Potassium nitrite

H272: May intensify fire; oxidizer [Danger Oxidizing liquids; Oxidizing solids]

H301: Toxic if swallowed [Danger Acute toxicity, oral]

H400: Very toxic to aquatic life [Warning Hazardous to the aquatic environment, acute hazard]

P210, P220, P264, P270, P273, P280, P301+P316, P321, P330, P370+P378, P391, P405, and P501 (click each P-code to see the statement)

H272 (100%): May intensify fire; oxidizer [Danger Oxidizing liquids; Oxidizing solids]

H301 (84%): Toxic if swallowed [Danger Acute toxicity, oral]

H311 (16%): Toxic in contact with skin [Danger Acute toxicity, dermal]

H400 (100%): Very toxic to aquatic life [Warning Hazardous to the aquatic environment, acute hazard]

P210, P220, P262, P264, P270, P273, P280, P301+P316, P302+P352, P316, P321, P330, P361+P364, P370+P378, P391, P405, and P501 (click each P-code to see the statement)

Aggregated GHS information provided per 325 reports by companies from 5 notifications to the ECHA C&L Inventory. Each notification may be associated with multiple companies.

Information may vary between notifications depending on impurities, additives, and other factors. The percentage value in parenthesis indicates the notified classification ratio from companies that provide hazard codes. Only hazard codes with percentage values above 10% are shown. For more detailed information, please visit ECHA C&L website.

H301 (100%): Toxic if swallowed [Danger Acute toxicity, oral]

Aggregated GHS information provided per 38 reports by companies from 1 notifications to the ECHA C&L Inventory. Each notification may be associated with multiple companies.

H361: Suspected of damaging fertility or the unborn child [Warning Reproductive toxicity]

H362: May cause harm to breast-fed children [Reproductive toxicity, effects on or via lactation]

H370: Causes damage to organs [Danger Specific target organ toxicity, single exposure]

H401: Toxic to aquatic life [Hazardous to the aquatic environment, acute hazard]

H411: Toxic to aquatic life with long lasting effects [Hazardous to the aquatic environment, long-term hazard]

P203, P210, P220, P260, P263, P264, P270, P273, P280, P308+P316, P318, P321, P370+P378, P391, P405, and P501 (click each P-code to see the statement)

H315: Causes skin irritation [Warning Skin corrosion/irritation]

H320: Causes eye irritation [Warning Serious eye damage/eye irritation]

H333: May be harmful if inhaled [Warning Acute toxicity, inhalation]

H335: May cause respiratory irritation [Warning Specific target organ toxicity, single exposure; Respiratory tract irritation]

H371: May cause damage to organs [Warning Specific target organ toxicity, single exposure]

P203, P210, P220, P260, P261, P264, P264+P265, P270, P271, P280, P302+P352, P304+P317, P304+P340, P305+P351+P338, P308+P316, P318, P319, P321, P332+P317, P337+P317, P362+P364, P370+P378, P403+P233, P405, and P501 (click each P-code to see the statement)

Fresh air, rest. Artificial respiration may be needed. Refer for medical attention.

First rinse with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes, then remove contaminated clothes and rinse again.

First rinse with plenty of water for several minutes (remove contact lenses if easily possible), then refer for medical attention.

Rinse mouth. Induce vomiting (ONLY IN CONSCIOUS PERSONS!). Refer for medical attention .

Excerpt from ERG Guide 140 [Oxidizers]:

Refer to the "General First Aid" section. Specific First Aid: Contaminated clothing may be a fire risk when dry. (ERG, 2024)

General First Aid:

· Call 911 or emergency medical service.

· Ensure that medical personnel are aware of the material(s) involved, take precautions to protect themselves and avoid contamination.

· Move victim to fresh air if it can be done safely.

· Administer oxygen if breathing is difficult.

· If victim is not breathing:

-- DO NOT perform mouth-to-mouth resuscitation; the victim may have ingested or inhaled the substance.

-- If equipped and pulse detected, wash face and mouth, then give artificial respiration using a proper respiratory medical device (bag-valve mask, pocket mask equipped with a one-way valve or other device).

-- If no pulse detected or no respiratory medical device available, provide continuous compressions. Conduct a pulse check every two minutes or monitor for any signs of spontaneous respirations.

· Remove and isolate contaminated clothing and shoes.

· For minor skin contact, avoid spreading material on unaffected skin.

· In case of contact with substance, remove immediately by flushing skin or eyes with running water for at least 20 minutes.

· For severe burns, immediate medical attention is required.

· Effects of exposure (inhalation, ingestion, or skin contact) to substance may be delayed.

· Keep victim calm and warm.

· Keep victim under observation.

· For further assistance, contact your local Poison Control Center.

· Note: Basic Life Support (BLS) and Advanced Life Support (ALS) should be done by trained professionals.

Specific First Aid:

· Contaminated clothing may be a fire risk when dry.

In Canada, an Emergency Response Assistance Plan (ERAP) may be required for this product. Please consult the shipping paper and/or the "ERAP" section.

