TRW OCCUPANT SAFETY SYSTEMS 

02126C 

11-27-06 INFLATABLE RESTRAINT SYSTEMS - MESA OPERATIONS

MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEET 

PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG INFLATOR 

WITH SODIUM AZIDE-BASED PROPELLANT 

1. CHEMICAL PRODUCT & COMPANY IDENTIFICATION

TRW Occupant Safety Systems 

Inflatable Restraint Systems - Mesa Operations 

11202 E. Germann Road 

Mesa, AZ 85212 

(480) 722-4000 (24 Hr.) 

Emergency Telephone No.

(480) 722-4852 or 

Chemtrec: 1-800-424-9300 

TRADE NAME: PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG 

INFLATOR WITH SODIUM AZIDE-BASED 

PROPELLANT 

MSDS NUMBER: 6019 

CHEMICAL NAME: Propellant is a mixture of Sodium 

Azide, Ferric Oxide, Graphite Fibers, Clay, Sodium 

Nitrate, Potassium Perchlorate, and Amorphous Silica 

SYNONYMS: P0, P3, P3.3 

PREPARED BY:

Clayton Group Services, Inc. 

DATE OF ISSUE/REVISION:

Issue: 3/8/91 as 5005; Issued Revised as 6019: Aug. 24, 

2000, 

2. INGREDIENTS

 ACGIH OSHA

Component CAS # Percent (TLV) (PEL) Units

Sodium Azide 26628-22-8 50-80 0.29 (C) Not Est. mg/M3

Ferric Oxide 1309-37-1 20-35 5 (F,D) 10 (F) mg/M3

Graphite Fibers 7782-42-5 2-7 Not Est. 15 (T) mg/M3 

2 (R) 5 (R) mg/M3

Bentonite 1302-78-9 0-5 10 (T) 15 (T) mg/M3

3 (R) 5 (R) mg/M3

Sodium Nitrate 7631-99-4 0-5 10 (T) 15 (T) mg/M3

3 (R) 5 (R) mg/M3

Potassium Perchlorate 7778-74-7 0-3 10 (T) 15 (T) mg/M3

3 (R) 5 (R) mg/M3

Amorphous Silica 112926-00-8 0-2 6 (T) 80/%SiO2 mg/M3

ACGIH TLVs are based on 2000 values. OSHA PELs are based on 1970 values. All values are 8 hour time weighted 

averages unless otherwise noted. C = Ceiling Exposure Limit; D = Dust; F = Fume; T = Total Particulates; R = Respirable 

Fraction of Particulates. 

TRW Automotive – MSDS # 6019, Revision 3 – Page 1 of 6 – November 26, 2006 
TRW Automotive – MSDS # 6019, Revision 3 – Page 2 of 6 – November 26, 2006 

3. HAZARDS IDENTIFICATION

EMERGENCY OVERVIEW

Propellant is hermetically sealed from the environment and contact is not possible without opening the inflator by 

destructive means. Propellant mixture in the inflator is an odorless dark pink solid. The propellant mixture is classified 

as a Class 1.3 Explosive and is capable of detonating under certain conditions. Protect inflator from sources of ignition, 

live electrical circuitry, mechanical shock, and excessive heat. Propellant mixture may cause irritation of eyes, skin, 

mucous membranes, and respiratory tract. Wear appropriate personal protective equipment. Keep individuals not 

involved in the cleanup upwind and out of the area. If inflators are involved in a fire situation, evacuate all non-essential 

personnel well upwind and allow to burn unless life or property is threatened. If life or property is threatened, use large 

quantities of water. Do not let propellant mixture from ruptured inflators or runoff water enter storm or sanitary sewers, 

ground water or soil. Releases may be reportable to local, state, and/or federal authorities. Sodium azide is highly 

toxic to aquatic life. 

POTENTIAL HEALTH EFFECTS: In its manufactured and shipped state, the propellant mixture is sealed in the 

inflator and there is no exposure potential. The discussion of the health effect presented below is for the 

propellant mixture. The amount of material in one inflator would not be expected to cause the effects listed under 

chronic and carcinogenicity. 

Eye: Dusts may cause irritation, tearing, and burning of the eyes. Combustion residues are caustic and may cause severe 

irritation or chemical burns. 

Skin Contact: Dusts may cause irritation of the skin. Combustion residues are caustic and may cause severe irritation or 

chemical burns. 

Skin Absorption: Not known to be absorbed through the intact skin. 

Ingestion: Sodium azide may cause severe gastrointestinal irritation. May cause headache, nausea, blurred vision, 

shortness of breath, tachycardia (rapid heart beat), and methemoglobinemia which affects the uptake and transport of 

oxygen by the blood. Azides can have a severe hypotensive effect (lowering of the blood pressure). Initial symptoms of 

hemoglobin complexation (methemoglobinemia) is cyanosis which is characterized by a blue-black coloration of the lips, 

tongue, and mucous membranes with the skin becoming slate gray. Perchlorates and nitrates, which are converted to 

nitirtes in the body, may also cause methemoglobinemia. 

Inhalation: Dusts may cause irritation of the nose, throat, mucous membranes, and respiratory tract. The symptoms are 

similar to those discussed above for ingestion. 

