Sodium Nitrite

1Identification

Name

Sodium Nitrite

IUPAC name

sodium nitrite

CAS number

7632-00-0

EC number

231-555-9

Molecular formula

NNaO2

Molecular weight

68.995 g/mol

InChIKey

LPXPTNMVRIOKMN-UHFFFAOYSA-M

SMILES

N(=O)[O-].[Na+]

PubChem CID

23668193

Synonyms

SODIUM NITRITE, Nitrous acid, sodium salt, Nitrite, sodium, Erinitrit, Filmerine, Natrium nitrit, Nitrito sodico, Anti-rust, Nitrite de sodium, Natrum nitrosum, Azotyn sodowy, Dusitan sodny, Synfat 1004, Nitrous acid soda

Recommended uses

• Used for dyeing and printing textile fabrics (color fixative); for bleaching flax, silk, and linen; for recovering tin from scrap; as a preservative in meats, meat products, and fish; as an intermediate in metal treatment and finishing operations; Also used in photography, rubber accelerators, heat-transfer salts, de-tinning solutions and multipurpose greases, drugs (vasodilator, smooth muscle relaxant, and antidote for cyanide poisoning), and to make nitroso and isonitroso compounds, diazo dyes, pharmaceuticals, agricultural pesticides, and other organic chemicals; [HSDB]
  Haz-Map, Information on Hazardous Chemicals and Occupational Diseases
• Textiles (Fiber & Fabric Manufacturing) [Category: Industry] Photographic Processing [Category: Other] Textiles (Printing, Dyeing, or Finishing) [Category: Industry] Metal Extraction and Refining [Category: Industry]
  Haz-Map, Information on Hazardous Chemicals and Occupational Diseases
• The active ingredient is no longer contained in any registered products ... "cancelled."
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Defoamer Oxidizing agent Propellants, non-motive (blowing agents) Intermediate Pigment Adhesion/cohesion promoter Etching agent Flocculating agent Chelating agent Corrosion inhibitor Not Known or Reasonably Ascertainable Stabilizing agent Preservative Fixing agent (mordant) Antioxidant pH regulating agent Heat transferring agent Plating agent UV stabilizer Processing aids not otherwise specified Lubricating agent Anti-freeze agent
  EPA Chemical Data Reporting (CDR)
• UV stabilizer Anti-freeze agent Lubricating agent Other Anti-scaling agent Drier Not Known or Reasonably Ascertainable Corrosion inhibitor Stabilizing agent
  EPA Chemical Data Reporting (CDR)

Use categories: Food additives · Food Additives -> COLOUR_RETENTION_AGENT; PRESERVATIVE -> JECFA Functional Classes · Cosmetics -> Anticorrosive

Description

• Sodium nitrite appears as a yellowish white crystalline solid. Noncombustible but will accelerate the burning of combustible material. If large quantities are involved in a fire or if the combustible material is finely divided, an explosion may result. If contaminated by ammonium compounds, spontaneous decomposition can occur and the resulting heat may ignite surrounding combustible material. Prolonged exposure heat may result in an explosion. Toxic oxides of nitrogen are produced in fires involving this material. Used as a food preservative, and to make other chemicals.
  CAMEO Chemicals
• Sodium nitrite solution appears as a clear colorless to yellow solution. Harmful to the environment and somewhat toxic. Used as a preservative, and to make other chemicals.
  CAMEO Chemicals
• Sodium nitrite is an inorganic sodium salt having nitrite as the counterion. Used as a food preservative and antidote to cyanide poisoning. It has a role as an antihypertensive agent, a poison, an antimicrobial food preservative, a food antioxidant and an antidote to cyanide poisoning. It is an inorganic sodium salt and a nitrite salt.
  ChEBI

2Hazard identification

Signal word

Danger

Pictograms

GHS03, GHS06, GHS09

Classification source

Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council

Precautionary statements

Other reported classifications

5 classification records exist across sources. Differences usually reflect purity, physical form or impurities.

Health hazards

• Ingestion (or inhalation of excessive amounts of dust) causes rapid drop in blood pressure, persistent and throbbing headache, vertigo, palpitations, and visual disturbances; skin becomes flushed and sweaty, later cold and cyanotic; other symptoms include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea (sometimes), fainting, methemoglobinemia. Contact with eyes causes irritation. (USCG, 1999)
  CAMEO Chemicals
• Ingestion (or inhalation of large amounts) causes poisoning which may produce cyanosis, marked fall in blood pressure, leading to collapse, coma, and possibly death. Irritating to skin, eyes, and respiratory tract. (USCG, 1999)
  CAMEO Chemicals
• · Toxic by ingestion. · Inhalation of dust is toxic. · Fire may produce irritating, corrosive and/or toxic gases. · Contact with substance may cause severe burns to skin and eyes. · Runoff from fire control or dilution water may cause environmental contamination.
  Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG)

