Material Safety Data Sheet
POTASSIUM NITRATE
KNO3
Revised: 01/09/2011
1.
PRODUCT AND COMPANY IDENTIFICATION
Product name
:
Chemical formula :
Synonyms
:
Potassium nitrate
KNO3
Nitrate of potash; NOP; Potassium salt;
Saltpetre
Emergency telephone number
2.
:
Supplier :
Aquasol Nutri
Aquasol House
7 Fick Street
Potchefstroom
018-294-8901
COMPOSITION AND INFORMATION ON INGEREDIENTS
Composition:
Name
CAS No.
%
Potassium nitrate
7757-79-1
100
Toxicological data on ingredients: Potassium nitrate: ORAL (LD50): Acute: 3750 mg/kg [Rat]. 1901 mg/kg [Rabbit].
3.
HAZARDS IDENTIFICATION
Physical state and appearance
Potential acute health effects :
Skin contact
Eye contact
Ingestion
-
Inhalation
-
Potential chronic health effects:
Carcinogenic effects
Mutagenic effects
Teratogenic effects
:
Solid (fine powder / crystals)
Irritant
Irritant
May be harmful if swallowed. Large quantities ingested can result in
gastrointestinal irritation and vomiting. May cause weakness and circulatory
problems.
Slightly hazardous. Lung irritant.
-
Not available
Mutagenic for mammalian somatic cells. Mutagenic for bacteria / yeast.
Not available
Medical conditions aggravated by prolonged exposure:
Prolonged exposure may result in skin burns and ulcerations. Over-exposure by inhalation may cause respiratory
irritation. The substance may be toxic to blood, kidneys, central nervous system (CNS). Repeated or prolonged
exposure to the substance can produce target organs damage.
4.
FIRST AID MEASURES
Eye contact
:
Check for and remove any contact lenses. In case of contact, immediately flush eyes with
plenty of water for at least 15 minutes. Cold water may be used. Get medical attention.
Skin contact
:
In case of contact, immediately flush skin with plenty of water and soap or mild detergent.
Remove contaminated clothing and shoes. Cold water may be used. Wash clothing before
reuse. Thoroughly clean shoes before reuse. Get medical attention if irritation persists.
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Inhalation
:
If inhaled, move person to fresh air. If not breathing, give artificial respiration. If breathing is
difficult, give oxygen. Get medical attention.
Ingestion
:
Do not induce vomiting unless directed to do so by medical personnel. Never give anything
by mouth to an unconscious person. Loosen tight clothing such as collar, tie, belt or
waistband. Get medical attention if symptoms appear.
5.
FIRE AND EXPLOSION DATA
Flammability
Auto-ignition temperature
Flash points
Flammable limits
:
:
:
:
Product itself is not considered flammable but it does promote/support fire.
Not applicable.
Not applicable.
Not applicable.
Products of combustion:
Nitrous oxides (NOx), potassium nitrite, potassium peroxide.
Special remarks on fire hazards:
In contact with easily oxidizable substances, it may react rapidly enough to cause ignition, violent combustion, or
explosion. It increases the flammability of any combustible substance. A mixture of potassium nitrate and
calcium silicide is a readily ignited primer and burns at a very high temperature. Contact of the carbide with
molten potassium nitrate causes incandescence. When heated to decomposition it emits very toxic fumes.
Explosion hazards in presence of various substances:
A mixture of potassium nitrate and antimony trisulphide explodes when heated. When copper phosphide is
mixed with potassium nitrate and heated, it explodes. Mixture of germanium nitrate and potassium nitrate
explodes when heated. A mixture of potassium nitrate, sulphur, arsenic trisulphide is known as a pyrotechnic
formulation. When titanium is heated with potassium nitrate, an explosion occurs. A mixture of potassium
nitrate and titanium disulfide explodes when heated. When potassium nitrate is mixed with boron, laminac, and
trichloroethylene an explosion can occur. Powdered zinc and potassium explode if heated. Arsenic disulfide
forms explosive mixtures when mixed with potassium nitrate. Charcoal (powdered carbon) and potassium nitrate
make a pyrotechnic mixture. Contact at 290 C causes a vigorous combustion and the mixture explodes on
heating. A mixture of potassium nitrate and sodium acetate may cause an explosion. A mixture of potassium
nitrate and sodium hypophosphite constitutes a powerful explosive. Mixtures of potassium nitrate with sodium
phosphinate and sodium thiosulfate are explosive.
