Potassium nitrate (data page)
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Potassium nitrate is a dangerous chemical and should be handled with care. You should only use it after you have read ALL the facts, hazards and saftey measures. It is an Oxidizer so you should never store it near fire hazards or other chemicals, nor mix it with other chemicals unless you have been trained to.
[edit] Product Identification
Synonyms : Saltpeter; niter; Nitric acid, potassium salt
CAS No. : 7757-79-1
Molecular Weight : 101.1
Chemical Formula : KNO3
[edit] Composition/Information on Ingredients
Ingredient : Potassium Nitrate
CAS No. : 7757-79-1
Percent : 99 - 100%
Hazardous : Yes
[edit] Hazards Identification
Emergency Overview
DANGER! STRONG OXIDIZER. CONTACT WITH OTHER MATERIAL MAY CAUSE FIRE. HARMFUL IF SWALLOWED, INHALED OR ABSORBED THROUGH SKIN. CAUSES IRRITATION TO SKIN, EYES AND RESPIRATORY TRACT.
SAF-T-DATA ™ Ratings
Health Rating : 2 - Moderate ▓▓▒▒
Flammability Rating : 0 - None ▒▒▒▒
Reactivity Rating : 3 - Severe (Oxidizer) ▓▓▓▒
Contact Rating : 2 - Moderate (Life) ▓▓▒▒
Lab Protective Equip : GOGGLES & SHIELD; LAB COAT & APRON; VENT HOOD; PROPER GLOVES
Storage Color Code : Yellow (Reactive)
Potential Health Effects
Inhalation : Causes irritation to the respiratory tract. Symptoms may include coughing, shortness of breath.
Ingestion : Causes irritation to the gastrointestinal tract. Symptoms may include nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. May cause gastroenteritis and abdominal pains. Purging and diuresis can be expected. Rare cases of nitrates being converted to the more toxic nitrites have been reported, mostly with infants.
Skin Contact : Causes irritation to skin. Symptoms include redness, itching, and pain.
Eye Contact : Causes irritation, redness, and pain.
Chronic Exposure : Under some circumstances methemoglobinemia occurs in individuals when the nitrate is converted by bacteria in the stomach to nitrite. Nausea, vomiting, dizziness, rapid heart beat, irregular breathing, convulsions, coma, and death can occur should this conversion take place. Chronic exposure to nitrites may cause anemia and adverse effects to kidney.
[edit] First Aid Measures
Inhalation : Remove to fresh air. If not breathing, give artificial respiration. If breathing is difficult, give oxygen. Get medical attention.
Ingestion : Induce vomiting immediately as directed by medical personnel. Never give anything by mouth to an unconscious person. Get medical attention.
Skin Contact : Immediately flush skin with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes while removing contaminated clothing and shoes. Get medical attention. Wash clothing before reuse. Thoroughly clean shoes before reuse.
Eye Contact : Immediately flush eyes with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes, lifting lower and upper eyelids occasionally. Get medical attention immediately.
[edit] Fire Fighting Measures
Fire : Not combustible, but substance is a strong oxidizer and its heat of reaction with reducing agents or combustibles may cause ignition.
Explosion : Some nitrates may explode when shocked, exposed to heat or flame, or by spontaneous chemical reaction. Sealed containers may rupture when heated. Sensitive to mechanical impact.
Fire Extinguishing Media : Dry chemical, carbon dioxide, Halon, water spray, or fog. If water is used, apply from as far a distance as possible. Water spray may be used to keep fire exposed containers cool. Do not allow water runoff to enter sewers or waterways.
Special Information : Wear full protective clothing and breathing equipment for high-intensity fire or potential explosion conditions. This oxidizing material can increase the flammability of adjacent combustible materials.
[edit] Accidental Release Measures
Remove all sources of ignition. Ventilate area of leak or spill. Wear appropriate personal protective equipment as specified in Section 8. Spills: Clean up spills in a manner that does not disperse dust into the air. Use non-sparking tools and equipment. Reduce airborne dust and prevent scattering by moistening with water. Pick up spill for recovery or disposal and place in a closed container.
[edit] Handling and Storage
Keep in a tightly closed container, stored in a cool, dry, ventilated area. Protect against physical damage and moisture. Isolate from any source of heat or ignition. Avoid storage on wood floors. Separate from incompatibles, combustibles, organic or other readily oxidizable materials. Containers of this material may be hazardous when empty since they retain product residues (dust, solids); observe all warnings and precautions listed for the product.
[edit] Exposure Controls/Personal Protection
Ventilation System : A system of local and/or general exhaust is recommended to keep employee exposures as low as possible. Local exhaust ventilation is generally preferred because it can control the emissions of the contaminant at its source, preventing dispersion of it into the general work area. Please refer to the ACGIH document, Industrial Ventilation, A Manual of Recommended Practices, most recent edition, for details.
Personal Respirators (NIOSH Approved) : For conditions of use where exposure to dust or mist is apparent and engineering controls are not feasible, a particulate respirator (NIOSH type N95 or better filters) may be worn. If oil particles (e.g. lubricants, cutting fluids, glycerine, etc.) are present, use a NIOSH type R or P filter. For emergencies or instances where the exposure levels are not known, use a full-face positive-pressure, air-supplied respirator. WARNING: Air-purifying respirators do not protect workers in oxygen-deficient atmospheres.
Skin Protection : Wear impervious protective clothing, including boots, gloves, lab coat, apron or coveralls, as appropriate, to prevent skin contact.
Eye Protection : Use chemical safety goggles and/or full face shield where dusting or splashing of solutions is possible. Maintain eye wash fountain and quick-drench facilities in work area.
[edit] Physical and Chemical Properties
Appearance : White crystals.
Odor : Odorless.
Solubility : 36 gm/l00 ml water
Specific Gravity : 2.1
pH : ca. 7
% Volatiles by volume @ 21C (70F) : 0
Boiling Point : 400C (752F)
Melting Point : 333C (631F)
Vapor Density (Air=1) : 3.00
Vapor Pressure (mm Hg) : Negligible @ 20C
[edit] Stability and Reactivity
Stability : Stable under ordinary conditions of use and storage. Hazardous Decomposition Products : Oxides of nitrogen and toxic metal fumes may form when heated to decomposition.
Hazardous Polymerization : Will not occur.
Incompatibilities : Heavy metals, phosphites, organic compounds, carbonaceous materials, strong acids, and many other substances.
Conditions to Avoid : Heat, flames, ignition sources and incompatibles.
[edit] Disposal Considerations
Whatever cannot be saved for recovery or recycling should be handled as hazardous waste and sent to a RCRA approved waste facility. Processing, use or contamination of this product may change the waste management options. State and local disposal regulations may differ from federal disposal regulations. Dispose of container and unused contents in accordance with federal, state and local requirements.
