Find all of your laboratory and workplace safety supplies at Safety Emporium!

Aromatic

Glossary Index

Asphyxiant

MSDS Topics	Free Sites	FAQ's	Regulations	Glossary	Software	Suppliers
	Books	Forum	Poll	Fun stuff	Quiz	Store
Understand your MSDS with the MS-Demystifier				Search ALL our MSDS info

Definition

Asphyxia is a lack of oxygen which interferes with the oxygenation of the blood.

This condition is the result of asphyxiation, which can result from a number of factors such as 1) suffocation/strangulation or 2) inhalation of an asphyxiant such as 100% nitrogen gas.

SDS Relevance

Asphyxia can lead to death. See the section on asphyxiants for more details.

If a material poses an asphyxia risk, you should find that information in Section 11 (toxicological information) of the Safety Data Sheet.

All rooms with fixed extinguishing systems must have appropriate warning signs like this one from Safety Emporium.

Further Reading

• OSHA has a publication titled Deaths Involving the Inadvertent Connection of Air-line Respirators to Inert Gas Supplies
• OSHA Fatal Fact Sheet #36 discusses a sandblaster who was asphyxiated when his air supply was hooked up to a nitrogen line instead.
• OSHA Accident 14401913 from 07/17/1985 discusses a sandblaster who was asphyxiated when his air supply was hooked up to a nitrogen line instead.
• This OSHA PowerPoint presentation Silent Killer in a Newly Constructed Manhole discusses an unexpected asphyxiation death during confined space entry into a manhole.
• 20 Russian submariners were killed in November 2008 after being asphyxiated by the fire control system on their vessel.

See also: anoxia, asphyxiation, asphyxiant

Additional definitions from Google and OneLook.

Entry last updated: Sunday, February 27, 2022. This page is copyright 2000-2024 by ILPI. Unauthorized duplication or posting on other web sites is expressly prohibited. Send suggestions, comments, and new entry desires (include the URL if applicable) to us by email.

Disclaimer: The information contained herein is believed to be true and accurate, however ILPI makes no guarantees concerning the veracity of any statement. Use of any information on this page is at the reader's own risk. ILPI strongly encourages the reader to consult the appropriate local, state and federal agencies concerning the matters discussed herein.