Sciencemadness Discussion Board

Inhaled some NO2 ...

KonkreteRocketry - 19-2-2013 at 09:54

So, just like the topic name, i inhaled around 5% NO2 for 3-5 minutes, and 50% NO2 for 1 breath, while i was collecting NO2 gases..

I don't think i will die since i can still post this, but on wikipedia it says..

Symptoms of poisoning (lung edema) tend to appear several hours after inhalation of a low but potentially fatal dose....

I am bit worried since it was a pretty long exposure...

I have some itiching feelings in my eyes but im not sure if its from NO2, since i didnt sleep well..

[Edited on 19-2-2013 by KonkreteRocketry]

bfesser - 19-2-2013 at 10:28

You're probably fine. If you have difficulty breathing later on, see a doctor. As far as I'm aware, there aren't any medical doctors on this forum, so seek advice from a professional.

Adas - 19-2-2013 at 10:42

Quote: Originally posted by KonkreteRocketry  
i inhaled around 5% NO2 for 3-5 minutes, and 50% NO2 for 1 breath


If this was true, you wouldn't be here...

Bot0nist - 19-2-2013 at 11:17

I was exposed to NOx before, in large enough dose that I was very ill. Like the worst chest cold you have ever had. Anxiety really comes into play though for low levels of exposure. Your fear feeds your percieved symptoms.

I would still rather go get checked out and be told its in my head, then to risk lasting respritory damage. Why not go visit your GP? worth the price of a co-pay...

Endimion17 - 19-2-2013 at 14:39

Quote: Originally posted by Adas  
Quote: Originally posted by KonkreteRocketry  
i inhaled around 5% NO2 for 3-5 minutes, and 50% NO2 for 1 breath


If this was true, you wouldn't be here...


LOL exactly. :)

Nickbb - 19-2-2013 at 17:20

You should be fine, people tend to get rather paranoid when it comes to these things; not that this is a bad thing, but if you were in danger you'd definitely know it. Also the burning eyes is because the NO2 formed nitric acid in your eyes, it is similiar to why your eyes tear up after being exposed to onions.

GammaFunction - 19-2-2013 at 17:41

Quote: Originally posted by Adas  
Quote: Originally posted by KonkreteRocketry  
i inhaled around 5% NO2 for 3-5 minutes, and 50% NO2 for 1 breath


If this was true, you wouldn't be here...


Yes. The lethal dose for a 5 minute exposure is 200 ppm (0.02%), if I recall correctly. For longer exposures, it goes down to 10 ppm or so, give or take.

KonkreteRocketry - 20-2-2013 at 05:23

Ok seems things are okay, im all fine except my eyes, I feel itchy in my eyes and my eyes are all red, I bought an eye drops from a clinic and i think im all good.

I shall wear eye protection next time, or just don't get exposed to toxic gases.

Bot0nist - 20-2-2013 at 06:21

Glasses wont help your eyes from being attacted by noxious gasses. Use a fume hood for deadly and insidious gasses like NOx. Seriously, it could have been a lot worse. Consider it a close call, and adjust your proceedure accordingly.

KonkreteRocketry - 20-2-2013 at 06:30

Quote: Originally posted by Bot0nist  
Glasses wont help your eyes from being attacted by noxious gasses. Use a fume hood for deadly and insidious gasses like NOx. Seriously, it could have been a lot worse. Consider it a close call, and adjust your proceedure accordingly.


ok thx, im having a lot of tears do u know why ? i put the eye drop it havent stopped.

Bot0nist - 20-2-2013 at 07:03

Likely just corneal irritation and burn from the acid attack. Should subside in a day or two. If irritation presists or if vision becomes impaired see professional.
Note. I am not a doctor or optomatrist.

[Edited on 20-2-2013 by Bot0nist]

SM2 - 20-2-2013 at 07:28

You'll probably be fine. Might have mild "chlorine lung" edema. Catch your breath, and maybe hock a few luges. If it's 8 hour+ and your alive, well things will get better from there. So.....don't worry so much, but do be careful! Merck Index mentions how insidious NO2 inhalation can be, what with symptoms only presenting long after the exposure.

zenosx - 20-2-2013 at 18:46

I'll agree to

1: Adjust your experimental procedures to avoid this in the future, this could be considered a CLOSE CALL
2: Pulmonary edema caused from NOx exposure can take up to 3 days to fully manifest, but if you are not having breathing difficulty, excessive phlegm or other excretions from your throat or lungs (or coughing up blood or shortness of breath) you will probably be fine.
3: I talked to my cousin (an opthamologist) and she said that as long as your vision wasn't blurry, or you didn't have excessive pain, that it was likely a minimal exposure and should go away in 48 hours. If however in 48 hours that you still have excessive tearing or pain in the eyes, SEE your doctor.
4: I agree with the above that psychological effects can really mess with you. I once got a good breath of NO2 and thought "holy shit, will I die in 3 days? It's a delayed effect!!!"... Do not let your mind play tricks on you, but do pay attention to REAL symptoms.

5, 6, 7, 8 , 9 , ----- infinity ----- FIND BETTER EXPERIMENTAL PROCEDURES. NOx is nothing to play with or ignore. If a fume hood is unavailable, work outside, with a fan blowing across your work area if necessary. Vent gasses into wash bottles, etc.

Consider this a CLOSE CALL, and don't do it again :)

Safe Chem is doing it Again!