Excerpt from ERG Guide 140 [Oxidizers]:

SMALL FIRE: Use water. Do not use dry chemicals or foams. CO2 or Halon® may provide limited control.

LARGE FIRE: Flood fire area with water from a distance. Do not move cargo or vehicle if cargo has been exposed to heat. If it can be done safely, move undamaged containers away from the area around the fire.

FIRE INVOLVING TANKS, RAIL TANK CARS OR HIGHWAY TANKS: For ammonium nitrate products: Do not fight cargo fire. Withdraw, evacuate and isolate area for at least 1600 meters (1 mile). Treat as an explosive (ERG Guide 112). Do not enter area for 24 hours or until expert advice has been provided. Fight fire from maximum distance or use unmanned master stream devices or monitor nozzles. Cool containers with flooding quantities of water until well after fire is out. ALWAYS stay away from tanks in direct contact with flames. For massive fire, use unmanned master stream devices or monitor nozzles; if this is impossible, withdraw from area and let fire burn. (ERG, 2024)

In case of fire in the surroundings, use appropriate extinguishing media. In case of fire: keep drums, etc., cool by spraying with water.

Evacuation: If fire becomes uncontrollable - consider evacuation of one-half (1/2) mile radius

If material on fire or involved in fire: Flood with water. Cool all affected containers with flooding quantities of water. Apply water from as far a distance as possible.

... All extinguishing agents allowed.

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

· CALL 911. Then call emergency response telephone number on shipping paper. If shipping paper not available or no answer, refer to appropriate telephone number listed on the inside back cover.

· Keep unauthorized personnel away.

· Stay upwind, uphill and/or upstream.

· Ventilate closed spaces before entering, but only if properly trained and equipped.

· Keep combustibles (wood, paper, oil, etc.) away from spilled material.

· Do not touch damaged containers or spilled material unless wearing appropriate protective clothing.

· Stop leak if you can do it without risk.

· Do not get water inside containers.

Small Dry Spill

· With clean shovel, place material into clean, dry container and cover loosely; move containers from spill area.

Small Liquid Spill

· Use a non-combustible material like vermiculite or sand to soak up the product and place into a container for later disposal.

Large Spill

· Dike far ahead of liquid spill for later disposal.

Excerpt from ERG Guide 140 [Oxidizers]:

IMMEDIATE PRECAUTIONARY MEASURE: Isolate spill or leak area in all directions for at least 50 meters (150 feet) for liquids and at least 25 meters (75 feet) for solids.

LARGE SPILL: Consider initial downwind evacuation for at least 100 meters (330 feet).

FIRE: If tank, rail tank car or highway tank is involved in a fire, ISOLATE for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions; also, consider initial evacuation for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions. If ammonium nitrate products are in a tank, rail car or truck and involved in a fire, ISOLATE for 1600 meters (1 mile) in all directions; also, initiate evacuation including emergency responders for 1600 meters (1 mile) in all directions. (ERG, 2024)

Immediate precautionary measure

· Isolate spill or leak area in all directions for at least 50 meters (150 feet) for liquids and at least 25 meters (75 feet) for solids.

· Consider initial downwind evacuation for at least 100 meters (330 feet).

· If tank, rail tank car or highway tank is involved in a fire, ISOLATE for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions; also, consider initial evacuation for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions.

· If ammonium nitrate products are in a tank, rail car or truck and involved in a fire, ISOLATE for 1600 meters (1 mile) in all directions; also, initiate evacuation including emergency responders for 1600 meters (1 mile) in all directions.

Personal protection: particulate filter respirator adapted to the airborne concentration of the substance. Do NOT let this chemical enter the environment. Sweep spilled substance into covered containers. Carefully collect remainder. Then store and dispose of according to local regulations. Do NOT absorb in saw-dust or other combustible absorbents.

Sweep spilled substance into containers. Carefully collect remainder, then remove to safe place. Do NOT absorb in saw-dust or other combustible absorbents. Do NOT let this chemical enter the environment. (Extra personal protection: P3 filter respirator for toxic particles).

SRP: The most favorable course of action is to use an alternative chemical product with less inherent propensity for occupational exposure or environmental contamination. Recycle any unused portion of the material for its approved use or return it to the manufacturer or supplier. Ultimate disposal of the chemical must consider: the material's impact on air quality; potential migration in soil or water; effects on animal, aquatic, and plant life; and conformance with environmental and public health regulations.

If material not on fire and not involved in fire: Keep sparks, flames, and other sources of ignition away. Keep material out of water sources and sewers.

Personnel protection: Avoid breathing dusts. ... Do not handle broken packages unless wearing appropriate personal protective equipment. Wash away any material which may have contacted the body with copious amounts of water or soap and water. Wear positive pressure self-contained breathing apparatus when fighting fires involving this material.

NO contact with combustibles ... PREVENT DISPERSION OF DUST ... Local exhaust or breathing protection ... Do not eat, drink, or smoke during work. Wash hands before eating ... Depending on the degree of exposure, periodic medical examination is indicated. Specific treatment is necessary in case of poisoning with this substance; the appropriate means with instructions must be available. Rinse contaminated clothes (fire hazard) with plenty of water.

