Physical State: 1. Crystals  2. Color: white to light yellow  3. Odor: odorless 4. pH: ~ 9   5. Vapor

6. Boiling Point: 320 deg C 7. Freezing/Melting Point: 271 deg C  8.Decomposition Temperature: 320 deg C  9. Solubility in water: Soluble. 10. Specific Gravity/Density: 2.168. 11. Hygroscopic.

Attention: Toxic if swallowed. Contact with combustible material may cause fire.

POTENTIAL HEALTH EFFECTS

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

Skin: Causes skin irritation. May be absorbed through the skin.

Ingestion: Harmful if swallowed. May cause methemoglobinemia, cyanosis (bluish discoloration of skin due to deficient oxygenation of the blood), 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.

Chronic: 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).

FIRST AID MEASURES

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

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.

Ingestion: Call a poison control center. If swallowed, do not induce vomiting unless directed to do so by medical personnel. Never give anything by mouth to an unconscious person. Get medical aid.

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. Use only in a chemical fume hood.

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. Store protected from moisture.

Usage: diet; food additives; used in medicine; Sodium nitrite is used in the transferring amine to diazo in chemicals industry.