Acidic curing brines..
Never add acidic ingredients to a curing brine.... I was discussing this with N4YNU, a member here, relating how I couldn't find evidence to verify that statement... Well, younger eyes were able to provide certified reason for that statement.. Thanks much Guy.... Dave
safety
When adding curing salts to brine, it's important that the brine not be too acidic. A highly acidic solution will cause the curing salts to very rapidly decompose into nitric oxide, which is dangerous as a concentrated gas. So don't add vinegar to the brine, and never mix liquid smoke (which is acidic) directly with curing salts.
You'll need to make sure the pH is 4.8 or above. If the Coca Cola is the only thing in the brine, it will be too acidic.
https://www.chefsteps.com/ingredients/prague-powder-no-1
Poison Facts:
Low Chemicals: Nitric Oxide
http://www.kumed.com/~/media/Imported/kumed/documents/nitricoxide.ashx?la=en
Properties of the Chemical
At room temperature, nitric oxide is a colorless gas with a sweet odor. It is
slightly soluble in water, but is highly reactive. Although the gas itself is nonflammable,
it will accelerate combustion and increase the risk of fire and
explosion in combustible and flammable materials.
Uses of the Chemical
The main sources of nitrogen oxides emissions (including nitric oxide) are
combustion processes. Fossil fuel power stations, motor vehicles and domestic
combustion appliances emit nitrogen oxides, mostly in the form of nitric oxide.
The chemical is used occupationally in the bleaching of rayon and in the
manufacture of nitric acid. Nitric oxide can be present at significant concentrations
in ambient and indoor air. It is used medically by inhalation to produce
selective pulmonary vasodilation and to improve oxygenation in patients with
various forms of pulmonary hypertension.
Absorption, Distribution, Metabolism and Excretion (ADME)
Nitric oxide is a gas; therefore, absorption can only occur through the eyes and
lungs. However, it will have contact effects with the skin. In the presence of
moisture and oxygen, corrosive conditions will develop as a result of the
formation of nitric and nitrous acids. The major proportion of inhaled nitric
oxide reaches the deeper parts of the lung and reacts with hemoglobin in
erythrocytes to form nitrosylhemoglobin which is converted immediately to
nitrite and nitrate. The nitrite and nitrate are then transferred to the serum, and
the greater part of the nitrate is excreted into the urine through the kidneys.
Most of the inhaled nitric oxide is eventually eliminated from the body as
nitrate.
Clinical Effects of Acute Exposure
Nitric oxide is a skin, eye and mucous membrane irritant. This is due to the fact
that moisture and oxygen convert nitric oxide into nitric and nitrous acids. The
most hazardous effects of nitric oxide are to the lungs. Inhalation causes
symptoms of coughing and shortness of breath, along with a burning in the
throat and chest. Patients may experience nausea and fatigue. Some pulmonary
symptoms may be delayed several hours. Methemoglobinemia may also occur.
In-Field Treatment Prior to Arrival at a Health Care Facility
• Remove the patient from the contaminated area. Nitric oxide’s effects on the
lungs increase upon exertion. All patients should be carried from the contaminated
area.
• Flood skin and eyes with water.
• If patient is experiencing difficulty breathing, coughing that does not resolve
with fresh air or tightness in the chest, administer oxygen if available. All
patients with pulmonary symptoms should be transported to the emergency
room.
Special note to first responders:
• Wear a positive-pressure Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA).
• Wear chemical protective clothing that is specifically recommended by the
manufacturer.
Treatment of Exposures in a Health Care Facility
• When the patient arrives at the health care facility, irrigate eyes and skin with
copious amounts of water.
• Monitor for respiratory distress, and administer oxygen or assist with
ventilation as necessary. Treat bronchospasm with inhaled beta2 agonists.
• Pulmonary edema may develop and is a delayed effect.
• Methemoglobinemia may occur because nitric oxide has a high affinity for
hemoglobin. It is the most rapidly binding ligand of hemoglobin currently
known and oxidizes reduced hemoglobin to methemoglobin.
• Acidosis may occur secondary to anoxia.
• Anticoagulation: Nitric oxide has been shown to inhibit both platelet
adhesion and aggregation.
For more poison prevention and first aid information, call the