SRP: The scientific literature for the use of contact lenses in industry is conflicting. The benefit or detrimental effects of wearing contact lenses depend not only upon the substance, but also on factors including the form of the substance, characteristics and duration of the exposure, the uses of other eye protection equipment, and the hygiene of the lenses. However, there may be individual substances whose irritating or corrosive properties are such that the wearing of contact lenses would be harmful to the eye. In those specific cases, contact lenses should not be worn. In any event, the usual eye protection equipment should be worn even when contact lenses are in place.

Approximately 14 million households in the United States use private wells to supply their drinking water (Bureau of the Census 1993). In agricultural areas, nitrogen-based fertilizers are a major source of contamination for shallow groundwater aquifers that provide drinking water. A recent United States Geological Survey study showed that >8,200 wells nationwide were contaminated with nitrate levels above the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) drinking water standard of 10 parts per million (ppm). ... Because of the risks for potential adverse health effects, persons who use drinking water that contains nitrate levels >10 milligrams per liter (mg/L) should have alternative sources of water or appropriate treatment of existing supplies. Information regarding testing of well water can be obtained from city or county health departments. Other sources of nitrate contamination are organic animal wastes and contamination from septic sewer systems, especially in wells <100 feet deep. During spring melt or drought conditions, both domestic wells and public water systems using surface water can show increased nitrate levels. /Nitrate/

Excerpt from ERG Guide 140 [Oxidizers]:

Keep combustibles (wood, paper, oil, etc.) away from spilled material. Do not touch damaged containers or spilled material unless wearing appropriate protective clothing. Stop leak if you can do it without risk. Do not get water inside containers.

SMALL DRY SPILL: With clean shovel, place material into clean, dry container and cover loosely; move containers from spill area.

SMALL LIQUID SPILL: Use a non-combustible material like vermiculite or sand to soak up the product and place into a container for later disposal.

LARGE SPILL: Dike far ahead of liquid spill for later disposal. (ERG, 2024)

Fireproof. Provision to contain effluent from fire extinguishing. Separated from combustible substances, reducing agents and acids. Dry. Well closed.

Keep well closed.

Store in airtight containers.

Fireproof. Provision to contain effluent from fire extinguishing. Separated from combustible and reducing substances, acids. Dry. Well closed.

· Wear positive pressure self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA).

· Wear chemical protective clothing that is specifically recommended by the manufacturer when there is NO RISK OF FIRE.

· Structural firefighters' protective clothing provides thermal protection but only limited chemical protection.

0.18 [mg/m3]

2.0 [mg/m3]

12 [mg/m3]

Small Fire

· Use water. Do not use dry chemicals or foams. CO2 or Halon® may provide limited control.

Large Fire

· Flood fire area with water from a distance.

· Do not move cargo or vehicle if cargo has been exposed to heat.

· If it can be done safely, move undamaged containers away from the area around the fire.

Fire Involving Tanks, Rail Tank Cars or Highway Tanks

· For ammonium nitrate products: Do not fight cargo fire. Withdraw, evacuate and isolate area for at least 1600 meters (1 mile). Treat as an explosive (GUIDE 112). Do not enter area for 24 hours or until expert advice has been provided.

· Fight fire from maximum distance or use unmanned master stream devices or monitor nozzles.

· Cool containers with flooding quantities of water until well after fire is out.

· ALWAYS stay away from tanks in direct contact with flames.

· For massive fire, use unmanned master stream devices or monitor nozzles; if this is impossible, withdraw from area and let fire burn.

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

The substance is irritating to the eyes, skin and respiratory tract. The substance may cause effects on the cardiovascular system and blood. This may result in fall of blood pressure and the formation of methaemoglobin. Exposure could cause death. The effects may be delayed. Medical observation is indicated.

Excerpt from ERG Guide 140 [Oxidizers]:

Wear positive pressure self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA). Wear chemical protective clothing that is specifically recommended by the manufacturer when there is NO RISK OF FIRE. Structural firefighters' protective clothing provides thermal protection but only limited chemical protection. (ERG, 2024)

... Eye protection in combination with breathing protection ... Extra personal protection: P3 filter respirator for toxic particles.

Personnel protectioin: ... Wear appropriate chemical protective gloves, boots and goggles.

NO contact with combustible substances.

PREVENT DISPERSION OF DUST!

Use local exhaust or breathing protection.

Protective gloves.

Wear safety goggles or eye protection in combination with breathing protection.

Do not eat, drink, or smoke during work. Wash hands before eating.

Potassium nitrite appears as a yellowish white crystalline solid. Noncombustible but accelerates the burning of all combustible material. If large quantities are involved in fire or if the combustible material is finely divided, an explosion may result. May explode under prolonged exposure to heat. Toxic oxides of nitrogen are produced in fires. Used to make other chemicals and in chemical analysis.

