ICSC 0184 - POTASSIUM NITRATE

[List of Chemicals] [Risk Notes] [Risk Phrases] [Safety Phrases] [Danger Symbols]

POTASSIUM NITRATE

ICSC: 0184
_{October 2001}

Saltpeter

CAS No: 7757-79-1
RTECS No: TT3700000
UN No: 1486

KNO₃
Molecular mass: 101.1

TYPES OF HAZARD / EXPOSURE	ACUTE HAZARDS / SYMPTOMS	PREVENTION	FIRST AID / FIRE FIGHTING
FIRE	Not combustible but enhances combustion of other substances. Gives off irritating or toxic fumes (or gases) in a fire.	NO contact with combustibles or reducing agents.	In case of fire in the surroundings: use appropriate extinguishing media.
EXPLOSION	Risk of fire and explosion on contact with reducing agents.

EXPOSURE		PREVENT DISPERSION OF DUST!
Inhalation	Cough. Sore throat.	Local exhaust or breathing protection.	Fresh air, rest. Refer for medical attention.
Skin	Redness.	Protective gloves.	Remove contaminated clothes. Rinse and then wash skin with water and soap.
Eyes	Redness. Pain.	Safety goggles.	First rinse with plenty of water for several minutes (remove contact lenses if easily possible), then take to a doctor.
Ingestion	Abdominal pain. Blue lips or fingernails. Blue skin. Dizziness. Laboured breathing. Confusion. Convulsions. Diarrhoea. Headache. Nausea. Unconsciousness.	Do not eat, drink, or smoke during work. Wash hands before eating.	Rinse mouth. Refer for medical attention.

SPILLAGE DISPOSAL	PACKAGING & LABELLING
Sweep spilled substance into plastic or glass containers. Wash away remainder with plenty of water.	UN Hazard Class: 5.1 UN Pack Group: III

EMERGENCY RESPONSE	STORAGE
Transport Emergency Card: TEC (R)-51S1486 NFPA Code: H1; F0; R0	Separated from combustible and reducing substances.

IMPORTANT DATA

Physical State; Appearance
COLOURLESS TO WHITE CRYSTALLINE POWDER.

Chemical dangers
The substance decomposes on heating producing nitrogen oxides, oxygen, which increases fire hazard. The substance is a strong oxidant and reacts with combustible and reducing materials.

Occupational exposure limits
TLV not established.

Routes of exposure
The substance can be absorbed into the body by inhalation of its aerosol and by ingestion.

Inhalation risk
Evaporation at 20°C is negligible; a harmful concentration of airborne particles can, however, be reached quickly
when dispersed.

Effects of short-term exposure
The substance is irritating to the eyes, the skin and the respiratory tract.
The substance may cause effects on the blood, resulting in formation of methaemoglobin when ingested. The effects may be delayed. Medical observation is indicated.

PHYSICAL PROPERTIES	ENVIRONMENTAL DATA
Decomposes below boiling point at 400°C Melting point: 333-334°C Density: 2.1 g/cm³ Solubility in water, g/100 ml at 25°C: 35.7

NOTES

Rinse contaminated clothes (fire hazard) with plenty of water.
Specific treatment is necessary in case of poisoning with this substance; the appropriate means with instructions must be available.

IPCS
International
Programme on
Chemical Safety

Prepared in the context of cooperation between the International Programme on Chemical Safety and the European Commission
© IPCS 2002

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Neither the EC nor the IPCS nor any person acting on behalf of the EC or the IPCS is responsible for the use which might be made of this information.

Updated by AS. Approved by EC. Last update: 22.03.2002