SULPHUR DIOXIDE

ICSC: 0074

SULPHUR DIOXIDE
Sulfurous oxide
Sulfurous anhydride
Sulfur oxide
(cylinder)
SO₂
Molecular mass: 64.1
CAS # 7446-09-5
RTECS # WS4550000
ICSC # 0074
UN # 1079
EC # 016-011-00-9

TYPES OF HAZARD/ EXPOSURE	ACUTE HAZARDS/ SYMPTOMS	PREVENTION	FIRST AID/ FIRE FIGHTING
FIRE	Not combustible. Heating will cause rise in pressure with risk of bursting.		In case of fire in the surroundings: all extinguishing agents allowed.
EXPLOSION			In case of fire: cool cylinder by spraying with water but avoid contact of the substance with water. Combat fire from a sheltered position.

EXPOSURE		STRICT HYGIENE!	IN ALL CASES CONSULT A DOCTOR!
INHALATION	Cough. Shortness of breath. Sore throat. Symptoms may be delayed (see Notes).	Ventilation, local exhaust, or breathing protection.	Fresh air, rest. Half-upright position. Artificial respiration if indicated. Refer for medical attention. See Notes.
SKIN	ON CONTACT WITH LIQUID: FROSTBITE.	Cold-insulating gloves.	ON FROSTBITE: rinse with plenty of water, do NOT remove clothes. Refer for medical attention.
EYES	Redness. Pain. Severe deep burns.	Safety goggles, face shield, or eye protection in combination with breathing protection.	First rinse with plenty of water for several minutes (remove contact lenses if easily possible), then take to a doctor.
INGESTION

SPILLAGE DISPOSAL

STORAGE

PACKAGING & LABELLING

Evacuate danger area! Consult an expert! Ventilation. NEVER direct water jet on liquid (extra personal protection: complete protective clothing including self-contained breathing apparatus).

Fireproof if in building. Provision to contain effluent from fire extinguishing. Separated from incompatible substances (see Chemical Dangers), food and feedstuffs. Cool. Dry.

Do not transport with food and feedstuffs.
T symbol
R: 23-36/37
S: (1/2-)9-26-36/37/39-45
UN Hazard Class: 2.3
UN Subsidiary Risks: 8

SEE IMPORTANT INFORMATION ON BACK

ICSC: 0074

Prepared in the context of cooperation between the International Programme on Chemical Safety & the Commission of the European Communities © IPCS CEC 1993

International Chemical Safety Cards

SULPHUR DIOXIDE

ICSC: 0074

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PHYSICAL STATE; APPEARANCE:
COLOURLESS GAS OR COMPRESSED LIQUEFIED GAS , WITH PUNGENT ODOUR.

PHYSICAL DANGERS:
The gas is heavier than air.

CHEMICAL DANGERS:
The solution in water is a medium strong acid. Reacts violently with ammonia, acrolein, acetylene, alkali metals, chlorine, ethylene oxide, amines, butadiene. Reacts with water or steam causing corrosion hazard. Attacks many metals including aluminium, iron, steel, brass, copper and nickel in presence of water. Incompatible with halogens. Attacks plastics, rubber and coatings in liquid form.

OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE LIMITS (OELs):
TLV: 2 ppm; 5.2 mg/m³ (as TWA); 5 ppm; 13 mg/m³ (STEL) (ACGIH 1992-1993).
MAK: 2 ppm; 5 mg/m³ (1993).

ROUTES OF EXPOSURE:
The substance can be absorbed into the body by inhalation.

INHALATION RISK:
A harmful concentration of this gas in the air will be reached very quickly on loss of containment.

EFFECTS OF SHORT-TERM EXPOSURE:
The substance irritates strongly the eyes and the respiratory tract. Inhalation of the gas may cause lung oedema (see Notes). Rapid evaporation of the liquid may cause frostbite. The substance may cause effects on the respiratory tract , resulting in asthma-like reactions, reflex spasm of the larynx and respiratory arrest. Exposure may result in death. The effects may be delayed. Medical observation is indicated.

EFFECTS OF LONG-TERM OR REPEATED EXPOSURE:
Repeated or prolonged inhalation exposure may cause asthma.

PHYSICAL
PROPERTIES

Boiling point: -10°C
Melting point: -75.5°C
Relative density (water = 1): 1.4 at -10°C (liquid)

Solubility in water, ml/100 ml at 25°C: 8.5
Vapour pressure, kPa at 20°C: 330
Relative vapour density (air = 1): 2.25

ENVIRONMENTAL
DATA

This substance may be hazardous to the environment; special attention should be given to air, water and plants.

N O T E S

Depending on the degree of exposure, periodic medical examination is indicated. The symptoms of lung oedema often do not become manifest until a few hours have passed and they are aggravated by physical effort. Rest and medical observation are therefore essential. Immediate administration of an appropriate spray, by a doctor or a person authorized by him/her, should be considered. Do NOT spray water on leaking cylinder (to prevent corrosion of cylinder). Turn leaking cylinder with the leak up to prevent escape of gas in liquid state.

Transport Emergency Card: TEC (R)-15
NFPA Code: H 3; F 0; R 0

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

ICSC: 0074	SULPHUR DIOXIDE
© IPCS, CEC, 1993

IMPORTANT LEGAL NOTICE:

Neither the CEC or the IPCS nor any person acting on behalf of the CEC or the IPCS is responsible for the use which might be made of this information. This card contains the collective views of the IPCS Peer Review Committee and may not reflect in all cases all the detailed requirements included in national legislation on the subject. The user should verify compliance of the cards with the relevant legislation in the country of use.