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Material Safety Data Sheet

Ammonium nitrate MSDS
Section 1: Chemical Product and Company Identification
Product Name: Ammonium nitrate

Contact Information:
Sciencelab.com, Inc.
14025 Smith Rd.
Houston, Texas 77396

Catalog Codes: SLA3082, SLA4585

CAS#: 6484-52-2

US Sales: 1-800-901-7247
International Sales: 1-281-441-4400

RTECS: BR9050000
TSCA: TSCA 8(b) inventory: Ammonium nitrate

Order Online: ScienceLab.com

CI#: Not available.

Synonym: Ammonium Saltpeter; Nitric acid, ammonium
salt
Chemical Name: Ammonium Nitrate

CHEMTREC (24HR Emergency Telephone), call:

1-800-424-9300
International CHEMTREC, call: 1-703-527-3887
For non-emergency assistance, call: 1-281-441-4400

Chemical Formula: NH4NO3

Section 2: Composition and Information on Ingredients

Composition:
Name

CAS #

% by Weight

Ammonium nitrate

6484-52-2

100

Toxicological Data on Ingredients: Ammonium nitrate: ORAL (LD50): Acute: 2217 mg/kg [Rat].

Section 3: Hazards Identification

Potential Acute Health Effects:
Hazardous in case of skin contact (irritant), of eye contact (irritant), of ingestion, of inhalation (lung irritant). Slightly hazardous
in case of skin contact (permeator). Prolonged exposure may result in skin burns and ulcerations. Over-exposure by inhalation
may cause respiratory irritation.
Potential Chronic Health Effects:
CARCINOGENIC EFFECTS: Not available. MUTAGENIC EFFECTS: Not available. TERATOGENIC EFFECTS: Not available.
DEVELOPMENTAL TOXICITY: Not available. The substance is toxic to lungs, mucous membranes. The substance may be
toxic to blood, gastrointestinal tract. Repeated or prolonged exposure to the substance can produce target organs damage.

Section 4: First Aid Measures

Eye Contact:
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Check for and remove any contact lenses. In case of contact, immediately flush eyes with plenty of water for at least 15
minutes. Cold water may be used. Get medical attention.
Skin Contact:
In case of contact, immediately flush skin with plenty of water. Cover the irritated skin with an emollient. Remove contaminated
clothing and shoes. Cold water may be used.Wash clothing before reuse. Thoroughly clean shoes before reuse. Get medical
attention.
Serious Skin Contact:
Wash with a disinfectant soap and cover the contaminated skin with an anti-bacterial cream. Seek medical attention.
Inhalation:
If inhaled, remove to fresh air. If not breathing, give artificial respiration. If breathing is difficult, give oxygen. Get medical
attention.
Serious Inhalation:
Evacuate the victim to a safe area as soon as possible. Loosen tight clothing such as a collar, tie, belt or waistband. If
breathing is difficult, administer oxygen. If the victim is not breathing, perform mouth-to-mouth resuscitation. Seek medical
attention.
Ingestion:
Do NOT induce vomiting unless directed to do so by medical personnel. Never give anything by mouth to an unconscious
person. Loosen tight clothing such as a collar, tie, belt or waistband. Get medical attention if symptoms appear.
Serious Ingestion: Not available.

Section 5: Fire and Explosion Data

Flammability of the Product: May be combustible at high temperature.
Auto-Ignition Temperature: 300C (572F)
Flash Points: CLOSED CUP: Higher than 93.3C (200F).
Flammable Limits: Not available.
Products of Combustion: Not available.
Fire Hazards in Presence of Various Substances:
Slightly flammable to flammable in presence of heat, of combustible materials, of organic materials. Non-flammable in
presence of shocks.
Explosion Hazards in Presence of Various Substances:
Risks of explosion of the product in presence of mechanical impact: Not available. Risks of explosion of the product in
presence of static discharge: Not available. Slightly explosive in presence of heat, of combustible materials, of organic
materials, of metals.
Fire Fighting Media and Instructions:
Oxidizing material. Do not use water jet. Use flooding quantities of water. Avoid contact with organic materials.
Special Remarks on Fire Hazards:
Caution: Strong Oxidizer. Contact with material may cause a fire. Contact with combustible or organic materials may cause
fire.
Special Remarks on Explosion Hazards:
It is an oxidizing agent and can self-ignite/detonate when in contact with powdered metals and some organic materials such as
Urea and Acetic Acid.

