Nitrites

Safety Profile

Large amounts taken by mouth may produce nausea, vomiting, cyanosis (due to methemoglobin formation), collapse, and coma. Repeated small doses cause a fall in blood pressure, rapid pulse, headache, and visual dsturbances. They have been implicated in an increased incidence of cancer. They may react with organic amines in the body to form carcinogenic nitrosamines. Organic nitrites are used to treat angina pectoris. Fire hazards are variable. They are generally powerful oxidzers. On contact with readily oxidzed materials, a violent reaction such as a fire or explosion may ensue. Explosion hazards are also variable. Organic nitrites may decompose violently in contact with NH4, salts, cyanide, KCN. Dangerous; shock may explode them; can react vigorously with reducing materials. When heated to decomposition they emit highly toxic fumes of NO,. See also SODIUM NITRITE and specific compounds.