International Chemical Safety Cards

POTASSIUM NITRATE

ICSC: 0184

POTASSIUM NITRATE
Saltpeter
KNO₃
Molecular mass: 101.1
CAS # 7757-79-1
RTECS # TT3700000
ICSC # 0184
UN # 1486

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: all extinguishing agents allowed.
EXPLOSION	Risk of fire and explosion on contact with reducing agents.

EXPOSURE		PREVENT DISPERSION OF DUST!
INHALATION	Cough (see Ingestion).	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 spectacles.	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.	Do not eat, drink, or smoke during work. Wash hands before eating.	Rinse mouth.

SPILLAGE DISPOSAL

STORAGE

PACKAGING & LABELLING

Sweep spilled substance into plastic or glass containers. Wash away remainder with plenty of water.

Separated from combustible and reducing substances.

UN Hazard Class: 5.1
UN Packing Group: III

SEE IMPORTANT INFORMATION ON BACK

ICSC: 0184

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 NITRATE

ICSC: 0184

I
M
P
O
R
T
A
N
T

D
A
T
A

PHYSICAL STATE; APPEARANCE:
ODOURLESS , COLOURLESS TO WHITE CRYSTALLINE POWDER.

CHEMICAL DANGERS:
The substance decomposes on heating or on burning producing nitrogen oxides, oxygen , which increases fire hazard. The substance is a strong oxidant and reacts with combustible and reducing materials.

OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE LIMITS (OELs):
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 irritates the eyes, the skin and the respiratory tract. The substance may cause effects on the blood , resulting in formation of methaemoglobin. The effects may be delayed. Medical observation is indicated.

EFFECTS OF LONG-TERM OR REPEATED EXPOSURE:

PHYSICAL
PROPERTIES

Decomposes below boiling point at 400°C with evolution of oxygen°C
Melting point: 333-334°C

Relative density (water = 1): 2.1
Solubility in water, g/100 ml at 25°C: 35.7

IMPORTANT LEGAL NOTICE:

Neither the CEC or 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. This card contains the collective views of the IPCS Peer Review Committee and may not reflect in all cases all the detailed requirements included in national legislation on the subject. The user should verify compliance of the cards with the relevant legislation in the country of use.