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SODIUM NITRATE ICSC: 0185
Date of peer-review: October 2001

Chile saltpeter
CAS # 7631-99-4 NaNO3
RTECS # WC5600000 Molecular mass: 85
UN # 1498
EC #
TYPES OF HAZARD / EXPOSURE ACUTE HAZARDS / SYMPTOMS PREVENTION FIRST AID / FIRE FIGHTING
FIRE Not combustible but enhances combustion of other substances. Gives off irritating or toxic fumes (or gases) in a fire.
NO contact with combustibles and reducing agents.
In case of fire in the surroundings: use appropriate extinguishing media.
EXPLOSION Risk of fire and explosion on contact with reducing agents.


EXPOSURE
PREVENT DISPERSION OF DUST!

Inhalation Cough. Sore throat.
Local exhaust or breathing protection.
Fresh air, rest. Refer for medical attention.
Skin Redness.
Protective gloves.
First rinse with plenty of water, then remove contaminated clothes and rinse again.
Eyes Redness. Pain.
Safety goggles.
First rinse with plenty of water for several minutes (remove contact lenses if easily possible), then take to a doctor.
Ingestion Abdominal pain. Blue lips or fingernails. Blue skin. Convulsions. Diarrhoea. Dizziness. Headache. Laboured breathing. Confusion. Nausea. Unconsciousness.
Do not eat, drink, or smoke during work. Wash hands before eating.
Rinse mouth. Refer for medical attention.
SPILLAGE DISPOSAL PACKAGING & LABELLING
Sweep spilled substance into plastic or glass containers. Wash away remainder with plenty of water.
EU Classification
UN Classification
UN Hazard Class: 5.1
UN Pack Group: III
EMERGENCY RESPONSE STORAGE
Transport Emergency Card: TEC (R)-51S1498
Separated from combustible and reducing substances. Dry.
IPCS
International
Programme on
Chemical Safety
Prepared in the context of cooperation between the International Programme on Chemical Safety and the Commission of the European Communities © IPCS, CEC 2001

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SODIUM NITRATE ICSC: 0185
IMPORTANT DATA
PHYSICAL STATE; APPEARANCE:
COLOURLESS HYGROSCOPIC CRYSTALS.

CHEMICAL DANGERS:
The substance decomposes on heating producing nitrogen oxides and oxygen, which increases fire hazard. The substance is a strong oxidant and reacts with combustible and reducing materials, causing fire and explosion hazard.

OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE LIMITS:
TLV not established.
ROUTES OF EXPOSURE:
The substance can be absorbed into the body by inhalation of its aerosol and by ingestion.

INHALATION RISK:
Evaporation at 20°C is negligible; a harmful concentration of airborne particles can, however, be reached quickly when dispersed.

EFFECTS OF SHORT-TERM EXPOSURE:
The substance is irritating to the eyes, the skin and the respiratory tract. The substance may cause effects on the blood, resulting in formation of methaemoglobin when ingested. The effects may be delayed. Medical observation is indicated.

PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
Boiling point (decomposes): 380°C
Melting point: 308°C
Density: 2.3 g/cm^3
Solubility in water, g/100 ml at 25°C: 92.1
ENVIRONMENTAL DATA

NOTES
Rinse contaminated clothes (fire hazard) with plenty of water. Specific treatment is necessary in case of poisoning with this substance; the appropriate means with instructions must be available.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION


LEGAL NOTICE Neither the CEC nor the IPCS nor any person acting on behalf of the CEC or the IPCS is responsible for the use which might be made of this information
© IPCS, CEC 2001


    See Also:
       Toxicological Abbreviations
       Sodium nitrate (FAO Nutrition Meetings Report Series 38a)
       SODIUM NITRATE (JECFA Evaluation)