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Chemical Datasheet

SODIUM NITRITE SOLUTION

6.1 - Poison

Chemical Identifiers

CAS Number UN/NA Number DOT Hazard Label USCG CHRIS Code
  • 7632-00-0
  • 3287
  • Poison
  • SNI
NIOSH Pocket Guide International Chem Safety Card
none
  • SODIUM NITRITE
NFPA 704
data unavailable
General Description
A clear colorless to yellow solution. Harmful to the environment and somewhat toxic. Used as a preservative, and to make other chemicals.

Hazards

Reactivity Alerts
Air & Water Reactions
Very soluble in water.
Fire Hazard
Special Hazards of Combustion Products: Toxic oxides of nitrogen may form in fires.

Behavior in Fire: May increase intensity of fire if water evaporates. (USCG, 1999)
Health Hazard
Ingestion (or inhalation of large amounts) causes poisoning which may produce cyanosis, marked fall in blood pressure, leading to collapse, coma, and possibly death. Irritating to skin, eyes, and respiratory tract. (USCG, 1999)
Reactivity Profile
SODIUM NITRITE SOLUTION is an oxidizing agent. Reacts with reducing agents to generate heat and products that may be gaseous (causing pressurization inside closed containers). The products may themselves be capable of further reactions (such as combustion). Dissolution in water reduces but does not nullify the oxidizing power of nitrites. Reacts with acids to form toxic nitrogen dioxide gas. Mixtures with phosphorus, tin(II) chloride or other reducing agents may react explosively [Bretherick 1979 p. 108-109]. When a mixture with sodium thiosulfate was heated to dryness, a violent explosion occurred [Mellor 10:501 1946-47]. May react with organic amines to give carcinogens (nitrosamines).
Belongs to the Following Reactive Group(s)
Potentially Incompatible Absorbents

Use caution: Liquids with this reactive group classification have been known to react with the absorbents listed below.

Response Recommendations

Isolation and Evacuation
Excerpt from 151 Polymerizable warning [Substances - Toxic (Non-Combustible)]:

IMMEDIATE PRECAUTIONARY MEASURE: Isolate spill or leak area in all directions for at least 50 meters (150 feet) for liquids and at least 25 meters (75 feet) for solids.

SPILL: Increase the immediate precautionary measure distance, in the downwind direction, as necessary.

FIRE: If tank, rail car or tank truck is involved in a fire, ISOLATE for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions; also, consider initial evacuation for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions. (ERG, 2020)
Firefighting
Excerpt from 151 Polymerizable warning [Substances - Toxic (Non-Combustible)]:

SMALL FIRE: Dry chemical, CO2 or water spray.

LARGE FIRE: Water spray, fog or regular foam. If it can be done safely, move undamaged containers away from the area around the fire. Dike runoff from fire control for later disposal. Avoid aiming straight or solid streams directly onto the product.

FIRE INVOLVING TANKS OR CAR/TRAILER LOADS: Fight fire from maximum distance or use unmanned master stream devices or monitor nozzles. Do not get water inside containers. Cool containers with flooding quantities of water until well after fire is out. Withdraw immediately in case of rising sound from venting safety devices or discoloration of tank. ALWAYS stay away from tanks engulfed in fire. For massive fire, use unmanned master stream devices or monitor nozzles; if this is impossible, withdraw from area and let fire burn. (ERG, 2020)
Non-Fire Response
Excerpt from 151 Polymerizable warning [Substances - Toxic (Non-Combustible)]:

Do not touch damaged containers or spilled material unless wearing appropriate protective clothing. Stop leak if you can do it without risk. Prevent entry into waterways, sewers, basements or confined areas. Cover with plastic sheet to prevent spreading. Absorb or cover with dry earth, sand or other non-combustible material and transfer to containers. DO NOT GET WATER INSIDE CONTAINERS. (ERG, 2020)
Protective Clothing
Wear impervious protective clothing and goggles. (USCG, 1999)
DuPont Tychem® Suit Fabrics
No information available.
First Aid
Get medical attention.

INHALATION: Move to fresh air. If not breathing, give artificial respiration. If breathing is difficult, give oxygen.

INGESTION: Give patient 2 to 4 glasses of water and induce vomiting.

EYES or SKIN: Flush with water, holding lids open occasionally if necessary. (USCG, 1999)

Physical Properties

Chemical Formula:
  • NaNO2 (aqueous)
Flash Point: data unavailable
Lower Explosive Limit (LEL): data unavailable
Upper Explosive Limit (UEL): data unavailable
Autoignition Temperature: data unavailable
Melting Point: 30°F (USCG, 1999)
Vapor Pressure: data unavailable
Vapor Density (Relative to Air): data unavailable
Specific Gravity: 1.32 at 60.8°F (USCG, 1999) - Denser than water; will sink
Boiling Point: 239°F at 760 mmHg (USCG, 1999)
Molecular Weight: 69 (USCG, 1999)
Water Solubility: data unavailable
Ionization Energy/Potential: data unavailable
IDLH: data unavailable

AEGLs (Acute Exposure Guideline Levels)

No AEGL information available.

ERPGs (Emergency Response Planning Guidelines)

No ERPG information available.

PACs (Protective Action Criteria)

Chemical PAC-1 PAC-2 PAC-3
Sodium nitrite (7632-00-0) 6.4 mg/m3 71 mg/m3 240 mg/m3
(DOE, 2018)

Regulatory Information

EPA Consolidated List of Lists

Regulatory Name CAS Number/
313 Category Code
EPCRA 302
EHS TPQ
EPCRA 304
EHS RQ
CERCLA RQ EPCRA 313
TRI
RCRA
Code
CAA 112(r)
RMP TQ
Sodium nitrite 7632-00-0 100 pounds 313

(EPA List of Lists, 2022)

CISA Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards (CFATS)

No regulatory information available.

OSHA Process Safety Management (PSM) Standard List

No regulatory information available.

Alternate Chemical Names