NALCO 20428 PLUS

SECTION 2: Hazards identification

**EMERGENCY OVERVIEW** DANGER Corrosive. May cause tissue damage. Toxic if swallowed. Contains sodium nitrite. Substances in the product can lead to the formation of methemoglobin. Unborn children are particularly sensitive to methemoglobinemia. Do not get in eyes, on skin, on clothing. Do not take internally. Use with adequate ventilation. In case of contact with eyes, rinse immediately with plenty of water and seek medical advice. After contact with skin, wash immediately with plenty of water. Use a mild soap if available. Wear a face shield. Wear chemical resistant apron, chemical splash goggles, impervious gloves and boots. Not flammable or combustible. May evolve oxides of nitrogen (NOx) under fire conditions. If product is allowed to dry, the sodium nitrite is an oxidizing agent and can initiate the combustion of other materials.

Principle Routes of Exposure

Eye, Skin

Health hazards

ACUTE EYE CONTACT Corrosive. Will cause eye burns and permanent tissue damage. SKIN CONTACT Corrosive; causes permanent skin damage. INGESTION Corrosive; causes chemical burns to the mouth, throat and stomach. Toxic if swallowed. Large exposures may be fatal. Ingestion of sodium nitrite can cause methemoglobinemia which can lead to cyanosis and possible death. Pregnant women and their fetuses are particularly sensitive to the effects of methemoglobinemia. May be fatal if swallowed. INHALATION Elevated temperatures or mechanical action may form vapors, mists or fumes which may be irritating to the eyes, nose, throat and lungs. AGGRAVATION OF EXISTING CONDITIONS Sodium Nitrite. Pregnant women are particularly sensitive to methemoglobinemia. EMERGENCY TELEPHONE NUMBER(S) (800) 424-9300 (24 Hours) CHEMTREC CHRONIC Repeated ingestion of small amounts of sodium nitrite causes drops in blood pressure, rapid pulse, headaches and visual disturbances. It may also react with organic amines in the body to form carcinogenic nitrosamines. Sodium nitrite is a mutagen and has been implicated with an increased incidence of cancer. It may react with organic amines in the body to form carcinogenic nitrosamines.