Chronic and Carcinogenicity: Prolonged exposures may cause dermatitis. Animal studies have shown that azides can 

cause nerve damage and heart and brain lesions. In-vitro tests on bacterial and mammalian cell systems have shown that 

azides have mutagenic activity. See Section 11. 

Perchlorates can affect the utilization of iodine by the thyroid gland. Long term, high level exposures to perchlorates may 

cause symptoms of thyroid dysfunction such as goiter. There is also some evidence that ingestion of large quantities of 

perchlorates can cause kidney and lymph node damage and, in extreme cases, damage to the blood forming organs. 

Pre-existing cardiovascular, respiratory, liver, kidney, spleen, blood, and dermal disorders may possibly be aggravated by 

exposure to the components of the product. The components of the product are not known to be carcinogens or potential 

carcinogens. 

4. FIRST AID MEASURES

Inhalation: Remove exposed person to fresh air. If breathing is difficult, oxygen may be administered. If breathing has 

stopped, artificial respiration should be started immediately. Seek medical attention. 
TRW Automotive – MSDS # 6019, Revision 3 – Page 3 of 6 – November 26, 2006 

4. FIRST AID MEASURES (Continued)

Eyes: Flush with tepid water for at least 20 minutes holding the eyelids wide open. Seek medical attention if irritation 

develops. 

Skin: Wash thoroughly with mild soap and water. Seek medical attention if irritation develops. Remove any contaminated 

clothing and launder thoroughly before reuse. 

 

Ingestion: Not expected to be an important route of entry into the body. If large amounts of the product are ingested, give 

2 glasses of water and induce vomiting. Never give anything by mouth to an unconscious person. Treatment should be 

symptomatic for azide poisoning. Consult the nearest poison control center and seek medical attention. 

5. FIRE FIGHTING MEASURES

FLASH POINT: Not Applicable LEL: 0%*

 UEL: 100%* AUTO IGN. TEMP.: 300o F (149o C) 

*Self oxidizing at elevated temperatures. 

Propellant is a Class 1.3 Explosive. Unless life or property is threatened, do not fight fires. The area should be evacuated 

and all personnel kept well upwind. Material near fires should be cooled with a water spray or fog to prevent ignition or 

detonation. See Sections 10 and 12 concerning the reaction of azides with acid and acidic water and the release of azides 

to the environment. Contain fire water if possible. Releases may be reportable to local, state, and/or federal authorities. 

A self contained breathing apparatus operating in the positive pressure mode and full fire fighting gear should be worn for 

combating fires. 

6. ACCIDENTAL RELEASE MEASURES

Inflators should be picked up and placed in appropriate containers. Released inflators or propellant should be picked up 

with anti-static tools and placed in DOT approved containers for disposal. Avoid contact with live or static electrical 

sources. Avoid contact with acids. Individuals involved in the cleanup should wear appropriate personal protective 

equipment. All other personnel should be kept well clear of the area. Keep from entering storm or sanitary sewers, ground 

water, or soil. Releases may be reportable to federal, state, or local authorities. 

7. HANDLING AND STORAGE

The propellant is a Class 1.3 Explosive and should be handled and stored accordingly. Do not store with or near 

incompatible materials cited in Section 10. Do not use or store near open flames, other source of ignition, where there is 

the possibility of contact with live electrical equipment or circuitry, or where there is the possibility of the buildup of static 

charges. Where dusty conditions may exist, electrically conductive floors and shoes are recommended to prevent the 

buildup of static charges. 

8. EXPOSURE CONTROL - PERSONAL PROTECTION

ENGINEERING CONTROLS: Not normally required. Inflators are sealed units. 

RESPIRATORY: Not normally required. If exposures may exceed the limits cited in Section 2, use, as a minimum, a 

NIOSH approved full facepiece respirator with R-95 or P-100 cartridges. If there is the possibility that the sodium azide 

component may come in contact with acids, use a NIOSH approved supplied air respirator. Consult a professional 

industrial hygienist or your respiratory protective equipment supplier for selection of the proper equipment. The evaluation 

of the need for respiratory protection should be determined by a professional industrial hygienist. 

EYE PROTECTION: Safety glasses with sideshields are recommended. 
TRW Automotive – MSDS # 6019, Revision 3 – Page 4 of 6 – November 26, 2006 

8. EXPOSURE CONTROL - PERSONAL PROTECTION (Continued)

PROTECTIVE GLOVES: Not normally required for product. Inflators are sealed units and there should be no exposure to the 

propellant mixture. Hand protection appropriate to the operation being performed should be worn. 

GENERAL: No other personal protective equipment is generally required.

9. PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL PROPERTIES

APPEARANCE & PHYSICAL STATE: MELT POINT: N.D. 

Inflators =Metal Cylinders; Propellant = Dark 

Pink Powder 

VAPOR DENSITY (AIR=1): N.A. OCTANOL/WATER PARTITION COEFFICIENT: N.D. 

VAPOR PRESSURE: N.A. EVAPORATION RATE (BuOAc = 1): N.A. 