White or slightly yellow, deliquescent granules

White to slightly yellow granules; [CHEMINFO MSDS]

WHITE-TO-YELLOW DELIQUESCENT SOLID IN VARIOUS FORMS.

White or slightly yellow granules or rods

White crystals

537 °C (explodes)

441 °C with decomp starting at 350 °C

281 G/100 CC OF WATER @ 0 °C; 413 G/100 CC OF WATER @ 100 °C

312 g/100g of water at 25 °C

SOL IN HOT ALCOHOL; VERY SOL IN LIQUID AMMONIA

306 parts by wt per 100 parts by wt of water at 20 °C

For more Solubility (Complete) data for POTASSIUM NITRITE (6 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

Solubility in water, g/100ml at 0 °C: 281 (very good)

1.9 g/cm³

1.915 @25 °C

Decomposition of compound starts at 350 °C.

Upon decomposition it emits toxic fumes of /potassium oxide/.

6,0-9,0 (5 % solution)

Aq soln is alkaline

The hydrate exists below -8.9 °C

Deliquescent

Nitrogen Compounds -> Nitrates and Nitrites

Use unspecified -> FDA Substance added to food

Water soluble.

Nitrate and Nitrite Compounds, Inorganic

Strong Oxidizing Agent

CSL00202

1,3,5-Benzenetriol, 2,4,6-trinitro-, potassium salt + Water + Acetic Acid + Potassium nitrite + Potassium hydroxide + Ethanol

"The potassium salt of 2,4,6-trinitroso-1,3,5-benzenetriol, prepared in our laboratory precisely according to the literature procedure of R. Benedikt (Chem. Ber. 1878, 11, 1374), unexpectedly exploded. 1,3,5-Benzenetriol (1 g, 7.9 mmol) dissolved in 30 mL of H2O and 3 mL of glacial acetic acid was cooled at 6-9 °C and 3 equivalents of potassium nitrite (2 g, 23.7 mmol) in 2 mL water was added. The reaction mixture immediately became brownish and was stirred an additional 30 minutes. Potassium hydroxide (1.4 g, 23.7 mmol) was added, followed by 10 mL of ethanol. The precipitate of dark green crystals was filtered off to give the potassium salt (48%), which was stored in a covered flask on the bench. An hour and a half later, it exploded spontaneously, damaging some glass containers. According to the original report, 2,4,6-trinitroso-1,3,5-benzenetriol decomposes on heating at 130 °C." (reprint of full text)

Explosive

Response by Neal Langerman" "Nitroso compounds are well documented as energetic and frequently spontaneously decompose (“Bretherick’s Handbook of Reactive Chemical Hazards,” P. G. Urben, editor, 7th Ed., Academic Press, 2007, and “Explosives,” Rudolf Meyer, Josef Köhler, Axel Homburg, 6th Ed., Wiley-VCH, 2007). The compound being synthesized by Katritzky is very similar to the known explosive compound 2,4,6-trinitrobenzene-1,3-diol and the unstable compound 2,4,6-trinitrobenzene-1,3,5-triol (see Bretherick’s). The metal salts of the latter are explosive. Given this literature information, it is reasonable to expect the trinitroso compound to be unstable and explosive. Under these circumstances, synthetic chemistry should be conducted with appropriate controls to prevent an explosion and to limit the size of an energetic event, should one occur." (reprint of full text). Literature citation: Langerman, Neal. esponse to an unexpected explosion. Chem. Eng. News 2008, 86 (40), 5. DOI: 10.1021/cen-v086n040.p004. (Letters: chemical safety)

10.1021/cen-v086n040.p004

Literature Reference

10/20/2022

POTASSIUM NITRITE is an oxidizing agent. Mixtures with phosphorus, tin(II) chloride or other reducing agents may react explosively [Bretherick 1979 p. 108-109]. Contamination by ammonium compounds can initiate spontaneous decomposition. The resulting heat may ignite surrounding combustible material. Reacts with acids to form toxic nitrogen dioxide gas. Mixing with liquid ammonia forms dipotassium nitrite, which is very reactive and easily explosive [Mellor 2, Supp. 3:1566 1963]. Melting together with an ammonium salt leads to a violent explosion [Von Schwartz 1918 p. 299]. A mixture with potassium cyanide may cause an explosion. When a little ammonium sulfate is added to fused potassium nitrite, a vigorous reaction occurs attended by flame [Mellor 2:702. 1946-47].

Addition of ammonium sulfate to the fused /potassium/ nitrite causes effervescence and ignition.

molten potassium nitrite is violently decomposed by boron.

It will explode at 1000 °F or when mixed with cyanide salts & heated.

... Reacts violently with potassium amide and heat.