Section 6: Accidental Release Measures

Small Spill: Use appropriate tools to put the spilled solid in a convenient waste disposal container.
Large Spill:
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Oxidizing material. Stop leak if without risk. Avoid contact with a combustible material (wood, paper, oil, clothing...). Keep
substance damp using water spray. Do not touch spilled material. Prevent entry into sewers, basements or confined areas;
dike if needed. Eliminate all ignition sources. Call for assistance on disposal.

Section 7: Handling and Storage

Precautions:
Keep away from heat. Keep away from sources of ignition. Keep away from combustible material. Do not ingest. Do not
breathe dust. Wear suitable protective clothing. In case of insufficient ventilation, wear suitable respiratory equipment. If
ingested, seek medical advice immediately and show the container or the label. Avoid contact with skin and eyes.
Storage:
Keep container tightly closed. Keep container in a cool, well-ventilated area. Separate from acids, alkalies, reducing agents
and combustibles. See NFPA 43A, Code for the Storage of Liquid and Solid Oxidizers.

Section 8: Exposure Controls/Personal Protection

Engineering Controls:
Use process enclosures, local exhaust ventilation, or other engineering controls to keep airborne levels below recommended
exposure limits. If user operations generate dust, fume or mist, use ventilation to keep exposure to airborne contaminants
below the exposure limit.
Personal Protection:
Splash goggles. Lab coat. Dust respirator. Be sure to use an approved/certified respirator or equivalent. Gloves.
Personal Protection in Case of a Large Spill:
Splash goggles. Full suit. Dust respirator. Boots. Gloves. A self contained breathing apparatus should be used to avoid
inhalation of the product. Suggested protective clothing might not be sufficient; consult a specialist BEFORE handling this
product.
Exposure Limits: Not available.

Section 9: Physical and Chemical Properties

Physical state and appearance: Solid. (white granular solid. Deliquescent solid.)
Odor: Odorless.
Taste: Not available.
Molecular Weight: 80.05 g/mole
Color: Not available.
pH (1% soln/water): 4.5 - 6.0 @ 25 deg. [Acidic.]
Boiling Point: Decomposition temperature: 210C (410F)
Melting Point: 169.6C (337.3F)
Critical Temperature: Not available.
Specific Gravity: 1.725 (Water = 1)
Vapor Pressure: Not applicable.
Vapor Density: Not available.
Volatility: Not available.
Odor Threshold: Not available.
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Water/Oil Dist. Coeff.: Not available.

Ionicity (in Water): Not available.
Dispersion Properties: See solubility in water, methanol, acetone.
Solubility:
Easily soluble in cold water, hot water. Soluble in acetone. Partially soluble in methanol. Insoluble in diethyl ether.

Section 10: Stability and Reactivity Data

Stability: The product is stable.
Instability Temperature: Not available.
Conditions of Instability: Incompatible materials
Incompatibility with various substances: Reactive with reducing agents, combustible materials, organic materials, metals,
alkalis.
Corrosivity: Non-corrosive in presence of glass.
Special Remarks on Reactivity:
Also incompatible with finely powdered metals (aluminum, copper, chromium, iron, zinc brass, nickel , lead, manganese,
magnesium, antimony), acetic acid, ammonium chloride, phosphorus, sodium perchlorate, sulfur, bismuth, cadmium,
chlorides, cobalt, potassium and ammonium sulfate, sodium, sodium hypochlorite, sodium-potassium alloy, organic materials
and combustible materials (paper, oil, charcoal, etc.)
Special Remarks on Corrosivity: Not available.
Polymerization: Will not occur.

