air; soluble in water - forms carbonic acid, a mild acid; under prolonged exposure to heat or fire the container may rupture violently and rocket

NFPA 704 (fire diamond)

  • Health (blue): 2 - intense or continued but not chronic exposure could cause temporary incapacitation or possible residual injury.
  • Flammability (red): 0 - will not burn under typical fire conditions, will not burn in air unless exposed to a temperature of 820 °C for more than 5 minutes.
  • Instability–reactivity (yellow): 0 - normally stable, even under fire exposure conditions, and is not reactive with water.
  • Special notice (white):
    • SA - simple asphyxiant gas - a nontoxic or minimally toxic gas which reduces or displaces the normal oxygen concentration in breathing air.

Hazard statements

Code Phrase
H280 contains gas under pressure; may explode if heated

Precautionary statements

Code Phrase
P244 keep valves and fittings free from oil and grease
P403 store in a well-ventilated place

Protective measures

Gloves

No skin protection necessary.

Safety goggles

  • Always wear safety goggles when handling compressed gasses. Corrective glasses are not considered safety googles.

Clothing

  • Wear long trousers and fully covered shoes.
  • Contact lenses are forbidden while working with chemical substances, even in combination with safety glasses.
  • Do not wear cosmetics.
  • Do not wear synthetic clothing while working with flammable liquids or gases or when a hazard is present as these materials tend to melt and stick to exposed skin.
  • Do not wear headphones.

Spill management

  • If alarm triggers in the laboratory, the \({/rm CO_2}\) level might have risen above the safe value. Immediately leave the area and wait nearby for the emergency services to arrive.