They can displace enough air to reduce oxygen levels. If oxygen levels are low enough, people entering the area can lose consciousness or die from asphyxiation. Low oxygen levels can particularly be a problem in poorly ventilated, confined spaces. Some compressed gases are corrosive. They can burn and destroy body tissues on contact.
Corrosive gases can also attack and corrode metals.
Common corrosive gases include ammonia, hydrogen chloride, chlorine and methylamine. OSH Answers Search Help OSH Answers Search is designed to help you specifically target items about Occupational Health and Safety that are explained in the OSH Answers portion of our site.