No. 675 Standard Bismuth Nitrate Solution

SECTION 2: Hazards identification

OSHA EMERGENCY OVERVIEW Appearance Odor Chemical Family Clear, colorless liquid. No odor. Aqueous Mixture ROUTES OF ENTRY Inhalation Skin Contact Eyes No Yes POTENTIAL HEALTH EFFECTS EYES: SKIN Corrosive to eyes. Causes burns and may result in permanent injury, including blindness. Corrosive to skin. Contact may cause redness, pain, and may stain skin yellow or yellowish- brown. Prolonged contact may cause severe skin burns, possibly with deep ulceration. Harmful amounts may be absorbed through the skin with prolonged contact. INGESTION Corrosive to mucous membranes. May cause immediate pain and burns to the mouth, throat, esophagus, and gastrointestinal tract. Aspiration into the respiratory tract during swallowing or vomiting may cause severe injury to the trachea and lungs. Conversion of nitrate to nitrite in the intestinal tract may cause nitrite poisoning with symptoms of headache, flushing skin, vomiting, decreased blood pressure, and in severe cases, cyanosis and coma. INHALATION Mists, aerosols, or fumes generated by heating to near the boiling point are highly irritating and corrosive to respiratory tissues if inhaled, and may cause coughing, wheezing, and other breathing difficulties. Excessive or prolonged exposure to mists, aerosols, and fumes, or aspiration of the liquid will produce corrosive burns to the respiratory tract, and possibly pulmonary edema and chemical pneumonia, which may be fatal.

Acute Health Hazards

None known beyond those listed above.

Health hazards

Prolonged respiratory exposure to nitric acid mists or nitrogen oxides may cause or exacerbate respiratory tract disease. Prolonged excessive intake of nitrates may result in methemoglobinemia in some individuals. Prolonged excessive intake of bismuth salts may produce black spots or lines on gums, foul breath, and excessive salivation. OTHER Persons with impaired respiratory function or heart conditions may be more susceptible to the acute respiratory hazards. Exposure to mists or aerosols may aggravate pre-existing respiratory conditions, including asthma. Contact exposure may aggravate pre-existing eye and skin conditions, including dermatitis. CARCINOGENICITY