International Chemical Safety Cards

POTASSIUM NITRITE ICSC: 1069

POTASSIUM NITRITE
Nitrous acid potassium salt
KNO2
Molecular mass: 85.1
CAS # 7758-09-0
RTECS # TT3750000
ICSC # 1069
UN # 1488
EC # 007-011-00-X
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.
NO contact with combustible substances.
Water in large amounts, powder, water spray, foam, carbon dioxide. In case of fire in the surroundings: all extinguishing agents allowed.
EXPLOSION

In case of fire: keep drums, etc., cool by spraying with water.
EXPOSURE
PREVENT DISPERSION OF DUST! STRICT HYGIENE!

  • INHALATION
    		• Blue lips or finger nails. Blue skin. Cough. Dizziness. Headache. Laboured breathing. Sore throat. Unconsciousness.
    		Local exhaust or breathing protection.
    		Fresh air, rest. Artificial respiration if indicated. Refer for medical attention.
  • SKIN
    		• Redness. Pain (further see Inhalation).
    		Protective gloves.
    		First rinse with plenty of water, then remove contaminated clothes and rinse again.
  • EYES
    		• Redness. Pain.
    		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 take to a doctor.
  • INGESTION
    		• Blue lips or fingernails. Blue skin. Dizziness. Headache. Laboured breathing. Unconsciousness. Vomiting. Rapid pulse. Rapid drop in blood pressure.
    		Do not eat, drink, or smoke during work.
    		Rinse mouth. Induce vomiting (ONLY IN CONSCIOUS PERSONS!). Refer for medical attention.
    SPILLAGE DISPOSAL STORAGE PACKAGING & LABELLING
    Do NOT wash away into sewer. Sweep spilled substance into containers. Carefully collect remainder, then remove to safe place. Do NOT absorb in saw-dust or other combustible absorbents (extra personal protection: self-contained breathing apparatus).
    		Fireproof. Separated from combustible and reducing substances, acids. Cool. Dry. Well closed.
    		Airtight.
    O symbol
    T symbol
    R: 8-25
    S: 44
    UN Hazard Class: 5.1
    UN Packing Group: II
    SEE IMPORTANT INFORMATION ON BACK
    ICSC: 1069 Prepared in the context of cooperation between the International Programme on Chemical Safety & the Commission of the European Communities © IPCS CEC 1993 No modifications to the International version have been made except to add the OSHA PELs, NIOSH RELs and IDLH values.

    International Chemical Safety Cards

    POTASSIUM NITRITE ICSC: 1069

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    PHYSICAL STATE; APPEARANCE:
     WHITE TO YELLOW DELIQUESCENT SOLID IN VARIOUS FORMS.

    PHYSICAL DANGERS:

    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 (OELs):
     TLV 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 irritates the eyes, the skin, and the respiratory tract. The substance may cause effects on the blood and vascular system , resulting in fall of blood pressure, formation of methaemoglobin. Exposure may result in death.

    EFFECTS OF LONG-TERM OR REPEATED EXPOSURE:
    PHYSICAL
    PROPERTIES
    Melting point: 441°C
    Relative density (water = 1): 1.95
    		 Solubility in water: very good (281 g/100 ml at 0°C)
    ENVIRONMENTAL
    DATA
         		This substance may be hazardous to the environment; special attention should be given to water and soil.
    NOTES
    Decomposition of compound starts at 350°C. 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.
    Transport Emergency Card: TEC (R)-608
    ADDITIONAL INFORMATION


    ICSC: 1069 POTASSIUM NITRITE
    © IPCS, CEC, 1993
    IMPORTANT LEGAL NOTICE: Neither NIOSH, the CEC or the IPCS nor any person acting on behalf of NIOSH, the CEC or the IPCS is responsible for the use which might be made of this information. This card contains the collective views of the IPCS Peer Review Committee and may not reflect in all cases all the detailed requirements included in national legislation on the subject. The user should verify compliance of the cards with the relevant legislation in the country of use. The only modifications made to produce the U.S. version is inclusion of the OSHA PELs, NIOSH RELs and IDLH values.