Sodium nitrite (NaNO?) is an inorganic salt formed by the ionization and formation of nitrite ions and sodium. Sodium nitrite is easily deliquescent and soluble in water and liquid ammonia. Its aqueous solution is alkaline with a pH of about 9. It is slightly soluble in organic solvents such as ethanol, methanol, and ether. Sodium nitrite has a salty taste and is used to make fake table salt. Sodium nitrite reacts with oxygen when exposed to air to form sodium nitrate.

If heated to above 320°C, it will decompose and generate oxygen, nitrogen oxide and sodium oxide. Contact with organic matter may cause fire and explosion. Because of its salty taste and low price, it is often used as an unreasonable substitute for table salt in illegal food production. Because sodium nitrite is toxic, food containing industrial salt is very harmful to the human body and is carcinogenic

Hazards:

Nitrite is a highly toxic substance. Generally speaking, if an adult ingests 0.2-0.5 grams, it will cause poisoning, and 3 grams can cause death. However, because everyone is different in their sensitivity to toxicity, The amount of poisoning will also vary.

The main toxicity mechanism of nitrite is to act on the iron ions in hemoglobin, making hemoglobin unable to transport oxygen, thereby destroying the oxidative energy supply system of human tissues, causing cyanosis, and in severe cases, death. When the human body feels that toxic substances have entered the gastrointestinal tract, it will try to remove them, so it will have reactions such as nausea and vomiting.

After nitrite poisoning, the hemoglobin in the human body will denature and lose its blood oxygen capacity. It can be seen in places where the skin and mucous membranes are relatively thin, such as around the lips, ear tips, nail beds, etc., and appear purple-black. Some people may also experience symptoms such as chest tightness, suffocation, and shortness of breath. Because nitrite dilates blood vessels, large amounts can cause shock, convulsions, and even death.

Extended information:

Emergency measures

Skin contact: Take off contaminated clothing and wash skin thoroughly with soap and water.

Eye contact: Lift eyelids and rinse with running water or saline. Seek medical attention.

Inhalation: Leave the scene quickly to fresh air. Keep your airway open. If breathing is difficult, give oxygen. If breathing stops, perform artificial respiration immediately. Seek medical attention.

Ingestion: Drink enough warm water to induce vomiting. Seek medical attention.

Respiratory system protection: When the concentration in the air is high, you should wear a self-priming filter dust mask. If necessary, wear self-contained breathing apparatus.

Eye protection: Wear chemical safety glasses.

Physical protection: Wear tape protective clothing.

Hand protection: Wear rubber gloves.

Other protection: After work, shower and change clothes. Maintain good hygiene habits.

Emergency leakage treatment: Isolate the leakage contaminated area and restrict access. It is recommended that emergency responders wear self-contained breathing apparatus and general work clothes. Do not allow leakage to come into contact with reducing agents, organic matter, flammable substances or metal powders. Do not come into direct contact with spilled material. Small spills: Use a clean shovel to collect in a dry, clean, covered container. Large leakage: Collect and recycle or transport to waste disposal site for disposal.

Hazardous combustion products: nitrogen oxides.

Fire-fighting methods: Firefighters must wear gas masks and put out fires from a safe distance upwind.

Fire-extinguishing media: mist water, sand.

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