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NIOSH

POTASSIUM NITRATE

ICSC: 0184

Saltpeter
KNO3
Molecular mass: 101.1
ICSC # 0184 		CAS # 7757-79-1
RTECS # TT3700000
UN # 1486
October 15, 2001 Validated

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

STORAGE

PACKAGING & LABELLING

Sweep spilled substance into plastic or glass containers. Wash away remainder with plenty of water.
Separated from combustible and reducing substances.

UN Hazard Class: 5.1
UN Packing Group: III
ICSC: 0184 Prepared in the context of cooperation between the International Programme on Chemical Safety & the Commission of the European Communities (C) IPCS CEC 1994. No modifications to the International version have been made except to add the OSHA PELs, NIOSH RELs and NIOSH IDLH values.

POTASSIUM NITRATE

ICSC: 0184

I

M

P

O

R

T

A

N

T


D

A

T

A

PHYSICAL STATE; APPEARANCE:
COLOURLESS TO WHITE CRYSTALLINE POWDER .

PHYSICAL DANGERS:


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.

EFFECTS OF LONG-TERM OR REPEATED EXPOSURE:

PHYSICAL
PROPERTIES

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

ENVIRONMENTAL
DATA


N O T E S

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.
NFPA Code: H1; F0; R0;

Transport Emergency Card: TEC (R)-51S1486

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION



ICSC: 0184 POTASSIUM NITRATE
(C) IPCS, CEC, 1994
IMPORTANT LEGAL NOTICE: Neither NIOSH, the CEC or the IPCS nor any person acting on behalf of NIOSH, the CEC or the IPCS is responsible for the use which might be made of this information. This card contains the collective views of the IPCS Peer Review Committee and may not reflect in all cases all the detailed requirements included in national legislation on the subject. The user should verify compliance of the cards with the relevant legislation in the country of use. The only modifications made to produce the U.S. version is inclusion of the OSHA PELs, NIOSH RELs and NIOSH IDLH values.
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