SALTPETER

Saltpeter is potassium or sodium nitrate. Ingestion of large quantities may cause violent gastroenteritis.Prolonged exposure to small amounts may produce anemia, or nephritis. It is used in fireworks. fluxes, pickling meats,manufacture of glass, matches, gunpowder, blasting powder, freezing mixture, impregnating candle wicks, treating tobacco to make it burn evenly and tempering steel. In food, it is used in salt curing of meats. It's use in small quantities is allowed because it prevents botulism growth.