MAGNESIUM NITRATE [Mg(NO₃)₂.6H₂O]

SYNONYMS
None known.
GENERAL PRECAUTIONS
Avoid skin and eye contact.
Avoid inhalation or ingestion.
Keep away from heat.
Keep away from combustible substances.
Keep away from reducing substances.
Wash hands thoroughly after handling.
CHARACTERISTICS
Colourless to white deliquescent crystals or crystalline masses.
HEALTH HAZARD DATA
Magnesium nitrate is a toxic substance and a skin, eye and respiratory tract irritant. Skin or eye contact will cause redness and pain. Inhalation will cause coughing and shortness of breath. Ingestion will cause abdominal spasm and may cause faintness, muscular spasms and bluish skin due to the formation of methaemoglinaemia. Serious cases may result in convulsions.
TREATMENTS
Skin ­ immediately remove contaminated clothing and wash the affected area with soap or mild detergent and large amounts of water until all evidence of the chemical has been removed (approximately 15 minutes). If irritation persists seek medical advice. Wash contaminated clothing before re­use.
Eyes ­ immediately wash the affected eye with large amounts of water until all evidence of the chemical has been removed (approximately 15 minutes). If irritation or pain persist seek medical attention.
Inhalation ­ remove from the area of exposure to fresh air. If breathing has ceased apply artificial respiration. Keep warm and allow to rest. If irritation persists or develops seek medical attention.
Ingestion ­ wash out the mouth thoroughly with water and give water to drink. Induce vomiting by touching a finger to the back of the throat. Seek immediate medical advice.
INCOMPATIBILITY
Heating produces oxygen which enhances combustion. Heating above 330°C forms toxic vapours of nitrogen compounds. Reacts violently and explosively with reducing substances and dimethylformamide.
STORAGE
Store in a cool, dry atmosphere away from heat, moisture and incompatible substances.
HANDLING
Wear protective clothing. A long sleeved laboratory coat or gown, rubber gloves, safety goggles and a face mask as a minimum standard.
DISPOSAL
WEAR:
Rubber gloves, safety glasses and laboratory coat.
SPILLS:
Solid: collect in a beaker, dissolve in a large amount of water. Add soda ash, mix and neutralise with 6M hydrochloric acid and discharge to sewer with large excess of water.
Solution: cover with soda ash, mix and scoop into a beaker of water. Neutralise with 6M hydrochloric acid and discharge to sewer with a large excess of water. If a spill contains a fluoride, add slaked lime in addition to the above treatment.
PACKAGE LOTS:
Add slowly to a large container of water. Stir in a slight excess of soda ash. If fluoride is present add slaked lime. Let stand for 24 hours. Decant or siphon into another container and neutralise with 6M hydrochloric acid. Discharge to sewer with a large excess of water. The sludge may be added to land fill.
ENVIRONMENT:

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