Product Identification

Product Name

Sodium nitrite

Synonyms

Nitrous acid, sodium salt

CAS

7632-00-0

Formula

NaNO2

Molecular Weight

69

EINECS

231-555-9

RTECS

RA1225000

RTECS Class

Tumorigen; Mutagen; Reproductive Effector; Human Data; Primary Irritant

Merck

12,8793

Beilstein/Gmelin

20892 (G)

EC Index Number

007-010-00-4

EC Class

Oxidising; Toxic; Dangerous for the Environment

Physical and Chemical Properties

Appearance

Light yellow or white crystals, granules, or powder, hygroscopic.

Solubility in water

820 g/L

Melting Point

284

Vapor Pressure

0.2 (525 C)

Density

2.168 g/cm3

Usage

Component of heat-transfer salts, chemical in metal treatment & finishing operations, component of detinning solution & multipurpose greases, agent for recovery of tin from scrap.

Vapor Density

2.39

First Aid Measures

Ingestion

If victim is conscious and alert, give 2-4 cupfuls of milk or water. Never give anything by mouth to an unconscious person. Get medical aid immediately. Induce vomiting by giving one teaspoon of Syrup of Ipecac.

Inhalation

Remove from exposure to fresh air immediately. If breathing is difficult, give oxygen. DO NOT use mouth-to-mouth respiration. If breathing has ceased apply artificial respiration using oxygen and a suitable mechanical device such as a bag and a mask. SPEED IS ESSENTIAL, OBTAIN MEDICAL AID IMMEDIATELY.

Skin

Get medical aid. Immediately flush skin with plenty of soap and water for at least 15 minutes while removing contaminated clothing and shoes. Wash clothing before reuse.

Eyes

Immediately flush eyes with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes, occasionally lifting the upper and lower eyelids. Get medical aid.

Handling and Storage

Storage

Keep away from heat, sparks, and flame. Do not store near combustible materials. Store in a tightly closed container. Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area away from incompatible substances. Do not expose to air. Store protected from moisture. Store under an inert atmosphere.

Handling

Wash thoroughly after handling. Remove contaminated clothing and wash before reuse. Minimize dust generation and accumulation. Avoid contact with eyes, skin, and clothing. Keep container tightly closed. Avoid contact with clothing and other combustible materials. Do not ingest or inhale. Handle under an inert atmosphere. Store protected from air. Use only in a chemical fume hood.

Hazards Identification

Inhalation

May be fatal if inhaled. May cause methemoglobinemia, cyanosis, convulsions, tachycardia, dyspnea, and death. May cause acute pulmonary edema, asphyxia, chemical pneumonitis, and upper airway obstruction caused by edema.

Skin

Causes skin irritation. May be absorbed through the skin.

Eyes

Causes eye irritation. May cause conjunctivitis. May cause permanent corneal opacification.

Ingestion

Harmful if swallowed. May cause methemoglobinemia, cyanosis, convulsions, and death. Causes digestive tract irritation. Ingestion may cause weakness, muscular incoordination, fine tremors, loss of reflexes, convulsions and possible death from circulatory collapse. Ingestion may cause a decrease in blood pressure, rapid pulse and visual disturbances.

Hazards

These substances will accelerate burning when involved in a fire. Some may decompose explosively when heated or involved in a fire. May explode from heat or contamination. Some will react explosively with hydrocarbons (fuels). May ignite combustibles (wood, paper, oil, clothing, etc.). Containers may explode when heated. Runoff may create fire or explosion hazard.

EC Risk Phrase

R 8 25 50

EC Safety Phrase

S 45 61

UN (DOT)

1500

Exposure Controls/Personal Protection

Personal Protection

Eyes: Wear appropriate protective eyeglasses or chemical safety goggles as described by OSHA's eye and face protection regulations in 29 CFR 1910.133 or European Standard EN166. Skin: Wear appropriate protective gloves to prevent skin exposure. Clothing: Wear appropriate protective clothing to prevent skin exposure.

Respirators

A respiratory protection program that meets OSHA's 29 CFR 1910.134 and ANSI Z88.2 requirements or European Standard EN 149 must be followed whenever workplace conditions warrant a respirator's use.

Exposure Effects

May cause reproductive and fetal effects. Laboratory experiments have resulted in mutagenic effects. Animal studies have reported the development of tumors. Sodium nitrate may react with secondary or tertiary amines to form nitrosamines (certain nitrosamines are cancer suspect agents).

Poison Class

2

Fire Fighting Measures

Autoignition

489

Fire Fighting

Wear a self-contained breathing apparatus in pressure-demand, MSHA/NIOSH (approved or equivalent), and full protective gear. Strong oxidizer. Contact with combustible materials may cause a fire. Use water with caution and in flooding amounts. May explode from heat or contamination. May accelerate burning if involved in a fire. Extinguishing media: Use water only! Contact professional fire-fighters immediately. Cool containers with flooding quantities of water until well after fire is out. For large fires, flood fire area with water from a distance. DO NOT use dry chemicals, carbon dioxide, Halon or foams.

Fire Potential

Moderately flammable. Requires moderate heating.

Accidental Release Measures

Small spills/leaks

Vacuum or sweep up material and place into a suitable disposal container. Clean up spills immediately, using the appropriate protective equipment. Avoid generating dusty conditions. Remove all sources of ignition.

Stability and Reactivity

Incompatibilities

Reducing agents, moisture, metals as powders (e.g. hafnium, raney nickel), ammonium salts, cyanides (e.g. potassium cyanide, sodium cyanide), amines, activated carbon, acids, organic matter, acetanilide, antipyrine, chlorates, hypophosphites, iodides, mercury salts, permanganates, sulfites, tannic acid, vegetable astringents.

Stability

Stable at room temperature in closed containers under normal storage and handling conditions. Unstable if heated, may explode at temperatures greater than 533 C.

Decomposition

Oxides of nitrogen, irritating and toxic fumes and gases.

Combustion Products

Toxic oxides of nitrogen may form in fires.

Transport Information

UN Number

1500

Hazard Class

5.1

Packing Group

III

HS Code

2834 10 00