Natriumnitriittinä

Natriumnitriittinä is the Finnish name for sodium nitrite, a chemical compound with the formula NaNO2. It is the sodium salt of nitrous acid. Sodium nitrite typically appears as a white to slightly yellowish crystalline powder. It is highly soluble in water and slightly soluble in alcohol.

Sodium nitrite is primarily used as a food additive, specifically as a preservative and coloring agent in cured meats such as bacon, ham, and hot dogs. It inhibits the growth of bacteria, particularly Clostridium botulinum, which can cause botulism. It also contributes to the characteristic pink or red color of cured meats by reacting with hemoglobin. In addition, it can impart a distinct flavor.

Beyond its use in food, sodium nitrite has industrial applications. It is used in the production of dyes, in rubber manufacturing, and as a corrosion inhibitor in certain systems. It also has some pharmaceutical uses, such as in the treatment of cyanide poisoning and as a vasodilator.

While beneficial in controlled applications, sodium nitrite can be toxic if ingested in large quantities. It can also react with amines to form nitrosamines, some of which are carcinogenic. Due to these concerns, its use in food is regulated by authorities worldwide, with specific limits on the amounts allowed.