ODOR: None SPECIFIC GRAVITY/BULK DENSITY: ~ 2.5 - Propellant 

% VOLATILE BY VOLUME: Not Volatile BOILING POINT: N.A. 

% SOLUBILITY (H2O): 50-88 pH: Not Applicable 

OTHER: Autoignition Temperature = 300o

 F (149o C) 

10. STABILITY AND REACTIVITY

STABILITY & POLYMERIZATION: Product is stable. Hazardous polymerization will not occur. 

INCOMPATIBILITY (CONDITIONS TO AVOID): Azides may react with copper, silver, gold, other heavy metals, brass, 

bronze, and alloys containing these species to form potentially explosive metal azides. Strong oxidizing agents may 

initiate ignition. Reaction with acids or acidic water will liberate hydrazoic acid (HN3) which is highly toxic and explosive. 

See Section 8. 

HAZARDOUS DECOMPOSITION PRODUCTS: Thermal decomposition or combustion of the material may produce 

smoke, oxides of carbon, nitrogen, and iron. Acids or acidic water may react with sodium azide to form highly toxic and 

explosive hydrazoic acid (HN3). 

Ignition of the product will form small amounts of sodium metal and sodium oxide which will form sodium hydroxide on 

contact with water. Sodium hydroxide is potentially corrosive and should be handled with appropriate personal protective 

equipment to prevent skin contact. 

SPECIAL SENSITIVITY: The product may self ignite at temperatures in excess of 300o F (149o C). The material may also 

be ignited by live electrical equipment and circuitry. 

11. TOXICOLOGICAL INFORMATION

Sodium Azide: LD50 (Rat) = 42 mg/kg; LD50 (Rabbit, Skin) = 20 mg/kg; LD50 (Mouse) = 27 mg/kg. Toxicology data 

available for the other components of the propellant indicate that they are not highly toxic. 

11. TOXICOLOGICAL INFORMATION (Continued)
TRW Automotive – MSDS # 6019, Revision 3 – Page 5 of 6 – November 26, 2006 

Sodium azide has been used as an anti-hypertensive drug. In human clinical trials, no adverse effects were reported over a 2.5 year 

period if dosages were kept below 0.75 mg per day. This is the approximate daily dose an individual would receive if they were

exposed at the ceiling exposure limit for a full workshift. The implications of animal and in-vitro tests to human health are not 

known. 

12. ECOLOGICAL INFORMATION

Sodium azide is highly toxic to aquatic life. A concentration of azide ion above 8 mg/L (ppm) is considered a critical 

concentration for fish toxicity. 

CALIFORNIA USE ONLY: 

Perchlorate Material - special handling may apply. 

See www.dtsc.ca.gov/hazardouswaste/perchlorate. 

13. DISPOSAL CONSIDERATIONS

Dispose of used or waste product in accordance with all federal, state, and local regulations pertaining to the management 

of RCRA regulated wastes (40 CFR 261, 262, and 268). 

14. TRANSPORTATION INFORMATION

DOT Proper Shipping Name: Airbag Inflator, Pyrotechnic, 9, UN3268 

Note: DOT classification is dependent on packaging used. 

15. REGULATORY INFORMATION

Sodium azide is reportable under Sections 311 and 312 of the Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act of 1986. 

The Threshold Planning Quantity (TPQ) is 500 pounds and the Reportable Quantity (RQ) is 1000 pounds. This is 

equivalent to 769 pounds and 1538 pounds of product for the TPQ and RQ respectively. 

The sodium azide component is reportable under Sections 313 of the Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act of 

1986. 

Sodium azide has been listed as an Extraordinarily Hazardous Substance by the State of Massachusetts and as a Special 

Health Hazard substance by the State of New Jersey. 

The propellant is classified as a Reactive Hazardous Waste (D003) by the EPA. 

OSHA Hazard Communication Categories: Irritant, Blood Hazard, Liver Hazard, Kidney Hazard, Spleen Hazard, Lung 

Hazard, Skin Hazard. 

16. OTHER INFORMATION

Reason for Revision: Conversion to ANSI Z400.1 format, change name of product, and change MSDS # from 5005 to 

6019. 

Not Est. = Not Established; N.A. = Not Applicable; N.D. = Not Determined 

All components of the product are included in the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) inventory. 
TRW Automotive – MSDS # 6019, Revision 3 – Page 6 of 6 – November 26, 2006 

16. OTHER INFORMATION (Continued)

IMPORTANT SAFETY NOTICE: The information in the Material Safety Data Sheet relates only to the specific 

material(s) described herein and does not relate to use in combination with any other material or substance or in 

any process. We believe that the information contained herein is current as of the date of issue of this Material 

Safety Data Sheet. Because the use of this information and these opinions and the conditions of use of 

this product are not within the control of TRW Occupant Safety Systems - Inflatable Restraint Systems 

- Mesa Operations, it is the user's obligation to determine the conditions of safe use of the product.

Users of this product should study this Material Safety Data Sheet and become aware of the product hazards and 

safety information before using the product. Users should also notify their employees, agents, and contractors 

regarding information contained in this Material Safety Data Sheet and any product hazards and safety 

information in order to provide safe use of this product.