SIGMA-ALDRICH 
Material Safety Data Sheet 
Date Printed: 09/OCT/2003 
Date Updated: 06/APR/2002 
Version 1.0 
According to 91/155/EEC 
1 - Product and Company Information 
Product Name SILVER NITRITE, 99.99% 
Product Number 545015 
Company Sigma-Aldrich Chemie GmbH 
Riedstrasse 2 
89555 Steinheim 
Germany 
Technical Phone # 49-89-6513(0)-1444 
Fax 49-7329-97-2319 
Emergency Phone # 49 7329 97 2323 
2 - Composition/Information on Ingredients 
Product Name CAS # EC no 
SILVER NITRITE 7783-99-5 232-041-7 
Formula AgNO2 
Molecular Weight 153.88 AMU 
3 - Hazards Identification 
SPECIAL INDICATION OF HAZARDS TO HUMANS AND THE ENVIRONMENT 
Contact with combustible material may cause fire. Harmful if 
swallowed. Irritating to eyes and skin. Very toxic to aquatic 
organisms, may cause long-term adverse effects in the aquatic 
environment. 
4 - First Aid Measures 
AFTER INHALATION 
If inhaled, remove to fresh air. If breathing becomes difficult, 
call a physician. 
AFTER SKIN CONTACT 
In case of skin contact, flush with copious amounts of water for 
at least 15 minutes. Remove contaminated clothing and shoes. 
Call a physician. 
AFTER EYE CONTACT 
In case of contact with eyes, flush with copious amounts of 
water for at least 15 minutes. Assure adequate flushing by 
separating the eyelids with fingers. Call a physician. 
AFTER INGESTION 
If swallowed, wash out mouth with water provided person is 
conscious. Call a physician. 
5 - Fire Fighting Measures 
EXTINGUISHING MEDIA
Suitable: Carbon dioxide, dry chemical powder, or appropriate 
foam. 
SPECIAL RISKS 
Specific Hazard(s): Emits toxic fumes under fire conditions. 
Contact with other material may cause fire. May accelerate 
combustion. 
SPECIAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT FOR FIREFIGHTERS 
Wear self-contained breathing apparatus and protective clothing 
to prevent contact with skin and eyes. 
6 - Accidental Release Measures 
PERSONAL PRECAUTION PROCEDURES TO BE FOLLOWED IN CASE OF LEAK OR SPILL 
Evacuate area. 
PROCEDURE(S) OF PERSONAL PRECAUTION(S) 
Wear self-contained breathing apparatus, rubber boots, and heavy 
rubber gloves. 
METHODS FOR CLEANING UP 
Absorb on sand or vermiculite and place in closed containers for 
disposal. Ventilate area and wash spill site after material 
pickup is complete. 
7 - Handling and Storage 
HANDLING 
Directions for Safe Handling: Do not breathe vapor. Do not get 
in eyes, on skin, on clothing. Avoid prolonged or repeated 
exposure. 
STORAGE 
Conditions of Storage: Keep tightly closed. Keep away from 
combustible materials, heat, sparks, and open flame. Store in a 
cool dry place. 
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: Light sensitive. 
8 - Exposure Controls / Personal Protection 
ENGINEERING CONTROLS 
Use only in a chemical fume hood. Safety shower and eye bath. 
GENERAL HYGIENE MEASURES 
Wash thoroughly after handling. Remove and wash contaminated 
clothing promptly. 
EXPOSURE LIMITS - UNITED KINGDOM 
Source Type Value 
OEL OEL 0.01 mg/m3 
Remarks: as Ag 
PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT 
Respiratory Protection: Government approved respirator. 
Hand Protection: Compatible chemical-resistant gloves. 
Eye Protection: Chemical safety goggles. 