For more Hazardous Reactivities and Incompatibilities (Complete) data for POTASSIUM NITRITE (9 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

Nitrite causes the autocatalytic oxidation of oxyhemoglobin to hydrogen peroxide and methemoglobin. This elevation of methemoglobin levels is a condition known as methemoglobinemia, and is characterized by tissue hypoxia, as methemoglobin cannot bind oxygen. (A2450, L1613)

Ingested nitrate or nitrite under conditions that result in endogenous nitrosation is probably carcinogenic to humans (Group 2A). (L135)

Nitrite poisoning causes methemoglobinemia. Nitrites may cause pregnancy complications and developmental effects. They may also be carcinogenic. (L1137)

The substance can be absorbed into the body by inhalation of its aerosol and by ingestion.

Oral (L1137) ; inhalation (L1137)

Cough. Sore throat. Headache. Blue lips, fingernails and skin. Nausea. Dizziness. Confusion. Laboured breathing. Convulsions. Unconsciousness.

Redness.

Redness. Pain.

Vomiting. Increased heart rate. Fall in blood pressure. Further see Inhalation.

Nitrite poisoning causes methemoglobinemia. Symptoms include cyanosis, cardiac dysrhythmias and circulatory failure, and progressive central nervous system (CNS) effects. CNS effects can range from mild dizziness and lethargy to coma and convulsions. (L1137)

Methemoglobinemia - The presence of increased methemoglobin in the blood; the compound is classified as secondary toxic effect

LC50 (mice) = 85,000 mg/m3/2H

LC50: 85 g/m3 over 2 hours (Inhalation, Mouse) (T13)

LC50 Mouse inhalation 85 g/cu m/2 hr

LD50 Rabbit oral 108 mg anion/kg /Nitrite ion/

Methemoglobinemia can be treated with supplemental oxygen and methylene blue 1% solution administered intravenously slowly over five minutes followed by IV flush with normal saline. Methylene blue restores the iron in hemoglobin to its normal (reduced) oxygen-carrying state. (L1613)

Methylene blue has a protective effect against nitrite-induced MetHb formation ... Dietary factors may have a protective effect against MetHb formation. Examples are ascorbic acid (vitamin C) and methionine which reduced the level of nitrite-induced MetHb when added to the diet of guinea-pigs. Conversely, guinea-pigs deficient in ascorbic acid had higher nitrite-induced MetHb levels than control animals ... /Nitrite/

The effect of nitrite ingestion on the intestinal deconjugation and absorption of folic acid (PGA) and brewers yeast folate was investigated using a rat bioassay and liver folate uptake as the response parameter. Male weanling Sprague Dawley rats were depleted on a low folate AIN-76A formulated basal diet for 21 days. During a 14 day repletion period, folic acid (PGA) and brewers yeast were added to provide 0.25, 0.5 and 1.0 mg of folate per kg of diet. Potassium nitrite was administered as part of the diet at 0.5%. All diets were made isonitrogenous and isocaloric. Based on a parallel line assay, the relative bioavailability of folate in the brewers yeast diet (109) was significantly higher than in the standard diet (PGA = 100). When combined with nitrite, the relative bioavailability of the PGA diet was not significantly different (101), while that of the brewers yeast diet was significantly lower than the standard diet. Concomitant ingestion of nitrite significantly reduced the bioavailability of brewers yeast folate but not that of PGA in rats. This appeared to be a direct effect of oxidation by nitrite on the more susceptible substituted folates in brewers yeast.

... In vivo formation of nitrosopiperidine /was demonstrated/ in the stomach of rats from nitrate and piperidine. At comparable doses, a lesser degree of nitrosation occurred with nitrite and piperidine. /Nitrate and nitrite/

No increase was found in urinary nitrosamine levels of human subjects after consumption of meals with fish or beef (source of amines), bacon (source of pre-formed nitrosamines), in combination with spinach and vegetable juice (source of nitrate/nitrite). /Nitrate or nitrite/

For more Interactions (Complete) data for POTASSIUM NITRITE (6 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

Maintain an open airway and assist ventilation if necessary. Administer supplemental oxygen. Treat hypotension with supine positioning, intravenous crystalloid fluids, and a low dose -pressor if needed. Monitor vital signs and ECG for 4 to 6 hours. Symptomatic methemoglobinemia may be treated with methylene blue. ... Administer activated charcoal. Gastric emptying is not necessary for small ingestions if activated charcoal can be given promptly . Hemodialysis and hemoperfusion are not effective. Severe methemoglobinemia in infants not responsive to methylene blue therapy may require exchange transfusion. /Nitrates and Nitrites/

Decontamination: Remove victim from exposure and administer supplemental oxygen if available. Remove contaminated clothing and wash with copious soap and water. Irrigate exposed eyes with water or saline. /Nitrates and NItrites/

Basic treatment: Establish a patent airway (oropharyngeal or nasopharyngeal airway, if needed). Suction if necessary. Watch for signs of respiratory insufficiency and assist ventilations if necessary. Administer oxygen by nonrebreather mask at 10 to 15 L/min. Monitor for shock and treat if necessary ... Anticipate seizures and treat as necessary ... For eye contamination, flush eyes immediately with water. Irrigate each eye continuously with 0.9% saline (NS) during transport ... Do not use emetics. For ingestion, rinse mouth and administer 5 ml/kg up to 200 d of water for dilution if the patient can swallow, has a strong gag reflex, and does not drool. Administer activated charcoal ... /Nitrates, nitrites, and related compounds/

