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 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 POTASSIUM NITRITE ICSC: 1069 Important Data 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.