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POTASSIUM NITRATEICSC: 0184 (October 2001)
Saltpeter
CAS #: 7757-79-1
UN #: 1486
EC Number: 231-818-8

  ACUTE HAZARDS PREVENTION FIRE FIGHTING
FIRE & EXPLOSION Not combustible but enhances combustion of other substances. Gives off irritating or toxic fumes (or gases) in a fire.  Risk of fire and explosion on contact with reducing agents.  NO contact with combustible substances or reducing agents.    In case of fire in the surroundings, use appropriate extinguishing media.   

 PREVENT DISPERSION OF DUST!  
  SYMPTOMS PREVENTION FIRST AID
Inhalation Cough. Sore throat.  Use 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.  Wear safety goggles.  First rinse with plenty of water for several minutes (remove contact lenses if easily possible), then refer for medical attention. 
Ingestion Abdominal pain. Blue lips, fingernails and 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 CLASSIFICATION & LABELLING
Sweep spilled substance into plastic or glass containers. Wash away remainder with plenty of water. 

According to UN GHS Criteria

 

Transportation
UN Classification
UN Hazard Class: 5.1; UN Pack Group: III 

STORAGE
Separated from combustible substances and reducing agents. 
PACKAGING
 
POTASSIUM NITRATE ICSC: 0184
PHYSICAL & CHEMICAL INFORMATION

Physical State; Appearance
COLOURLESS-TO-WHITE CRYSTALLINE POWDER. 

Physical dangers
 

Chemical dangers
Decomposes on heating. This increases fire hazard. The substance is a strong oxidant. It reacts with combustible and reducing materials. 

Formula: KNO3
Molecular mass: 101.1
Decomposes at 400°C
Melting point: 333-334°C
Density: 2.1 g/cm³
Solubility in water, g/100ml at 25°C: 35.7  


EXPOSURE & HEALTH EFFECTS

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

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

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

Effects of long-term or repeated exposure
 


OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE LIMITS
 

ENVIRONMENT
 

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

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
  EC Classification
 

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    See Also:
       Toxicological Abbreviations
       POTASSIUM NITRATE (JECFA Evaluation)