Product Name: Bismuth Subnitrate
Synonyms: Basic Bismuth Nitrate, Bismuth(III) Oxy Nitrate
Chemical Formula: Bi₅O(OH)₉(NO₃)₄
CAS Number: 1304-85-4
Recommended Use: Laboratory reagent, chemical manufacturing, pharmaceuticals
Manufacturer: Reach out to established chemical suppliers for sourcing and support
Contact Information: Emergency numbers offered by certified suppliers, including CHEMTREC for rapid chemical incident response
Classification: Classified as hazardous according to global harmonized system (GHS)
Signal Word: Warning
Hazard Statements: Can cause eye irritation, respiratory irritation, and skin irritation with repeated contact or improper handling; inhalation of dust may cause upper respiratory symptoms
Precautionary Statements: Avoid breathing dust, prevent contact with eyes and skin, keep away from food and drink, wear safety protection, wash hands thoroughly after handling
Potential Health Effects: Short-term exposure could lead to irritation; chronic contact could influence respiratory tract; not indicated as systemically toxic at common lab scale exposure; always act with care
Chemical Name: Bismuth Subnitrate
Common Formula: Bi₅O(OH)₉(NO₃)₄
Concentration: Above 98% for high purity lab grades, remaining content may include trace impurities (such as heavy metals at ppm scale)
Impurities: Nonhazardous residuals at regulatory minimums; specifications provided by manufacturers upon request
Inhalation: Move person to fresh air quickly, allow them to breathe comfortably, seek medical help if breathing problems linger
Eye Contact: Rinse with flowing water for at least fifteen minutes, keep eyelids open, consult an ophthalmologist if irritation persists
Skin Contact: Wash with soap and water, remove soiled garments, medical attention for continuing redness or discomfort
Ingestion: Rinse mouth out, encourage person to drink water if conscious, never induce vomiting without healthcare provider advice, call poison center or physician immediately
Notes for Healthcare Providers: Symptomatic treatment recommended, monitor for respiratory or gastrointestinal effects, no specific antidote known
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Dry chemical, carbon dioxide, foam, spray water (avoid full water jet which may disperse powder)
Hazards from Combustion: May emit irritating or toxic fumes, including NOx compounds, during decomposition
Protective Equipment: Firefighters should use self-contained breathing apparatus and chemical-protective gear
Advice: Evacuate unnecessary personnel, use water to cool containers exposed to fire, avoid runoff to water sources
Personal Precautions: Limit dust creation, ventilate area, use appropriate PPE such as gloves, goggles, and dust mask or respirator
Environmental Precautions: Prevent powder from reaching drains, surface water, or soil; sweep up using dampened absorbent material to minimize dust
Cleaning Procedure: Gather all spilled material in sealable containers, clean surface thoroughly with water after, dispose of swept compound safely per disposal guidance
Handling: Use in a well-ventilated space, keep away from food and drink, wear protective clothing and respiratory protection if dust levels rise above recommended limits
Storage: Store in tightly closed containers in a dry, cool, and shaded location, keep away from incompatible substances like strong acids or reducing agents, label containers clearly, practice good hygiene to avoid unintentional ingestion or contact; secure bulk containers from unauthorized access
Exposure Limits: Occupational standards rarely published; consult ACGIH or national guidelines, apply general dust exposure limits (e.g., 10 mg/m³ total inhalable dust)
Personal Protective Equipment: Safety glasses with side shields, chemical-resistant gloves, lab coat or overalls, and approved dust respirators if airborne particles cannot be controlled below regulatory levels
Engineering Controls: Fume hoods or dust extraction recommended for bulk handling, eye wash stations and safety showers for emergencies, confinement of workspace to reduce exposure range
Appearance: Powdery solid, white to pale yellow
Odor: Odorless
Melting Point: Decomposes before melting
Boiling Point: Not applicable due to decomposition
Solubility: Insoluble in water, soluble in dilute mineral acids
Density: Varies by batch, typically 4.9–5.5 g/cm³
pH: Slightly acidic (in suspension)
Stability: Stable in sealed containers at room conditions
Other Physical Data: Not flammable, dust may be irritating
Stability: Chemically stable at normal environmental temperatures and storage conditions
Reactivity: Reacts with concentrated acids releasing heat and toxic gases, forms hazardous compounds with strong reducing agents
Hazardous Decomposition Products: Can produce nitrogen oxides, metallic bismuth, and other decomposition products if subjected to strong heat or fire
Incompatible Materials: Strong acids, strong reducing agents, finely powdered metals may accelerate reaction, exposure to moisture not recommended for storage
Acute Toxicity: Not acutely toxic by oral, dermal, or inhalation exposure at low level laboratory handling, but repeated inhalation of dust may irritate bronchial passages
Chronic Effects: Chronic exposure to bismuth salts linked to kidney issues and gastrointestinal disturbances; no evidence for carcinogenicity at typical exposure
Routes of Exposure: Skin, eyes, ingestion, inhalation
Symptoms: Eye redness, respiratory tract discomfort, dry throat, possible mild metallic taste if ingested
Medical Data: Not classified as carcinogen, mutagen, or reproductive toxin under current regulatory consensus; effects increase with poor hygiene or improper protective practices
Toxicity to Aquatic Life: Low toxicity for fish and aquatic invertebrates at expected environmental concentrations, but bismuth compounds accumulate in sediments
Persistence and Degradability: Bismuth subnitrate does not degrade; it partitions mostly to soils and sediments
Bioaccumulation: Limited evidence for bioconcentration; low mobility in soil
Other Environmental Data: Avoid entering drains, water systems, or open soil; industrial releases may be subject to local water protection regulations
Product Disposal: Collect unwanted powder and chemical residues in appropriate containers; submit to approved hazardous waste disposal contractors
Contaminated Packaging: Empty packaging should be rinsed and disposed of with care to prevent accidental reuse or environmental contamination
Waste Codes: May be classified as hazardous due to metal content; reference local, regional, or national hazardous waste disposal guidance for specifics
UN Number: Not typically assigned for Bismuth Subnitrate since not regarded as highly dangerous for transport
Transport Hazard Class: Not regulated as dangerous goods under ADR, IATA, or IMDG codes for most shipment volumes
Packing Group: Not regulated
Labeling Requirements: Standard chemical transport labeling with hazard statements; follow handling instructions for laboratory or industrial compounds
Precautions: Secure containers during transport, keep away from incompatible substances, prevent excessive movement or container breakage in transit
Occupational Regulations: Some countries set occupational exposure limits for dust nuisance; the chemical appears on various chemical inventories, including TSCA (US), EINECS (EU), AICS (Australia)
Safety Assessment: Not listed as a controlled, toxic, carcinogenic, or mutagenic substance under major global regulations
Right-to-Know Listings: Check local and regional chemical inventories for compliance; product labeling and documentation must meet regional standards
Special Restrictions: Industrial sectors like pharmaceuticals or food must confirm product quality and impurity limits match sectoral health and environmental safety requirements