Sodium nitrite is a chemical with a variety of applications. On its own, it can be toxic to humans, but when integrated into specific processes--such as the preservation and curing of food--it can be a safeguard from much more dangerous bacteria that can grow in the food. Sodium nitrite is also in many types of fertilizers and has some applications in medicine. It is not often handled outside professional settings because of its toxicity in high concentrations.
Health and Disease Applications
Sodium nitrite may have several applications in the fight against disease and organ damage. A study conducted by the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute and published in the May 2005 issue of "The Journal of Clinical Investigation" discovered that the chemical can be used to prevent cell death in damaged organs, such as the heart and liver. This points toward possible application in the treatment of heart attacks and failing or damaged organs. In addition, sodium nitrite may be used to improve blood circulation, particularly to parts of the body that are injured or damaged. Damaged blood vessels may be restored through a combination of sodium nitrite and sodium nitrate. The results of this study, which was conducted using animal test subjects, need to be confirmed through human testing before a definitive ruling on sodium nitrite's health benefits can be made.
Dye Creation
Sodium nitrite is often used to form dyes for the coloring of linens. The dye-creation process can be dangerous when chemicals such as sodium nitrite are used, in large part because so many pose health risks through exposure. Sodium nitrite is an irritant to the eyes, lungs and skin, is toxic when consumed and has the potential to explode when heated.
Curing Meat
In most cases, meats are cured using sodium nitrite. Although some meats require sodium nitrate--a close relative of sodium nitrite--for proper curing, these are often meats requiring a longer aging process. Most, though, produce best results when cured with sodium nitrite. Curing meat with this chemical helps preserve the meat and delay the onset of botulism, a deadly disease that can be borne in spoiled foods. Curing also infuses the meat with a distinct flavor and causes the meat to develop a bright pink hue when cooked.
Botanical Uses
Sodium nitrite is common in fertilizer, as well as in some herbicides and insecticides. It's used because it can help kill off living organisms that pose a threat to plant life without harming the flora itself.
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