Advanced treatment: Consider orotracheal or nasotracheal intubation for airway control in the patient who is unconscious or is in severe respiratory distress. Monitor cardiac rhythm and treat arrhythmias if necessary. Start IV administration of D5W /SRP: "To keep open", minimal flow rate/. Use 0.9% saline (NS) or lactated Ringer's (LR) if signs of hypovolemia are present. For hypotension with signs of hypovolemia, administer fluid cautiously. If unresponsive to these measures, vasopressors may be helpful. Watch for signs of fluid overload ... Treat seizures with diazepam or lorazepam ... Administer 1% solution methylene blue if patient is symptomatic with severe hypoxia, cyanosis, and cardiac compromise not responding to oxygen. ... Use proparacaine hydrochloride to assist eye irrigation ... /Nitrates, nitrites, and related compounds/

For more Antidote and Emergency Treatment (Complete) data for POTASSIUM NITRITE (10 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

Clinical Evaluation: History. Evaluation of a patient with suspected nitrate/nitrite exposure includes a complete medical history and physical examination. Clues to potential exposure are often obtained by reviewing the following items with the patient or family: location of home (urban, suburban, or rural); drinking water source and supply (if well water: depth, location, type of well construction, and frequency of microbiologic and nitrate testing); surrounding activities (agricultural or industrial) and proximity to drinking-water source; type of sewer system (municipal or septic) and proximity to drinking water source; recent flooding; occupations, avocations, and hobbies of family members; nutritional status (for infants: type of formula, feeding regimen, and source of dilution water); family history, including recent use of medications by infant and mother; and history of recent gastroenteritis with vomiting or diarrhea. /Nitrates and Nitrites/

Physical examination should include special attention to the color of the skin and mucous membranes. If there is a history of gastroenteritis (especially in infants), evaluate the patient for the possible presence of dehydration (poor skin turgor, sunken fontanelle, dry mucous membranes). All cyanotic patients should be assessed for possible cardiac and lung disease (cardiac murmurs, gallops, arrhythmias; rales, rhonchi, wheezes, dullness or hyperresonance in the chest). A central chocolate-brown or slate-gray cyanosis that does not respond to administration of 100% oxygen is indicative of methemoglobinemia. Cyanosis due to cardiorespiratory compromise most often improves with administration of 100% oxygen. In young infants, look for labored breathing, respiratory exhaustion, hypotension, below-average weight gain, and failure to meet developmental markers. Gastroenteritis can increase the rates of production and absorption of nitrites in young infants and aggravate methemoglobinemia. /Nitrates and Nitrites/

Signs and Symptoms Signs and symptoms of methemoglobinemia can be directly correlated with the percentage of total hemoglobin in the oxidized form... The lips and mucous membranes of patients with nitrate/nitrite toxicity usually have more of a brownish than a bluish cast. Dyspnea, especially on exertion, is common. Varying degrees of central nervous system depression might be present. The cardiac and pulmonary examinations are usually normal, but systolic flow murmurs might be detected. Cardiac arrhythmias and hypotension can occur in patients with severe poisoning, although death from methemoglobinemia alone is uncommon, except in infants. /Nitrates and Nitrites/

Laboratory Evaluation Most commonly, a drop of the patient's blood is placed on a piece of filter paper next to a drop of blood from person who does not have methemoglobinemia; when dry, the blood with methemoglobin will turn a deep chocolate-brown or slate-gray color. A tube of methemoglobin containing blood will not turn red when shaken in air or when oxygen is bubbled through it, whereas blood that is dark because of normal deoxyhemoglobin will turn red. Screening Tests: Examination of blood color. Determination of the calculated versus measured arterial saturation gap. Hemoglobin and hematocrit. Serum-free hemoglobin (for hemolysis detection). Serum haptoglobin (for hemolysis detection). Heinz bodies on peripheral blood smear. Urinalysis. Specialized Tests: Determination of methemoglobin level. Tests for causes of congenital methemoglobinemia. Hemoglobin electrophoresis. Activity of NADH-dependent methemoglobin reductase. Tests for Causes of Failure of Methylene Blue Therapy (see Treatment and Management section): Activity of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G-6-PD). Activity of NADPH-dependent methemoglobin reductase. Sulfhemoglobin blood level (not readily available for clinical use). /Nitrates and Nitrites/

For more Medical Surveillance (Complete) data for POTASSIUM NITRITE (6 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

/HUMAN EXPOSURE STUDIES/ Symptoms of nitrite poisoning and MetHb formation after ingestion ranged from 0.4 to > 200 mg/kg bw, expressed as nitrite ion ... MetHb formation in different cases varied from 7.7 up to 79% ... /It was deduced that/ cyanosis occurred at MetHb concentration above 10%, and other symptoms at > 20% ... /Nitrite/[WHO; WHO Food Additives Series 35 (844): Nitrite. Available from, as of October 30, 2006: http://www.inchem.org/documents/jecfa/jecmono/v35je13.htm]

/SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS/ Symptomatology: 1. A prompt fall in blood pressure. 2. A roaring sound in the ears, a headache which is persistent and throbbing, with associated vertigo, a generalized tingling sensation, palpitations, and visual disturbances. 3. The skin is flushed and perspiring, later cold and cyanotic. 4. Nausea and vomiting. The ingestion of nitrites may also cause colic and diarrhea. 5. Syncope, esp when attempting to stand upright. 6. Methemoglobinemia, with attendant cyanosis and anoxia. 7. Hyperpnea; later dyspnea and slow breathing. 8. The pulse may be slow, dicrotic, and intermittent. 9. Incr intraocular tension and intracranial pressure. 10. Collapse and coma, followed by clonic convulsions. 11. Death due to circulatory collapse. /Nitrite/[Gosselin, R.E., R.P. Smith, H.C. Hodge. Clinical Toxicology of Commercial Products. 5th ed. Baltimore: Williams and Wilkins, 1984., p. III-317]

/SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS/ ... /Potassium nitrite/ is irritating to the eyes, the skin and the respiratory tract. The substance may cause effects on the cardiovascular system and blood, resulting in fall of blood pressure, formation of methemoglobin. Exposure may result in death. The effects may be delayed ...[IPCS, CEC; International Chemical Safety Card on Potassium nitrite. (April 2000). Available from, as of October 24, 2006: http://www.inchem.org/documents/icsc/icsc/eics1069.htm]

For more Human Toxicity Excerpts (Complete) data for POTASSIUM NITRITE (17 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

/LABORATORY ANIMALS: Acute Exposure/ ... pigs /became/ ill with acute oral doses of 12.2 to 19.8 mg/kg potassium nitrite and ... /died/ with doses of 21.3 mg/kg or more. Clinical signs of poisoning were noted when 20% of the hemoglobin was converted to methemoglobin; death occurred (90 to 150 min after dosage) when 76 to 82% of the hemoglobin was ... converted.

/LABORATORY ANIMALS: Subchronic or Prechronic Exposure/ In two 2-week toxicity studies, chickens were fed a diet containing 0 or 0.4% potassium nitrite (equal to 0 or 400 mg/kg bw/day) ... The test animals showed growth retardation, enlarged thyroid glands and decreased vitamin A content in the liver despite the vitamin A-rich diet.

/LABORATORY ANIMALS: Subchronic or Prechronic Exposure/ In a 90-day study, male Wistar rats were administered potassium nitrite (KNO2) in drinking-water at levels of 3.6, 12 or 36 mmol/L (300, 1000 or 3000 mg/L KNO2. Control animals received 36 mmol potassium chloride (KCl)/L and another group received 36 mmol potassium nitrate (KNO3)/L (3700 mg/L). Additional animals were allocated to the control and the high-nitrite group for interval kills at 28 or 56 days, or after a 30-day or a 60-day recovery period following the treatment period of 90 days. Special emphasis was given to the effect on the adrenal and MetHb formation. Slight hypertrophy of the adrenal zona glomerulosa was seen after 28 days in rats exposed to 36 mmol/L KNO2. Longer exposure time did not result in progression of this adrenal lesion. Exposure during 90 days to lower doses of nitrite showed that the incidence and degree of the hypertrophy were dose-related, with a NOEL of 3.6 mmol/L, equivalent to 30 mg KNO2/kg bw/day, or 16 mg/kg bw/day expressed as nitrite ion. Slight focal and diffuse hypertrophy were still present in rats exposed to 36 mmol/L after a recovery period of 30 days, but disappeared after a 60-day recovery period. Exposure during 90 days to 36 mmol/L potassium nitrate, which is normally readily formed in the circulation following administration of nitrite, did not induce hypertrophy of the adrenal zona glomerulosa. MetHb formation occurred during the first weeks of exposure to 36 mmol/L KNO2. The MetHb level decreased gradually with time, suggesting metabolic adaptation to prolonged nitrite exposure ...

/LABORATORY ANIMALS: Subchronic or Prechronic Exposure/ A subchronic oral toxicity study with potassium nitrite was carried out in rats. Groups of ten male and ten female 6-wk-old rats received potassium nitrite in the drinking-water (tap-water) at levels of 0, 100, 300, 1000 and 3000 mg/L for a period of 13 wk. The potassium concentration in the nitrite solutions was equalized by adding potassium chloride up to the potassium level of the 3000 mg potassium nitrite/L solution. An additional group of ten males and ten females received drinking water supplemented with potassium chloride only, at an amount resulting in a potassium concentration equivalent to that of the 3000 mg potassium nitrite/L solution. Body weight, food intake and food efficiency were decreased at 3000 mg/L level in males, while liquid intake was decreased in males given 1000 and 3000 mg/L and in females given 3000 mg/L. There was significant increase in the methemoglobin concentration in animals given 3000 mg/L, while slight decreases in red blood cell variables occurred at the 1000 and 3000 mg/L dose. No impaired renal function was observed in any of the test groups, although the relative weight of the kidneys and the plasma urea nitrogen level was increased at 3000 mg/L. There was a slight decrease in plasma alkaline phosphatase activity at 3000 mg/L. A small amount of nitrite was present in the saliva of the rats receiving 3000 mg/L but there was no evidence of increased mutagenic activity in the urine of these rats. ... Hypertrophy of the adrenal zone glomerulosa was observed in all test groups, the incidence and degree being dose related. It was concluded that in the study reported here the no-effect level is lower than 100 mg potassium nitrite/L in the drinking water, which is equivalent to a level lower than 10 mg potassium nitrite/kg body weight/day.