Fire hazards

• Special Hazards of Combustion Products: Toxic oxides of nitrogen may form in fires. Behavior in Fire: May increase intensity of fire if in contact with combustible material. May melt and flow at elevated temperatures. (USCG, 1999)
  CAMEO Chemicals
• · These substances will accelerate burning when involved in a fire. · May explode from heat or contamination. · Some may burn rapidly. · 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.
  Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG)
• Not combustible but enhances combustion of other substances. Many reactions may cause fire or explosion. Gives off irritating or toxic fumes (or gases) in a fire.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)

Hazards summary

• Emergency treatment: Nitrites; [HSDB] A strong oxidant that reacts with combustible and reducing substances posing fire and explosion hazard; An eye irritant; Can induce methemoglobinemia; [ICSC] A strong oxidizing agent; May explode on prolonged exposure to heat; An eye irritant; Can induce methemoglobinemia; [CAMEO] May cause moderate eye irritation, based on animal studies; [CHEMINFO] See NITRATES and NITRITES.
  Haz-Map, Information on Hazardous Chemicals and Occupational Diseases

3Composition / information on ingredients

This page describes the pure substance. Commercial products may be solutions or mixtures. Check Section 3 of your supplier's SDS for concentrations and other ingredients.

4First-aid measures

• EYES: First check the victim for contact lenses and remove if present. Flush victim's eyes with water or normal saline solution for 20 to 30 minutes while simultaneously calling a hospital or poison control center. Do not put any ointments, oils, or medication in the victim's eyes without specific instructions from a physician. IMMEDIATELY transport the victim after flushing eyes to a hospital even if no symptoms (such as redness or irritation) develop. SKIN: IMMEDIATELY flood affected skin with water while removing and isolating all contaminated clothing. Gently wash all affected skin areas thoroughly with soap and water.
  CAMEO Chemicals
• Get medical attention. INHALATION: Move to fresh air. If not breathing, give artificial respiration. If breathing is difficult, give oxygen. INGESTION: Give patient 2 to 4 glasses of water and induce vomiting. EYES or SKIN: Flush with water, holding lids open occasionally if necessary. (USCG, 1999)
  CAMEO Chemicals
• 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).
  Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG)

Symptoms of exposure

• Blue lips, fingernails and skin. Confusion. Convulsions. Dizziness. Headache. Nausea. Unconsciousness.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)
• Redness. Pain.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)
• Increased heart rate. See Inhalation.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)

5Fire-fighting measures

• 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.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

Hazardous combustion products

• Gives off irritating or toxic fumes (or gases) in a fire.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

6Accidental release measures

Isolation and evacuation

• Excerpt from ERG Guide 141 [Oxidizers - Toxic]: 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. (ERG, 2024)
  CAMEO Chemicals
• Excerpt from ERG Guide 151 [Substances - Toxic (Non-Combustible)]: 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. SPILL: Increase the immediate precautionary measure distance, in the downwind direction, as necessary. 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. (ERG, 2024)
  CAMEO Chemicals

Spill cleanup

• 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. If appropriate, moisten first to prevent dusting. Carefully collect remainder. Then store and dispose of according to local regulations.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)
• Environmental considerations: water spill: Add soda ash (NaCO3). Add calcium hypochlorite (Ca(CIO)2). Adjust pH to neutral (pH=7).
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Environmental considerations: land spill: Dig a pit, pond, lagoon, holding area to contain liquid or solid material. /SRP: If time permits, pits, ponds, lagoons, soak holes, or holding areas should be sealed with an impermeable flexible membrane liner./ Cover solids with a plastic sheet to prevent dissolving in rain or fire fighting water.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Sweep spilled substance into containers. Carefully collect remainder, then remove to safe place. Do NOT let this chemical enter the environment. (Extra personal protection: P3 filter respirator for toxic particles).
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

7Handling and storage

• Separated from combustible substances, reducing agents and acids. Dry. Well closed.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)
• Separated from combustible and reducing substances, acids. Dry. Well closed.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• It must be stored and shipped separately from oxidizable substances, ammonium salts, urea, food, and animal feeds.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

8Exposure controls / personal protection

No occupational exposure limits found in our sources.

