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Date of peer-review: April 2000
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| TYPES OF HAZARD / EXPOSURE | ACUTE HAZARDS / SYMPTOMS | PREVENTION | FIRST AID / FIRE FIGHTING |
| FIRE |
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.
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NO contact with combustibles.
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In case of fire in the surroundings: all extinguishing agents allowed.
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| EXPLOSION |
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In case of fire: keep drums, etc., cool by spraying with water.
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| EXPOSURE |
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PREVENT DISPERSION OF DUST!
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| Inhalation |
Cough. Sore throat. Headache. Blue lips or finger nails. Blue skin. Nausea. Dizziness. Confusion. Laboured breathing. Convulsions. Unconsciousness.
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Local exhaust or breathing protection.
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Fresh air, rest. Artificial respiration if indicated. Refer for medical attention.
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| Skin |
Redness.
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Protective gloves.
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First rinse with plenty of water, then remove contaminated clothes and rinse again.
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| Eyes |
Redness. Pain.
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Safety goggles or eye protection in combination with breathing protection.
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First rinse with plenty of water for several minutes (remove contact lenses if easily possible), then take to a doctor.
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| Ingestion |
Vomiting. Rapid pulse. Rapid drop in blood pressure. (Further see Inhalation).
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Do not eat, drink, or smoke during work. Wash hands before eating.
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Rinse mouth. Induce vomiting (ONLY IN CONSCIOUS PERSONS!). Refer for medical attention.
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| SPILLAGE DISPOSAL | PACKAGING & LABELLING | |||||||
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Sweep spilled substance into containers. Carefully collect remainder, then remove to safe place. Do NOT absorb in saw-dust or other combustible absorbents. Do NOT let this chemical enter the environment. (Extra personal protection: P3 filter respirator for toxic particles).
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Airtight. EU Classification Symbol: O, T, N R: 8-25-50 S: (1/2-)45-61 UN Classification UN Hazard Class: 5.1 UN Pack Group: II | |||||||
| EMERGENCY RESPONSE | STORAGE | |||||||
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Transport Emergency Card: TEC (R)-51G02
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Fireproof. Provision to contain effluent from fire extinguishing. Separated from combustible and reducing substances, acids. Dry. Well closed.
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| IMPORTANT DATA | |||
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PHYSICAL STATE; APPEARANCE: WHITE TO YELLOW DELIQUESCENT SOLID IN VARIOUS FORMS. CHEMICAL DANGERS: May explode on heating above 530°C. The substance decomposes on contact with even weak acids producing toxic fumes (nitrogen oxides). The substance is a strong oxidant and reacts with combustible and reducing materials causing fire and explosion hazard. OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE LIMITS: TLV not established. MAK not established. |
ROUTES OF EXPOSURE: The substance can be absorbed into the body by inhalation of its aerosol and by ingestion. INHALATION RISK: Evaporation at 20°C is negligible; a harmful concentration of airborne particles can, however, be reached quickly. EFFECTS OF SHORT-TERM EXPOSURE: The substance is irritating to the eyes, the skin and the respiratory tract. The substance may cause effects on the cardiovascular system and blood, resulting in fall of blood pressure, formation of methaemoglobin. Exposure may result in death. The effects may be delayed. Medical observation is indicated. | ||
| PHYSICAL PROPERTIES | |||
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Melting point: 441°C Density: 1.9 g/cm^3 Solubility in water: very good (281 g/100 ml at 0°C) |
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| ENVIRONMENTAL DATA | |||
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This substance may be hazardous to the environment; special attention should be given to water and soil.
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| NOTES | |||
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Decomposition of compound starts at 350°C. Depending on the degree of exposure, periodic medical examination is indicated. Specific treatment is necessary in case of poisoning with this substance; the appropriate means with instructions must be available. Rinse contaminated clothes (fire hazard) with plenty of water.
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| ADDITIONAL INFORMATION | |||
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| © IPCS, CEC 2001 | |||
See Also:
Toxicological Abbreviations
Potassium nitrite (FAO Nutrition Meetings Report Series 38a)
POTASSIUM NITRITE (JECFA Evaluation)