Sodium Nitrate Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS)

Identification

Common Name: Sodium Nitrate
Chemical Formula: NaNO₃
CAS Number: 7631-99-4
EC Number: 231-554-3
Molecular Weight: 84.99 g/mol
Recommended Use: Used in fertilizer manufacture, explosives, smoke bombs, solid rocket propellants, food preservation, glass and pottery enamels, laboratory chemicals
Supplier Details: Manufacturer or distributor contact details required for emergency and general information
Synonyms: Chile saltpeter, Soda niter
Emergency Telephone: Agency or local poison control contact information

Hazard Identification

Classification: Oxidizing Solid, Category 3; Eye Irritant, Category 2A
Label Elements: GHS pictogram (flame over circle, exclamation mark), signal word ‘Warning’
Hazard Statements: May intensify fire (oxidizer), Causes serious eye irritation
Precautionary Statements: Keep away from flammable materials, store in well-ventilated area, wash hands thoroughly after handling, wear eye protection/face protection
Other Hazards: Contact with combustible material may cause fire, aggravates asthma or lung conditions with dust exposure

Composition / Information on Ingredients

Chemical Name: Sodium Nitrate
Synonyms: Nitric acid sodium salt, Chile saltpeter
Concentration: Typically >99% for laboratory-grade material
Impurities: Very low, may include traces of sodium nitrite or other mineral salts
Other Ingredients: Not present in significant concentration for pure sodium nitrate

First Aid Measures

General Advice: Remove affected individual from exposure, seek medical attention if symptoms persist
Inhalation: Move to fresh air, monitor breathing, use oxygen if breathing becomes difficult, seek medical attention for respiratory irritation or distress
Skin Contact: Remove contaminated clothing, immediately rinse affected skin with water for at least 15 minutes, seek medical advice if irritation develops
Eye Contact: Flush eyes thoroughly with water for at least 15 minutes, hold eyelids apart to ensure thorough rinsing, remove contact lenses if present and easy to do, get medical attention
Ingestion: Rinse mouth, give water if conscious, do not induce vomiting, call poison control or physician right away
Important Symptoms: Coughing, sore throat, redness or pain in eyes, irritation of skin

Fire-Fighting Measures

Suitable Extinguishing Media: Water spray is most effective; avoid use of dry chemicals or foams, which can be ineffective
Unsuitable Extinguishing Media: Carbon dioxide or dry chemical, as sodium nitrate is a strong oxidizer
Specific Hazards: Intensifies fire with oxidizing effect; releases hazardous gases such as nitrogen oxides (NO_x) when heated
Protective Equipment: Wear self-contained breathing apparatus and full protective gear
Special Procedures: Move containers away from fire area, use water spray to cool exposed surfaces, do not allow fire fighting water to contaminate water bodies or supplies

Accidental Release Measures

Personal Precautions: Wear respiratory protection, gloves, and safety goggles; avoid dust formation and inhalation
Methods for Clean-Up: Sweep up material carefully, deposit into suitable containers for disposal, avoid raising dust, ventilate area
Environmental Precautions: Prevent runoff into soil, drains, water courses, and sewers due to risk of nitrate contamination
Additional Actions: Inform appropriate authorities in event of significant release, use non-combustible tools for clean up

Handling and Storage

Safe Handling: Handle away from heat, sparks, open flames, and sources of ignition; avoid contact with combustible materials; do not breathe dust
Storage Conditions: Store in tightly closed, labeled containers in a dry, cool, and well-ventilated location separate from combustible or incompatible substances
Incompatible Materials: Reducing agents, organic materials, powdered metals, ammonium compounds, acids, sulfur
Hygiene Measures: Wash hands after handling, do not eat, drink, or smoke around material, use only non-sparking tools

Exposure Controls and Personal Protection

Exposure Limits: No specific OSHA or ACGIH exposure limits, but keep airborne levels as low as possible
Engineering Controls: Ensure adequate ventilation in all work areas, use local exhaust if needed to control dust
Personal Protective Equipment: Safety goggles or face shield, chemical resistant gloves, lab coats or aprons
Respiratory Protection: Dust mask or NIOSH-approved respirator if dust generation is possible
Other Measures: Eye wash stations, emergency showers available in work area, regular environmental monitoring for nitrate exposure

Physical and Chemical Properties

Appearance: White, crystalline powder or granules
Odor: Odorless
pH: Approximately 8.5 for 50g/L solution
Melting Point: 308°C (586°F)
Boiling Point: Decomposes, does not boil
Solubility: Highly soluble in water (87 g/100 mL at 20°C)
Vapor Pressure: Not applicable
Density: 2.26 g/cm³
Partition Coefficient: not determined
Oxidizing Properties: Strong oxidizer
Viscosity: not applicable

Stability and Reactivity

Chemical Stability: Stable under normal temperatures and pressures in tightly sealed containers
Hazardous Reactions: Vigorous reaction with reducing agents, combustible substances, organic material, acids, ammonium salts
Decomposition Products: Nitrogen oxides (NO_x), sodium oxide
Conditions to Avoid: Excessive heat, sources of ignition, moisture, contamination by incompatible substances
Polymerization: Does not occur

Toxicological Information

Routes of Exposure: Inhalation, ingestion, skin and eye contact
Acute Toxicity: Oral LD50 (rat) 1267 mg/kg; not considered highly toxic but significant exposure can cause methemoglobinemia
Chronic Effects: Prolonged or repeated exposure may impact blood, kidneys, or cause skin irritation
Symptoms: Blue lips/fingernails (cyanosis), headache, dizziness, nausea, possible respiratory distress in large exposures
Carcinogenicity: Not classified as carcinogenic by IARC, NTP, or OSHA
Sensitization: Not known to cause skin sensitization

Ecological Information

Ecotoxicity: Harmful to aquatic organisms due to increased nitrate levels, promotes algae growth and eutrophication
Persistence and Degradability: Breaks down into natural components but can persist and build up in water bodies
Bioaccumulation: Not expected to bioaccumulate in aquatic species
Mobility in Soil: Highly soluble, migrates rapidly through soil
Other Adverse Effects: Can impair aquatic life by depleting oxygen in water

Disposal Considerations

Waste Treatment Methods: Collect and contain for landfill disposal in compliance with local regulations, never discharge to sewer systems
Additional Information: Consult local, regional, and national regulations for proper disposal, contaminated containers must be treated as hazardous waste
Precautions: Do not mix with organic, flammable, or combustible waste streams

Transport Information

UN Number: UN 1498
Proper Shipping Name: Sodium Nitrate
Transport Hazard Class: 5.1 (Oxidizer)
Packing Group: III
Environmental Hazards: Not classified as marine pollutant
Special Precautions: Keep clear of combustible materials and moisture during transport, label containers properly, secure to prevent spillage in transit

Regulatory Information

EU Regulations: Classified under Regulation (EC) No. 1272/2008; subject to REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorization, and Restriction of Chemicals)
OSHA: Regulated as hazardous chemical under 29 CFR 1910.1200
TSCA: Listed on US Toxic Substances Control Act inventory
SARA Title III: Subject to Sections 302/313 for reporting requirements
WHMIS: Classified as oxidizing material and toxic in Canada
Other International Lists: Appears on Australian, Japanese, Korean, Philippine chemical inventories
Labeling Requirements: GHS-compliant pictograms, precautionary and hazard statements