For more Non-Human Toxicity Excerpts (Complete) data for POTASSIUM NITRITE (12 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

/AQUATIC SPECIES/ Salmo gairdneri /exposed/ to 0.1 mg NO2-/L for ... /7 wk/ in freshwater caused no lethality, growth reduction, gill histological changes or hematological dyscrasions ... Although 0.05 mg NO2-/L causes significant increase in methemoglobin levels, the change was slight and not of biological significance. /Nitrite/

/AQUATIC SPECIES/ Rainbow trout (Salmo gairdneri) appears to be the most sensitive fish species to nitrite toxicity, with a 96 hr LC50 ranging from 0.56 to 1.78 mg NO2-/L for low chloride water and 11.5 to 17.4 mg NO2-/L for high chloride water, at pH between 7.5 and 8.6 in hard water. /Nitrite/

This substance may be hazardous to the environment. Special attention should be given to water quality and soil contamination.

NIOSH (NOES Survey 1981-1983) has statistically estimated that 27,303 workers (2,845 of these are female) are potentially exposed to potassium nitrite in the US(1).

Potassium nitrite involved in poisonings: well water (contaminated), fertilizers /From table/

Oral intake of nitrate and nitrite in food and drinking water is the major route of entry /Nitrate and nitrite poisoning/

... /Potassium nitrite/ can be absorbed into the body by inhalation of its aerosol and by ingestion.

SRP: The most favorable course of action is to use an alternative chemical product with less inherent propensity for occupational exposure or environmental contamination. Recycle any unused portion of the material for its approved use or return it to the manufacturer or supplier. Ultimate disposal of the chemical must consider: the material's impact on air quality; potential migration in soil or water; effects on animal, aquatic, and plant life; and conformance with environmental and public health regulations.

/GUIDE 140: OXIDIZERS/ Fire or Explosion: These substances will accelerate burning when involved in a fire. Some may decompose explosively when heated or involved in a fire. May explode from heat or contamination. Some will react explosively with hydrocarbons (fuels). May ignite combustibles (wood, paper, oil, clothing, etc.). Containers may explode when heated. Runoff may create fire or explosion hazard.

/GUIDE 140: OXIDIZERS/ Health: Inhalation, ingestion or contact (skin, eyes) with vapors or substance may cause severe injury, burns or death. Fire may produce irritating, corrosive and/or toxic gases. Runoff from fire control or dilution water may cause pollution.

/GUIDE 140: OXIDIZERS/ Public Safety: CALL Emergency Response Telephone Number on Shipping Paper first. If Shipping Paper not available or no answer, refer to appropriate telephone number listed on the inside back cover. As an immediate precautionary measure, isolate spill or leak area in all directions for at least 50 meters (150 feet) for liquids and at least 25 meters (75 feet) for solids. Keep unauthorized personnel away. Stay upwind. Keep out of low areas. Ventilate closed spaces before entering.

/GUIDE 140: OXIDIZERS/ Protective Clothing: Wear positive pressure self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA). Wear chemical protective clothing that is specifically recommended by the manufacturer. It may provide little or no thermal protection. Structural firefighters' protective clothing will only provide limited protection.

For more DOT Emergency Guidelines (Complete) data for POTASSIUM NITRITE (8 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

UN 1488; Potassium nitrite

IMO 5.1; Potassium nitrite

49 187 89; Potassium nitrite

No person may /transport,/ offer or accept a hazardous material for transportation in commerce unless that person is registered in conformance ... and the hazardous material is properly classed, described, packaged, marked, labeled, and in condition for shipment as required or authorized by ... /the hazardous materials regulations (49 CFR 171-177)./

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) Dangerous Goods Regulations are published by the IATA Dangerous Goods Board pursuant to IATA Resolutions 618 and 619 and constitute a manual of industry carrier regulations to be followed by all IATA Member airlines when transporting hazardous materials.

The International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code lays down basic principles for transporting hazardous chemicals. Detailed recommendations for individual substances and a number of recommendations for good practice are included in the classes dealing with such substances. A general index of technical names has also been compiled. This index should always be consulted when attempting to locate the appropriate procedures to be used when shipping any substance or article.

Oxidizer

Airtight.

Symbol: O, T, N; R: 8-25-50; S: (1/2)-45-61

UN Hazard Class: 5.1; UN Pack Group: II