Sodium Nitrate

SECTION 2: Hazards identification

Emergency Overview Sodium Nitrate is a white solid supplied in prills (pellets) form. The primary health hazard associated with Sodium Nitrate is the potential for irritation of the eyes, skin, nose and other tissues that come in contact with dusts or particulates of this product. Can also affect the ability of blood to carry oxygen. Harmful or fatal if swallowed. This product can act to initiate and sustain the combustion of flammable materials. Can present a dust explosion hazard. Thermal decomposition of this product produces irritating vapors and toxic gases (e.g. oxygen, nitrogen oxides and oxides of sodium). Emergency responders should wear proper personal protective equipment for the releases to which they are responding.

Hazard statements

STRONG OXIDIZER. CONTACT WITH OTHER MATERIALS MAY CAUSE FIRE. HARMFUL OR FATAL IF SWALLOWED. HARMFUL IF INHALED. CAUSES IRRITATION TO EYES, SKIN, AND RESPIRATORY TRACT. HARMFUL OR FATAL IF SWALLOWED. Keep from contact with combustible materials. Avoid contact with eyes and skin. Avoid breathing dusts. Wash thoroughly after handling. Keep container closed. Use with adequate ventilation.

Potential health effects

Eyes Exposure to particulates or solution of this product may cause irritation of the eyes with symptoms such as stinging, tearing and redness. Skin This product can cause irritation of the skin, especially after prolonged exposures. Repeated skin contact may lead to dermatitis (red, cracked skin). Ingestion Ingestion of this product (especially in large volumes) can cause nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, bloody diarrhea, dizziness, headache, fatigue, hypotension, convulsions and unconsciousness. Methemoglobinemia may develop (a condition resulting in the blood not being able to effectively carry oxygen) following ingestion of large amounts. Methemoglobinemia may produce cyanosis with bluish skin, rapid heart rate and discoloration of the blood. Small repeated doses may cause headache and mental impairment. Inhalation Breathing dusts or particulates generated by this product can lead to irritation of the nose, throat or respiratory system. Symptoms of such exposure could include coughing and sneezing. Inhalation of large amounts of dust may cause Methemoglobinemia, with symptoms such as those described under “Ingestion”.

Health hazards

1* Fire Hazard 1

Physical hazards

3 Hazard Scale: 0 = Minimal 1 = Slight 2 = Moderate 3 = Serious 4 = Severe * = Chronic hazard