NITROUS OXIDE

NIOSH Resources

NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards
Exposure limits, Respirator Recommendations, First Aid, more...
The Pocket Guide is a source of general industrial hygiene information on several hundred chemicals/classes found in the work environment. Key data provided for each chemical/substance includes name (including synonyms/trade names), structure/formula, CAS/RTECS Numbers, DOT ID, conversion factors, exposure limits, IDLH, chemical and physical properties, measurement methods, personal protection, respirator recommendations, symptoms, and first aid.

Nitrous Oxide (CAS No. 10024-97-2)

International Chemical Safety Cards
An ICSC summarizes essential health and safety information on chemicals for their use at the "shop floor" level by workers and employers in factories, agriculture, construction and other work places.

Nitrous Oxide (Dinitrogen monoxide, Hyponitrous acid anhydride, Laughing gas, Dinitrogen oxide)

NIOSH Manual of Analytical Methods (NMAM)
NMAM is a collection of methods for sampling and analysis of contaminants in workplace air, and in the blood and urine of workers who are occupationally exposed.

Nitrous Oxide (No. 6600) [PDF - 24 KB]

NIOSH Hazard Control - Control of Nitrous Oxide During Cryosurgery
DHHS (NIOSH) Publication No. 99-105(1999)
NIOSH studies have shown that airborne concentrations of N2O from cryosurgical units can be effectively controlled by ventilation and equipment maintenance, and if this is not possible, through substitution with a less hazardous cryogenic gas.

NIOSH Hazard Control - Control of Nitrous Oxide in Dental Operatories
DHHS (NIOSH) Publication No. 96-107(1998)
Dental workers are exposed to Nitrous oxide (N2O) during administration of this anesthetic gas to patients. Exposures should be minimized to prevent short-term behavioral and long-term reproductive health effects that can be produced by N2O.

Control of Nitrous Oxide in Dental Operatories
DHHS (NIOSH) Publication No. 94-129 (1994)
Researchers from the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), conducted four in-depth field evaluations, and one laboratory study to evaluate three commercial dental operatory waste anesthetic gas scavenging systems for their effectiveness in reducing Nitrous oxide exposure.

NIOSH Alert - Controlling Exposures to Nitrous Oxide During Anesthetic Administration
DHHS (NIOSH) Publication No. 94-100 (1994)
This Alert presents control measures for preventing or greatly reducing exposure to N2O during the administration of anesthetic gas. These control measures should be part of a comprehensive written safety and health plan for workers.

NIOSH Update - NIOSH Warns: Nitrous Oxide Continues to Threaten Health Care Workers
DHHS (NIOSH) Publication No. 94-118 (1994)
NIOSH warns that even with preventive measures such as scavenging systems in place workers may be at risk for serious health effects due to their exposure to Nitrous Oxide.

NIOSH Criteria Documents: Criteria for a Recommended Standard: Occupational Exposure to Waste Anesthetics and Vapors
DHHS (NIOSH) Publication No. 77-140 (19775)
Contains a standard for mitigation of exposure to waste anesthetics to prevent adverse effects over a working lifetime.