International Chemical Safety Cards

POTASSIUM NITRITE

ICSC: 1069

Nitrous acid potassium salt
KNO₂
Molecular mass: 85.1

ICSC #    1069
CAS #     7758-09-0
RTECS # TT3750000
UN #        1488
EC #         007-011-00-X
April 12, 2000 Peer reviewed

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 combustibles.	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!
•INHALATION	Cough. Sore throat. Headache. Blue lips or finger nails. Blue skin. Nausea. Dizziness. Confusion. Laboured breathing. Convulsions. Unconsciousness.	Local exhaust or breathing protection.	Fresh air, rest. Artificial respiration if indicated. Refer for medical attention.
•SKIN	Redness.	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	Vomiting. Rapid pulse. Rapid drop 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

STORAGE

PACKAGING & LABELLING

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).

Fireproof. Provision to contain effluent from fire extinguishing. Separated from combustible and reducing substances, acids. Dry. Well closed.

Airtight.
O symbol
T symbol
N symbol
R: 8-25-50
S: 1/2-45-61
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 (C) IPCS CEC 1994. No modifications to the International version have been made except to add the OSHA PELs, NIOSH RELs and NIOSH IDLH values.

International Chemical Safety Cards

POTASSIUM NITRITE

ICSC: 1069

I

M

P

O

R

T

A

N

T

D

A

T

A

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:
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.

EFFECTS OF LONG-TERM OR REPEATED EXPOSURE:

PHYSICAL
PROPERTIES

Melting point: 441°C
Density: 1.9
g/cm3

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 .

N O T E S

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.

Transport Emergency Card: TEC (R)-51G02

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

ICSC: 1069	POTASSIUM NITRITE
(C) IPCS, CEC, 1994

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 NIOSH IDLH values.