International Chemical Safety Cards POTASSIUM OXIDE ICSC: 0769 POTASSIUM OXIDE Potassium monoxide K2O Molecular mass: 94.2 CAS # 12136-45-7 RTECS # TT3790000 ICSC # 0769 UN # 2033 TYPES OF HAZARD/ EXPOSURE ACUTE HAZARDS/ SYMPTOMS PREVENTION FIRST AID/ FIRE FIGHTING FIRE Not combustible. Powder, carbon dioxide, NO hydrous agents. EXPLOSION   EXPOSURE PREVENT DISPERSION OF DUST! AVOID ALL CONTACT! INHALATION Sore throat. Cough. Burning sensation. Shortness of breath. Symptoms may be delayed (see Notes). Local exhaust or breathing protection. Fresh air, rest. Half-upright position. Artificial respiration if indicated. Refer for medical attention. SKIN Pain. Blisters. Protective gloves. Protective clothing. Rinse skin with plenty of water or shower. Refer for medical attention. EYES Redness. Pain. Severe deep burns. Safety goggles, or eye protection in combination with breathing protection if powder. First rinse with plenty of water for several minutes (remove contact lenses if easily possible), then take to a doctor. INGESTION Burning sensation. Abdominal pain. Shock or collapse. Do not eat, drink, or smoke during work. Rinse mouth. Do NOT induce vomiting. Refer for medical attention. SPILLAGE DISPOSAL STORAGE PACKAGING & LABELLING Sweep spilled substance into containers; if appropriate, moisten first to prevent dusting. Carefully collect remainder, then remove to safe place (extra personal protection: chemical suit with breathing apparatus). Separated from strong acids, food and feedstuffs. Dry. Airtight. Do not transport with food and feedstuffs. UN Hazard Class: 8 UN Packing Group: II SEE IMPORTANT INFORMATION ON BACK ICSC: 0769 Prepared in the context of cooperation between the International Programme on Chemical Safety & the Commission of the European Communities © IPCS CEC 1993

International Chemical Safety Cards POTASSIUM OXIDE ICSC: 0769 I M P O R T A N T D A T A PHYSICAL STATE; APPEARANCE: COLOURLESS CRYSTALLINE, HYGROSCOPIC POWDER. PHYSICAL DANGERS: CHEMICAL DANGERS: The solution in water is a strong base, it reacts violently with acid and is corrosive. Reacts violently with water producing potassium hydroxide. Attacks many metals in presence of water. OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE LIMITS (OELs): TLV not established. ROUTES OF EXPOSURE: The substance can be absorbed into the body by inhalation and by ingestion. INHALATION RISK: Evaporation at 20°C is negligible; a harmful concentration of airborne particles can, however, be reached quickly. EFFECTS OF SHORT-TERM EXPOSURE: Corrosive. The substance is corrosive to the eyes, the skin and the respiratory tract. Inhalation of dusts may cause lung oedema (see Notes). The effects may be delayed. Medical observation is indicated. EFFECTS OF LONG-TERM OR REPEATED EXPOSURE: PHYSICAL PROPERTIES Melting point (decomposes): 350°C Relative density (water = 1): 2.3 Solubility in water: reaction

ENVIRONMENTAL DATA
N O T E S
Reacts violently with fire extinguishing agents such as water. The symptoms of lung oedema often do not become manifest until a few hours have passed and they are aggravated by physical effort. Rest and medical observation are therefore essential. Immediate administration of an appropriate spray, by a doctor or a person authorized by him/her, should be considered. Also consult ICSC # 0357 on potassium hydroxide. Transport Emergency Card: TEC (R)-80G09

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
ICSC: 0769 POTASSIUM OXIDE © IPCS, CEC, 1993

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