ABC of Safety in the Biological Sciences
SODIUM NITRITE (NaNO2)
SYNONYMS
None known.
GENERAL PRECAUTIONS
Use a fume hood.
Avoid eye contact.
Avoid inhalation of the vapour.
Avoid ingestion.
Keep away from combustible material.
Keep away from heat.
Keep away from moisture.
Keep the container tightly closed.
Wash hands thoroughly after handling.
CHARACTERISTICS
White to pale yellow deliquescent crystals.
HEALTH HAZARD DATA
Sodium nitrite is a suspected carcinogen and very toxic. It is
an eye and respiratory tract irritant. Exposure causes cyanosis,
nausea, vertigo, vomiting, collapse, spasms of abdominal pain,
coma, convulsions and death. A prompt fall in blood pressure is
a common sign of exposure, this reaction can be delayed.
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). 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. Seek immediate 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 attention.
INCOMPATIBILITY
Mixtures with combustible materials are readily ignited and may
burn fiercely. Mixtures with ammonium salts or cyanides may
explode. Explosions occur when heated with ammonium salts, metal
cyanides, phthalic acid or anhydride, sodium azide, sodium
thiocyanate and other acids and organic materials. Heating
produces toxic fumes of nitrogen compounds.
STORAGE
Store in a cool, dry atmosphere away from moisture and
incompatible substances.
HANDLING
Use a fume hood to minimise exposure to this substance. 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, face shield and laboratory coat. A body shield
should be available for the more active agents. Replace the face
shield with self contained breathing apparatus for such agents
as chlorine and bromine.
SPILLS:
Gas leak: if the valve is leaking because it cannot be closed,
the gas can be bubbled through a reducer (sodium sulphite) and
excess sodium bicarbonate solution. Be sure to include a trap in
the line to prevent the solution being sucked back into the
cylinder. If this cannot be done the cylinder should be placed
in or adjacent to a fume hood and left to bleed off. If the leak
is in the valve assembly, a plastic bag can be fastened over the
head of the cylinder which can then be taken outside or to a
fume hood.
Liquid or solid: cover with a reducer (sodium thiosulphate, a
bisulphite or a ferrous salt not carbon, sulphur or strong
reducing agent). Mix well and spray with water. A sulphite or a
ferrous salt will require addition of 3mol/l sulphuric acid to
promote a rapid reduction. Scoop the slurry into a container of
water and neutralise with soda ash. Discharge to sewer with a
large excess of water. Wash the site thoroughly with a soap
solution containing some reducer.
PACKAGE LOTS:
Add to a large volume of concentrated solution of reducer
(sodium thiosulphate, a bisulphite or a ferrous salt and acidify
with 3mol/l sulphuric acid). When the reduction is completed add
soda ash or dilute hydrochloric acid to neutralise the solution.
Discharge to sewer with a large excess of water.
ENVIRONMENT:
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