Section 11: Toxicological Information

Routes of Entry: Absorbed through skin. Inhalation. Ingestion.
Toxicity to Animals: Acute oral toxicity (LD50): 2217 mg/kg [Rat].
Chronic Effects on Humans:
Causes damage to the following organs: lungs, mucous membranes. May cause damage to the following organs: blood,
gastrointestinal tract.
Other Toxic Effects on Humans:
Hazardous in case of skin contact (irritant), of ingestion, of inhalation (lung irritant). Slightly hazardous in case of skin contact
(permeator).
Special Remarks on Toxicity to Animals: Not available.
Special Remarks on Chronic Effects on Humans:
Carcinogenic effects: At this time, no studies were found on the possible carcinogenicity of Ammonium Nitrate in humans
or experimental animals. However nitrates can be reduced to nitrites in the body, and the formed nitrites can subsequently
react with amines to form suspect carcinogens N-nitrosamines. Genetic Effects: No genetic data was found for ammonium.
However, in general, nitrates and nitrites are genotoxic. Reproductive Effects: There has been some association between
consumption of nitrate-contaminated well water and birth defects, especially neural tube defects. However, these studies
would not specifically implicate Ammonium Nitrate.
Special Remarks on other Toxic Effects on Humans:
Acute Potential Health Effects: Skin: Causes skin irritation. It may be absorbed through intact skin. Eyes: Causes eye irritation.
Inhalation: Causes respiratory tract (nose, throat), and mucous membrane irritation. Symptoms may include: coughing, severe
lung congestion, difficulty breathing. Inhalation of large amounts may cause systemic acidosis, Methemoglobinemia with
symptoms similar to acute ingestion. Ingestion: Gastroenteritis with abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea. Exposure
to large amounts may affect behavior/central nervous system, and blood and cause Methemoglobinemia, and systemic
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acidosis. Symptoms of Methemoglobinemia include cyanosis (blue lips, eyelids, earlobes, and skin), headache, fatigue,
weakness, convulsions, dizziness, loss of coordination, nausea, vomiting, dyspnea, and drowsiness. It may also affect the
cardiovascular system and cause increased or decreased heart rate, and hypotension. Chronic Potential Health Effects:
Ingestion: The toxicity of nitrates is due to in vivo conversion to nitrites. Chronic ingestion of more than 5 mg/kg/day is
considered unacceptable. Primary overdose effects include orthostatic hypotension and Methemoglobinemia. Orthostatic
hypotension, faintness, fatigue, weakness, depression, mental impairment, dizziness, shortness of breath, and reflex
tachycardia are common; headache, nausea and vomiting may also occur. Chronic ingestion may also cause nephritis.

Section 12: Ecological Information

Ecotoxicity: Not available.
BOD5 and COD: Not available.
Products of Biodegradation:
Possibly hazardous short term degradation products are not likely. However, long term degradation products may arise.
Toxicity of the Products of Biodegradation: The product itself and its products of degradation are not toxic.
Special Remarks on the Products of Biodegradation: Not available.

Section 13: Disposal Considerations

Waste Disposal:
Waste must be disposed of in accordance with federal, state and local environmental control regulations.

Section 14: Transport Information

DOT Classification: CLASS 5.1: Oxidizing material.
Identification: : Ammonium Nitrate UNNA: 1942 PG: III
Special Provisions for Transport: Marine Pollutant

Section 15: Other Regulatory Information

Federal and State Regulations:
California prop. 65: This product contains the following ingredients for which the State of California has found to cause birth
defects which would require a warning under the statute: No products were found. California prop. 65: This product contains
the following ingredients for which the State of California has found to cause cancer which would require a warning under the
statute: No products were found. Connecticut hazardous material survey.: Ammonium nitrate Rhode Island RTK hazardous
substances: Ammonium nitrate Pennsylvania RTK: Ammonium nitrate Massachusetts RTK: Ammonium nitrate Massachusetts
spill list: Ammonium nitrate New Jersey: Ammonium nitrate New Jersey spill list: Ammonium nitrate TSCA 8(b) inventory:
Ammonium nitrate
Other Regulations:
OSHA: Hazardous by definition of Hazard Communication Standard (29 CFR 1910.1200). EINECS: This product is on the
European Inventory of Existing Commercial Chemical Substances.
Other Classifications:
WHMIS (Canada): CLASS C: Oxidizing material.
DSCL (EEC):
HMIS (U.S.A.):
Health Hazard: 2
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Fire Hazard: 1
Reactivity: 1
Personal Protection: E
National Fire Protection Association (U.S.A.):
Health: 0
Flammability: 0
Reactivity: 3
Specific hazard:
Protective Equipment:
Gloves. Lab coat. Dust respirator. Be sure to use an approved/certified respirator or equivalent. Wear appropriate respirator
when ventilation is inadequate. Splash goggles.

Section 16: Other Information

References: Not available.
Other Special Considerations: Not available.
Created: 10/10/2005 08:35 PM
Last Updated: 05/21/2013 12:00 PM
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