Personal protective equipment

• Dust mask; goggles or face shield; protective gloves (USCG, 1999)
  CAMEO Chemicals
• Wear impervious protective clothing and goggles. (USCG, 1999)
  CAMEO Chemicals
• Protective gloves. Safety spectacles ... Extra personal protection: P3 filter respirator for toxic particles
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

9Physical and chemical properties

10Stability and reactivity

Reactivity

• SODIUM NITRITE is an oxidizing agent. Mixtures with phosphorus, tin(II) chloride or other reducing agents may react explosively [Bretherick 1979 p. 108-109]. If contaminated by ammonium compounds, spontaneous decomposition can occur and 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 wilh an ammonium salt leads to a violent explosion [Von Schwartz 1918 p. 299]. A mixture with potassium cyanide may cause an explosion.
  CAMEO Chemicals
• SODIUM NITRITE SOLUTION is an oxidizing agent. Reacts with reducing agents to generate heat and products that may be gaseous (causing pressurization inside closed containers). The products may themselves be capable of further reactions (such as combustion). Dissolution in water reduces but does not nullify the oxidizing power of nitrites. Reacts with acids to form toxic nitrogen dioxide gas. Mixtures with phosphorus, tin(II) chloride or other reducing agents may react explosively [Bretherick 1979 p. 108-109]. When a mixture with sodium thiosulfate was heated to dryness, a violent explosion occurred [Mellor 10:501 1946-47]. May react with organic amines to give carcinogens (nitrosamines).
  CAMEO Chemicals
• Soluble in water.
  CAMEO Chemicals

Incompatible materials and hazardous reactions

• ... /They/ can react vigorously with reducing materials. /Nitrites/
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Accidental mixing of /sodium nitrate, sodium nitrite and sodium sulfide/ caused a violent explosion.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Interaction, without addition of acid, produces tetrazolyguanidine ('tetrazene'), a primary explosive of equal sensitivity to mercury(II) azide, but more readily initiated.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

Chemical stability

• Very slowly oxidizes to nitrate in air.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

11Toxicological information

Short-term exposure effects

• The substance is irritating to the eyes. The substance may cause effects on the cardiovascular system and blood. This may result in lower blood pressure and the formation of methaemoglobin. Exposure could cause death. The effects may be delayed. Medical observation is indicated.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)

12Ecological information

Not available in the public sources we compile. Check Section 12 of the supplier's SDS.

13Disposal considerations

• 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.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

14Transport information

UN number: UN 1500

Shipping name

• UN 1500; Sodium nitrite
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• IMO 5.1; Sodium nitrite
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

DOT hazard class

• Sodium nitrite
  US Code of Federal Regulations, Hazardous Materials, 49 CFR Part 172
• UN1500
  US Code of Federal Regulations, Hazardous Materials, 49 CFR Part 172
• Div 5.1 Oxidizer (49 eCFR § 173.127)
  US Code of Federal Regulations, Hazardous Materials, 49 CFR Part 172

DOT label

• Oxidizer Poison
  CAMEO Chemicals
• Poison
  CAMEO Chemicals

UN classification

• UN Hazard Class: 5.1; UN Subsidiary Risks: 6.1; UN Pack Group: III
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)

Emergency Response Guidebook

• 1500 141
  Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG)

How DOT hazard classes work →

15Regulatory information

• Sodium nitrite (not more than 3% of pesticide formulation) is exempted from the requirement of a tolerance when used as a stabilizer or inhibitor in accordance with good agricultural practice as inert (or occasionally active) ingredients in pesticide formulations applied to growing crops only.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• As the federal pesticide law FIFRA directs, EPA is conducting a comprehensive review of older pesticides to consider their health and environmental effects and make decisions about their future use. Under this pesticide reregistration program, EPA examines health and safety data for pesticide active ingredients initially registered before November 1, 1984, and determines whether they are eligible for reregistration. In addition, all pesticides must meet the new safety standard of the Food Quality Protection Act of 1996.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Sodium nitrite is designated as a hazardous substance under section 311(b)(2)(A) of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act and further regulated by the Clean Water Act Amendments of 1977 and 1978. These regulations apply to discharges of this substance. This designation includes any isomers and hydrates, as well as any solutions and mixtures containing this substance.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Persons in charge of vessels or facilities are required to notify the National Response Center (NRC) immediately, when there is a release of this designated hazardous substance, in an amount equal to or greater than its reportable quantity of 100 lb or 45.4 kg. The toll free number of the NRC is (800) 424-8802. The rule for determining when notification is required is stated in 40 CFR 302.4 (section IV. D.3.b).
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• The food additive sodium nitrite may be safely used in or on specified foods in accordance with the following prescribed conditions: (a) It is used or intended for use as follows: (1) As a color fixative in smoked cured tunafish products so that the level of sodium nitrite does not exceed 10 parts per million (0.001 percent) in the finished product. (2) As a preservative and color fixative, with or without sodium nitrate, in smoked, cured sablefish, smoked, cured salmon, and smoked, cured shad so that the level of sodium nitrite does not exceed 200 parts per million and the level of sodium nitrate does not exceed 500 parts per million in the finished product.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

Overview of SDS regulations (OSHA HazCom, WHMIS, REACH/CLP) →

16Other information

Compiled from PubChem CID 23668193 and the sources it aggregates (attributed inline). Data retrieved 2026-10-12. This summary describes the pure substance and is not a supplier SDS.