Metal-Chek: Compromisso Ambiental e Segurança com o Nitrito de Sódio
METALCHEK, always concerned with occupational health and the environment, brings information about its products, particularly Sodium Nitrite.
The Sodium Nitrite is a salt widely used as an antioxidant and antibacterial being found, even in canned food. The human body can receive nitrite in the amount of 20mg/kg, which is a relatively high amount.
The danger increases when nitrite comes into contact with amines. Amines are generally used in antioxidant compounds.
The result of the mixture is a compound known asnitrosamines, a product known to be carcinogenic.
Below is some information about Sodium Nitrite used as an antioxidant in some products supplied by MetalChek
Chemical formula: NaNO2
UN N°: 1500
Risk Nº: 86
Class/subclass: 5.1
Toxicology:
Nitrite develops harmful action to the blood, and is hypotensive. Indicated to cause cancerous appearance when injected into animals. Routes of penetration: through the digestive, respiratory and cutaneous syste
ACUTE PHYSIOLOGICAL EFFECTS:
Respiratory: Irritation, headache, vomiting, coma and respiratory arrest. Skin, Eyes and Mucous membranes: Irritation, erythema, flushing of the skin
CHRONIC PHYSIOLOGICAL EFFECTS:
Causes dilation of blood vessels, drop in pressure, dizziness.
CONCENTRATIONS and LEthal doses:
Ingestion: LD 50 - 85 mg/Kg
Skin: 50 - 35mg/Kg (cats)
Inhalation: 3mg/Kg; in concentrations between 4 and 6 mg/kg is lethal for adults
ENVIRONMENT - EFFECTS AND PROTECTIVE MEASURES:
In Air: forms toxic and oxidising mixtures through the release of dust.
In Water: harmful to aquatic life.
In the Soil: in aqueous solutions it reaches the water table. CETESB established a limit of 1 mg/litre for disposal into class 2 and 3 rivers.
ADDITIONAL RISKS:
Strong oxidizing/reducing agent. In contact with organic materials it can cause their ignition. Causes explosions if heated above 530°C.
Bibliography: Basf Handbook / RhônePoulenc. Condensed Chemical Dictionary 10th Edition. CETESB Wastewater Treatment Manual