International Chemical Safety Cards

SULPHUR DIOXIDE ICSC: 0074

Sulfurous oxide
Sulfurous anhydride
Sulfur oxide
SO2
Molecular mass: 64.1
(cylinder)
ICSC #    0074
CAS #     7446-09-5
RTECS # WS4550000
UN #        1079
EC #         016-011-00-9
October 24, 1994 Peer reviewed
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: use appropriate extinguishing media.
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 may be needed. 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. Personal protection: complete protective clothing including self-contained breathing apparatus.
Fireproof if in building. Provision to contain effluent from fire extinguishing. Separated from food and feedstuffs , incompatible materials . See Chemical Dangers. Cool. Dry.
Do not transport with food and feedstuffs.
T symbol
R: 23-34
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 (C) IPCS CEC 1994. No modifications to the International version have been made except to add the OSHA PELs, NIOSH RELs and NIOSH IDLH values.

International Chemical Safety Cards

SULPHUR DIOXIDE ICSC: 0074
I

M

P

O

R

T

A

N

T


D

A

T

A
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 plastic, rubber and coatings in liquid form.

OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE LIMITS:
TLV: 2 ppm as TWA, 5 ppm as STEL; A4 (not classifiable as a human carcinogen); (ACGIH 2004).
MAK: 0.5 ppm, 1.3 mg/m³;
Peak limitation category: I(1); Pregnancy risk group: C;
(DFG 2004).
OSHA PEL: TWA 5 ppm (13 mg/m3)
NIOSH REL: TWA 2 ppm (5 mg/m3) ST 5 ppm (13 mg/m3)
NIOSH IDLH: 100 ppm


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 is severely irritating to 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 in the environment; special attention should be given to air quality, water quality and plants.
N O T E S
Depending on the degree of exposure, periodic medical examination is suggested. 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 inhalation therapy 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. Card has been partly updated in April 2005. See sections Occupational Exposure Limits, EU classification.
Transport Emergency Card: TEC (R)-20S1079
NFPA Code: H 3; F 0; R 0
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION


ICSC: 0074 SULPHUR DIOXIDE
(C) IPCS, CEC, 1994
IMPORTANT LEGAL NOTICE: Neither NIOSH, the CEC or the IPCS nor any person acting on behalf of NIOSH, 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. The only modifications made to produce the U.S. version is inclusion of the OSHA PELs, NIOSH RELs and NIOSH IDLH values.