ICSC 1069 - POTASSIUM NITRITE

POTASSIUM NITRITE	ICSC: 1069 (December 2000)
Nitrous acid potassium salt

CAS #: 7758-09-0

UN #: 1488

EC Number: 231-832-4

	ACUTE HAZARDS	PREVENTION	FIRE FIGHTING
FIRE & EXPLOSION	Not combustible but enhances combustion of other substances. Many reactions may cause fire or explosion. Gives off irritating or toxic fumes (or gases) in a fire.	NO contact with combustible substances.	In case of fire in the surroundings, use appropriate extinguishing media. In case of fire: keep drums, etc., cool by spraying with water.

PREVENT DISPERSION OF DUST!
	SYMPTOMS	PREVENTION	FIRST AID
Inhalation	Cough. Sore throat. Headache. Blue lips, fingernails and skin. Nausea. Dizziness. Confusion. Laboured breathing. Convulsions. Unconsciousness.	Use local exhaust or breathing protection.	Fresh air, rest. Artificial respiration may be needed. Refer for medical attention.
Skin	Redness.	Protective gloves.	First rinse with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes, then remove contaminated clothes and rinse again.
Eyes	Redness. Pain.	Wear safety goggles or eye protection in combination with breathing protection.	First rinse with plenty of water for several minutes (remove contact lenses if easily possible), then refer for medical attention.
Ingestion	Vomiting. Increased heart rate. Fall in blood pressure. Further see Inhalation.	Do not eat, drink, or smoke during work. Wash hands before eating.	Rinse mouth. Induce vomiting (ONLY IN CONSCIOUS PERSONS!). Refer for medical attention .

SPILLAGE DISPOSAL	CLASSIFICATION & LABELLING
Personal protection: particulate filter respirator adapted to the airborne concentration of the substance. Do NOT let this chemical enter the environment. Sweep spilled substance into covered containers. Carefully collect remainder. Then store and dispose of according to local regulations. Do NOT absorb in saw-dust or other combustible absorbents.	According to UN GHS Criteria Transportation UN Classification UN Hazard Class: 5.1; UN Pack Group: II
STORAGE
Fireproof. Provision to contain effluent from fire extinguishing. Separated from combustible substances, reducing agents and acids. Dry. Well closed.
PACKAGING
Airtight.

POTASSIUM NITRITE

ICSC: 1069

PHYSICAL & CHEMICAL INFORMATION
Physical State; Appearance WHITE-TO-YELLOW DELIQUESCENT SOLID IN VARIOUS FORMS. Physical dangers Chemical dangers May explode on heating above 530°C. Decomposes on contact with even weak acids. This produces toxic fumes of nitrogen oxides. The substance is a strong oxidant. It reacts with combustible and reducing materials. This generates fire and explosion hazard.	Formula: KNO₂ Molecular mass: 85.1 Melting point: 441°C Density: 1.9 g/cm³ Solubility in water, g/100ml at 0°C: 281 (very good)

PHYSICAL & CHEMICAL INFORMATION

Physical State; Appearance
WHITE-TO-YELLOW DELIQUESCENT SOLID IN VARIOUS FORMS.

Physical dangers

Chemical dangers
May explode on heating above 530°C. Decomposes on contact with even weak acids. This produces toxic fumes of nitrogen oxides. The substance is a strong oxidant. It reacts with combustible and reducing materials. This generates fire and explosion hazard.

Formula: KNO₂
Molecular mass: 85.1
Melting point: 441°C
Density: 1.9 g/cm³
Solubility in water, g/100ml at 0°C: 281 (very good)

EXPOSURE & HEALTH EFFECTS
Routes of exposure The substance can be absorbed into the body by inhalation of its aerosol and by ingestion. Effects of short-term exposure The substance is irritating to the eyes, skin and respiratory tract. The substance may cause effects on the cardiovascular system and blood. This may result in fall of blood pressure and the formation of methaemoglobin. Exposure could cause death. The effects may be delayed. Medical observation is indicated.	Inhalation risk Evaporation at 20°C is negligible; a harmful concentration of airborne particles can, however, be reached quickly. Effects of long-term or repeated exposure

EXPOSURE & HEALTH EFFECTS

Routes of exposure
The substance can be absorbed into the body by inhalation of its aerosol and by ingestion.

Effects of short-term exposure
The substance is irritating to the eyes, skin and respiratory tract. The substance may cause effects on the cardiovascular system and blood. This may result in fall of blood pressure and the formation of methaemoglobin. Exposure could cause death. The effects may be delayed. Medical observation is indicated.

Inhalation risk
Evaporation at 20°C is negligible; a harmful concentration of airborne particles can, however, be reached quickly.

Effects of long-term or repeated exposure

OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE LIMITS

ENVIRONMENT
This substance may be hazardous to the environment. Special attention should be given to water quality and soil contamination.

NOTES
Decomposition of compound starts at 350°C. Depending on the degree of exposure, periodic medical examination is suggested. Specific treatment is necessary in case of poisoning with this substance; the appropriate means with instructions must be available. Rinse contaminated clothing with plenty of water because of fire hazard.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

EC Classification
Symbol: O, T, N; R: 8-25-50; S: (1/2)-45-61

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    See Also:
       Toxicological Abbreviations
       Potassium nitrite (FAO Nutrition Meetings Report Series 38a)
       POTASSIUM NITRITE (JECFA Evaluation)