9 - Physical and Chemical Properties 
Appearance Physical State: Solid 
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Property Value At Temperature or Pressure 
pH N/A 
BP/BP Range N/A 
MP/MP Range N/A 
Flash Point N/A 
Flammability N/A 
Autoignition Temp N/A 
Oxidizing Properties N/A 
Explosive Properties N/A 
Explosion Limits N/A 
Vapor Pressure N/A 
SG/Density 4.453 g/cm3 
Partition Coefficient N/A 
Viscosity N/A 
Vapor Density N/A 
Saturated Vapor Conc. N/A 
Evaporation Rate N/A 
Bulk Density N/A 
Decomposition Temp. N/A 
Solvent Content N/A 
Water Content N/A 
Surface Tension N/A 
Conductivity N/A 
Miscellaneous Data N/A 
Solubility N/A 
10 - Stability and Reactivity 
STABILITY 
Stable: Stable. 
Materials to Avoid: Strong reducing agents, Finely powdered 
metals, Strong acids. 
HAZARDOUS DECOMPOSITION PRODUCTS 
Hazardous Decomposition Products: Silver/silver oxides, Nitrogen 
oxides. 
HAZARDOUS POLYMERIZATION 
Hazardous Polymerization: Will not occur 
11 - Toxicological Information 
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF EXPOSURE 
May cause argyria (a slate-gray or bluish discoloration of the 
skin and deep tissues due to the deposit of insoluble albuminate 
of silver). To the best of our knowledge, the chemical, 
physical, and toxicological properties have not been thoroughly 
investigated. 
ROUTE OF EXPOSURE 
Skin Contact: Causes skin irritation. 
Skin Absorption: May be harmful if absorbed through the skin. 
Eye Contact: Causes eye irritation. 
Inhalation: May be harmful if inhaled. Material may be 
irritating to mucous membranes and upper respiratory tract. 
Ingestion: Harmful if swallowed. 
TARGET ORGAN INFORMATION 
Blood. Smooth muscle. 
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12 - Ecological Information 
No data available. 
13 - Disposal Considerations 
SUBSTANCE DISPOSAL 
Catalysts and expensive metals should be recovered for reuse or 
recycling. Observe all federal, state, and local environmental 
regulations. 
14 - Transport Information 
RID/ADR 
UN#: 2627 
Class: 5.1 
PG: II 
Proper Shipping Name: Nitrites, inorganic, n.o.s. 
IMDG 
UN#: 2627 
Class: 5.1 
PG: II 
EmS Number: 5.1-05 
MFAG Number: 235 
Proper Shipping Name: Nitrites, inorganic, n.o.s. 
Marine Pollutant: No 
Severe Marine Pollutant: No 
Technical Name: X 
IATA 
UN#: 2627 
Class: 5.1 
PG: II 
Proper Shipping Name: Nitrites, inorganic, n.o.s. 
Inhalation Packing Group I: No 
Technical Name: X 
15 - Regulatory Information 
CLASSIFICATION AND LABELING ACCORDING TO EU DIRECTIVES 
INDICATION OF DANGER: O Xn N 
Oxidizing. Harmful. Dangerous for the environment. 
R-PHRASES: 8 22 36/38 50/53 
Contact with combustible material may cause fire. Harmful if 
swallowed. Irritating to eyes and skin. Very toxic to aquatic 
organisms, may cause long-term adverse effects in the aquatic 
environment. 
S-PHRASES: 26 45 60 61 
In case of contact with eyes, rinse immediately with plenty of 
water and seek medical advice. In case of accident or if you 
feel unwell, seek medical advice immediately (show the label 
where possible). This material and its container must be 
disposed of as hazardous waste. Avoid release to the 
environment. Refer to special instructions/safety data sheets. 
16 - Other Information 
WARRANTY 
The above information is believed to be correct but does not 
purport to be all inclusive and shall be used only as a guide. 
Sigma-Aldrich Inc., shall not be held liable for any damage 
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resulting from handling or from contact with the above product. 
See reverse side of invoice or packing slip for additional terms 
and conditions of sale. Copyright 2003 Sigma-Aldrich Co. License 
granted to make unlimited paper copies for internal use only. 
DISCLAIMER 
For R&D use only. Not for drug, household or other uses. 
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