Fire fighting media and instructions:
Extinguish small fires with carbon dioxide, dry powder or alcohol resistant foam. Water spray or fog can be used
for larger fires or cooling of unaffected stock. In the event of fire, wear full protective clothing and an approved
self-contained breathing apparatus.
6.
ACCIDENTAL RELEASE MEASURES
Environmental precautions:
Take care to avoid the contamination of waterways and drains. Inform the appropriate authorities in case of accidental
contamination of waterways.
Small spill:
Use appropriate tools to put the spilled solid in a convenient waste disposal container. Finish cleaning by spreading water
on the contaminated surface and dispose of according to local and regional authority requirements.
Large spill:
Oxidizing material. Stop leak if without risk. Avoid contact with a combustible material (wood, paper, oil, clothing...). Keep
substance damp using water spray. Do not touch spilled material. Prevent entry into sewers, basements or confined areas;
dike if needed. Call for assistance on disposal.
7.
HANDLING AND STORAGE
Precautions:
Keep away from heat. Keep away from sources of ignition. Keep away from combustible material.. Do not ingest. Do not
breathe dust. Wear suitable protective clothing. In case of insufficient ventilation, wear suitable respiratory equipment. If
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ingested, seek medical advice immediately and show the container or the label. Avoid contact with skin and eyes. Keep
away from incompatibles such as reducing agents, combustible materials, organic materials, metals.
Handling:
Avoid breathing dust. Do not ingest. Wear suitable protective clothing. In case of insufficient ventilation, wear suitable
respiratory equipment. Avoid contact with skin and eyes. Keep away from oxidising agents.
Storage:
Keep container tightly closed. Keep container in a cool, dry, well ventilated area.
8.
EXPOSURE CONTROLS / PERSONAL PROTECTION
Engineering controls:
Use process enclosures, local exhaust ventilation, or other engineering controls to keep airborne levels below
recommended exposure limits. If user operations generate dust, fume or mist, use ventilation to keep exposure to
airborne contaminants below the exposure limit.
Personal protection:
Eyes
Body
Respiratory
Hands
Feet
:
:
:
:
:
Splash goggles
Overalls
Dust respirator. Be sure to use approved or certified respirator or equivalent.
Wear appropriate respirator when ventilation is inadequate.
Gloves (impervious)
Boots
Personal protection in case of large spills:
Splash goggles, overalls, dust respirator, boots and gloves. A self contained breathing apparatus should be used to avoid
inhalation of the product. Suggested protective clothing might not be sufficient. Consult a specialist before handling this
product.
9.
PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL PROPORTIES
Physical state
Colour
Odour
Molecular weight
pH (1% soln water)
Boiling point
Melting point
Solubility
10.
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
Solid (crystalline solid).
White
Odourless
101.1 g/mole
Not available
400°C
334°C
Soluble in water
STABILITY AND REACTIVITY DATA
Stability
Instability temperature
Conditions of instability
Incompatibility
Corrosivity
:
:
:
:
:
The product is stable
Not available
Incompatible materials
Reactive with reducing agents, combustible materials, organic materials, metals.
Non corrosive in presence of glass.
Special remarks on reactivity:
Hygroscopic; keep container tightly closed. Potassium nitrate reacts vigorously when heated with sulphides of the alkaline
earth group including barium sulphide and calcium sulphide. Also incompatible with boron, and finely powdered metals,
chromium nitride, aluminium, titanium, antimony, germanium, zinc, zirconium, calcium disilicide, metal sulphides, carbon,
sulphur, phosphorus, phosphides, sodium phosphinate, sodium thiosulfate, citric acid, tin chloride, sodium acetate,
thorium carbide.
11.
TOXICOLOGICAL INFORMATION
Toxicity to animals
:
Chronic effects on humans :
Other toxic effects on human :
Acute oral toxicity (LD50): 1901 mg/kg [Rabbit].
May cause damage to the following organs: blood, kidneys, central nervous system.
Hazardous in case of skin contact (irritant), of ingestion, of inhalation (lung irritant).
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Special remarks on toxicity to animals:
Not available.
Special remarks on chronic effects on humans:
May cause adverse reproductive effects based on animal test data. May affect genetic material (mutagenic).
