Sodium Nitrate

Sodium Nitrate has the chemical formula NaNO3. It is a salt with a variety of uses, being used in the manufacture of fertilizers, as a food preservative, in smoke bombs, in the water treatment industry and in the manufacture of fireworks and pyrotechnics. The enamelling industry uses Sodium Nitrate for pottery and glass enamelling.

Sodium Nitrate is sometimes called Chile Saltpeter or Peru Saltpeter, as it is found in large quantities both in Chile and Peru. However, Sodium Nitrate should not be confused with Potassium Nitrate, which is referred to simply as Saltpeter. Synonyms for Sodium Nitrate include Nitratine, Nitratite and Soda Niter.

Much of the world's Sodium Nitrate is found occurring naturally in Chile and Peru in the form of caliche ore, which comprises nitrate salts and mineral deposits. Chile still has active mines where caliche ore is removed from the ground. Various processes on caliche ore produce the chemicals Potassium Nitrate, Sodium Sulphate and Iodine.

As with any chemical material, care must be taken when handling Sodium Nitrate, particularly as it is known to form nitrosamines which are known carcinogens. They cause DNA damage in humans and studies have shown a link between increased levels of nitrates and increased numbers of deaths from such diseases as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. Nitrosamines are also linked to oesophageal and gastric cancers.

Always read the MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet) provided with Sodium Nitrate and always make sure that the material is stored away from children and animals. Competent persons only should handle or work with Sodium Nitrate and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) should be worn. This should include safety gloves, protective safety clothing, approved eye protection and safety shoes or boots. If in any doubt, always contact your supplier before using Sodium Nitrate.

When purchasing Sodium Nitrate, many people prefer to source the material from an approved supplier, working to recognised standards such as ISO 9001:2008 Quality Management System and ISO 14001:2004 Environmental Management System.