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POTASSIUM NITRATE ICSC: 0184
Date of peer-review: October 2001

Saltpeter
CAS # 7757-79-1 KNO3
RTECS # TT3700000 Molecular mass: 101.1
UN # 1486
EC #
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.
EU Classification
UN Classification
UN Hazard Class: 5.1
UN Pack Group: III
EMERGENCY RESPONSE STORAGE
NPA Code: H 1; F 0; R 0; Transport Emergency Card: TEC (R)-51S1486
Separated from combustible and reducing substances.
IPCS
International
Programme on
Chemical Safety 		Prepared in the context of cooperation between the International Programme on Chemical Safety and the Commission of the European Communities © IPCS, CEC 2001

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POTASSIUM NITRATE ICSC: 0184
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
Decomposes below boiling point at 400°C
Melting point: 333-334°C
Density: 2.1 g/cm^3
Solubility in water, g/100 ml at 25°C: 35.7
ENVIRONMENTAL DATA

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.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION


LEGAL NOTICE Neither the CEC nor the IPCS nor any person acting on behalf of the CEC or the IPCS is responsible for the use which might be made of this information
© IPCS, CEC 2001 



    See Also:
       Toxicological Abbreviations
       POTASSIUM NITRATE (JECFA Evaluation)