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Sodium Nitrite

  • Preservatives
  • CAS 7632-00-0
  • IUPAC: sodium nitrite

Sodium Nitrite (CAS 7632-00-0) appears in 2 of the 1,812 car-care products CarCareTruth tracks (as of June 2026).

At <1% concentration in consumer formulas, sodium nitrite functions as a corrosion inhibitor and preservative. At high concentrations it can be an oxidizer and is toxic if ingested. Not classified as a carcinogen in current GHS standards. CA-RTK discloses it as a corrosion inhibitor in aerosol cleaning products.

Sodium nitrite (NaNO₂) is an inorganic salt used at low concentrations (typically <0.5%) as a corrosion inhibitor and preservative in consumer cleaning products, particularly aerosol-dispensed cleaners that contact ferrous metal surfaces. At the trace concentrations found in consumer car-care products, the primary role is preventing rust formation on spray hardware and contacted surfaces rather than any biocidal function.

Health & environment profile

VOC
no
Prop 65 listed
no
Asthmagen
no
EPA Safer Choice
no
Aquatic toxicity
no
Biodegradable
no
Bioaccumulative
no
Persistent
yes
Ozone depleting
no
Microplastic
no
PFAS
no
Env. score
5/5
Purpose: Preservative and corrosion inhibitor

Common questions about Sodium Nitrite

What is Sodium Nitrite used for in car care?
Preservative and corrosion inhibitor
Is Sodium Nitrite a VOC?
No. Sodium Nitrite is not classified as a volatile organic compound (VOC).
Is Sodium Nitrite on California's Proposition 65 list?
No. Sodium Nitrite is not on California's Proposition 65 list.

2 products contain this

Related

Health and environment notes translate the manufacturer Safety Data Sheet, the GHS classification, and authoritative regulatory listings (California Prop 65, EPA). Not medical advice. They describe the ingredient itself; whether a hazard applies to a finished product depends on its concentration and how it's used.