Sodium Nitrite

Sodium Nitrite has a chemical formula of NaNO2. It has a number of uses such as in the textile printing industry, in the photographic industry, as a corrosion inhibitor, as a laboratory reagent and as an antidote for Cyanide poisoning. Sodium Nitrite is also used in the food industry where it is used as a preservative for meat and fish.

Sodium Nitrite appears as a white crystalline powder which is very soluble in water. In the atmosphere, Sodium Nitrite is gradually oxidised by the Oxygen present in the air, to form Sodium Nitrate or NaNO3.

Sodium Nitrite has a number of uses in medicine, both human and veterinary, as a bronchodilator and as a vasodilator. Sodium Nitrite is used effectively to increase blood flow by dilating blood vessels and acting as a vasodilator. Current research is being undertaken to investigate its application in treating sickle cell anaemia, heart attacks, aneurisms of the brain and pulmonary hypertension in children.

Sodium Nitrite is found naturally in many leafy green vegetables such as spinach, lettuce and curly kale. It also is found in other vegetables such as cauliflower, parsley, asparagus and broccoli. When vegetables are boiled, the process lowers the Nitrate level in the vegetables but not the Nitrite level in the vegetables.

Sodium Nitrite is also used widely as a food additive as it prevents the growth of the bacterium which causes botulism or food poisoning. However, high levels of Sodium Nitrite can cause toxic effects in humans and animals. To counter the risk of toxicity, Sodium Nitrate is often blended with salt and sold as a food additive dyed bright pink to avoid mistaking it for sugar or salt.

As when handling or working with any chemical material, care should be taken when handling Sodium Nitrite. The Material Safety Data Sheet should be read thoroughly before using Sodium Nitrite. Personal Protective Equipment should be worn when working with the material including approved safety glasses or goggles, safety boots or shoes, compatible safety gloves and protective clothing. Sodium Nitrite should always be stored in tightly sealed containers away from children and animals.