Cerium Ammonium Nitrate
A person who handles cerium ammonium nitrate needs to know that this substance is actually a strong oxidizer and should be handled with care at all times. Contact of cerium ammonium nitrate with other substances may cause combustion and fire. When exposed to this substance for a very long period of time, it may cause irritation to the eyes, skin and the respiratory tract as well. When this happens, a person affected may experience shortness of breath and coughing. The eyes may be painful and will exhibit redness. The skin will have irritation, redness and itching at the site of the exposure too. If a large dose of cerium ammonium nitrate is ingested by a person, he or she may feel dizziness and weakness. Abdominal cramps, vomiting and convulsions will also be experienced. For the first aid treatment, when a person is exposed to cerium ammonium nitrate for a long period of time, it is important to bring the person to an open area with clean fresh air.
Cerium Ammonium Nitrate mechanism
If cerium ammonium nitrate is ingested in large doses, immediate attention includes giving several glasses of water for the person to drink. It is important to call for medical help immediately. When this substance is ingested and is left untreated, the bacteria in the stomach may convert the nitrate to nitrite. This conversion may lead to coma, and even death. If the skin is irritated, it must be washed in running water for at least fifteen minutes. In all these circumstances, medical treatment is very important so one has to call emergency services to assist them in the treatment. The amount of chemical ingested must be determined and a complete history must also be taken. Cerium ammonium nitrate is not combustible. But this substance is an oxidizing agent. This means that it can actually increase the flammability of another substance when paired with it. So it is very important to keep and store these substances properly. Containers must be tight and closed. The ideal location of storage is a cool, ventilated and dry place. It is important to separate cerium ammonium nitrates from other substances that are flammable or combustible.
Handling Cerium Ammonium Nitrate
It is also nice to know not to place these substances in wooden containers and cabinets. Wood is highly combustible and may cause the fire to spread easily. If a fire occurs, you need to call the fire department immediately and notify them about the cause of the fire. It is important to tell them that cerium ammonium nitrate and other substances are involved so that they will know how to specifically handle the situation. For companies manufacturing and packing cerium ammonium nitrates, it is important to keep an optimum level of ventilation within the vicinity. A good exhaust system will be an excellent way to keep the air circulating and to introduce fresh air into the site. Stand by fire extinguishers and ventilator masks should also be provided in case any accidents with cerium ammonium nitrate will occur while on the job.