Special remarks on other toxic effects on humans:
Acute Potential Health Effects: Skin: Causes skin irritation. Eyes: Causes eye irritation Inhalation: Breathing Potassium
Nitrate can irritate the nose and throat causing sneezing and coughing. High levels can interfere with the ability of the
blood to carry oxygen causing headache, dizziness and a blue color to the skin and lips (methemoglobinemia), and other
symptoms of methemoglobinemia (see other symptoms under ingestion). Higher levels can cause trouble breathing,
circulatory collapse and even death. Ingestion: Ingestion of large quantities may cause violent gastroenteritis with nausea,
vomiting, severe abdominal pain. It may also cause colic and diarrhoea. Acute toxicity of nitrate occurs as a result of
reduction to nitrite. The nitrite acts in the blood to oxidize haemoglobin to methemoglobin which does not perform as an
oxygen carrier to tissues causing Methenoglobinemia. Symptoms may include vertigo, muscular weakness, syncope,
irregular pulse, convulsions, anoxia, coma, fall in blood pressure, roaring sound in the ears, a persistent throbbing
headache, generalized tingling sensation, heart palpitations, visual disturbances caused by increased intraocular tension
and intracranial pressure, flushed and perspiring skin, which is later cold and cyanotic. Circulatory collapse and death may
occur. Chronic Potential Health Effects: Ingestion and Inhalation: Repeated or prolonged exposure to small amounts may
affect the blood, respiration and kidneys and produce anaemia, Methenoglobinemia with attendant cyanosis and anoxia,
hyperpnoea and later dyspnoea, and nephritis.
12.
ECOLOGICAL INFROMATION
Ecotoxicity
BOD5 and COD
Biodegradable/OECD
Mobility
Products of degradation
:
:
:
:
:
Not available
Not available.
Not available.
Not available
Possibly hazardous short term degradation products are not likely. However, long
term degradation products may arise.
Special remarks on the products of degradation:
No additional remarks.
13.
DISPOSAL CONSIDERATIONS
Waste information :
Waste stream
:
Waste must be disposed of in accordance with federal, state, and local environmental control
regulations.
No data available.
Consult local or regional authorities.
14.
TRANSPORT INFORMATION
DOT Classification
UN No
ERG No
Shipping name
IMDG Code
Marine pollutant
Hazchem code
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
Class 5.1 – Oxidizing agent class III
1486
140
Potassium nitrate
5063
Yes
1[T]
Potassium nitrate (UN number 1486) is listed as “Dangerous Goods and hazardous materials” and its transport on roads in
the Republic of South Africa is regulated by the Department of Transport. Vehicles conveying Dangerous Goods over
exempt quantities - 200 kg or 200 litres for Potassium nitrate - must be correctly licensed, registered, equipped and
maintained in full roadworthy condition at all times. Transport of quantities of potassium nitrate exceeding 200 kg or 200
litres are, by Law, required to be transported with hazchem licensed transport and vehicles, trailers and drivers must
meet all legal requirements.
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15.
OTHER REGULATORY INFORMATION
EC Classification
:
The product is classified and labelled in accordance with EC directive 67/548/EC
EC no. : 231-818-8.
Hazard symbols:
O
Oxidizing
R Phrases
8
Contact with combustible material may cause fire.
S Phrases
16 Keep away from sources of ignition – no smoking.
41 In case of fire and/or explosion do not breathe fumes.
National Legislation
16.
:
National Road Traffic Act, 1996 (Act 93 of 1996)
Fire Brigade Service Act, 1987 (Act 99 of 1987)
Occupational Health & Safety Act, 1993 (Act 85 of 1993)
Fertilizers, farm feeds, agricultural remedies and stock remedies Act, 1947 (Act 36
of 1947)
OTHER INFORMATION / DISCLAIMER
This safety data sheet provides health and safety information. Individuals handling this product should be informed of the
recommended safety precautions and should have access to this information.
The product information in this sheet is, to the best of this company’s knowledge, correct as at the date of publication.
The user must be satisfied that the product is entirely suitable for the purpose for which it is being used. It is the user’s
obligation to determine and to ensure the conditions for the safe use of the material.
All information is given in good faith but without guarantee in respect of accuracy, and no responsibility is accepted for
errors or omissions of the consequences thereof.
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