Answer to Question #133895 in General Chemistry for Aida

Question

Discuss the hazards of working with the solutions used in this experiment including HNO3, Fe(NO3)3
and NaSCN.

Answer 1

Nitric acid is a highly corrosive, strongly oxidizing acid. Toxicity after inhalation exposure to nitric acid is similar in humans and animals. Nitric acid fumes may cause immediate irritation of the respiratory tract, pain, and dyspnea, followed by a period of recovery that may last several week

$Fe(NO_3)_3$ may cause skin irritation. Ingestion: May cause gastrointestinal irritation with nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. May cause methemoglobinemia, cyanosis (bluish discoloration of skin due to deficient oxygenation of the blood), convulsions, and death. Inhalation: May cause respiratory tract irritation

NaSCN

Potential Health Effects

Eye: May cause eye irritation.

Skin: May cause skin irritation. Harmful if absorbed through the skin.

Ingestion: Harmful if swallowed. May cause irritation of the digestive tract.

Inhalation: Harmful if inhaled. May cause respiratory tract irritation.