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Product name: Potassium Formate
Chemical formula: HCOOK
Common uses: Ice-melting agent, drilling fluids, de-icing airfields, chemical synthesis
Physical form: White, crystalline solid or colorless aqueous solution
Odor: Little to none; some subtle formic acid notes detectable in concentrated solutions
CAS number: 590-29-4
Main risks: Slightly irritating to eyes and skin; repeated contact can dry or crack skin
Emergency overview: Irritation possible on contact with mucous membranes
Long-term exposure: Not classified as carcinogenic, mutagenic, or reprotoxic by major agencies
Special note: Dust may cause transient discomfort to eyes and respiratory tract, especially in close, poorly ventilated rooms or during transfer and handling
Main ingredient: Potassium formate (usually over 98%)
Impurities: Trace water, possible minimal potassium carbonate or other minor potassium salts depending on production method
Inhalation: Move to fresh air, get rest, rinse mouth if any dust or solution ingested
Eye contact: Rinse eyes gently for a few minutes, remove contact lenses after initial flushing
Skin contact: Wash with soap and water, use moisturizer if hands feel dry
Ingestion: Rinse mouth, drink water, seek medical advice for large volumes or any symptoms
Flammability: Not combustible, but containers may rupture under high heat
Suitable extinguishing media: Use water spray, carbon dioxide, dry powder, or foam
Protective equipment: Firefighters should use standard protective clothing and a self-contained breathing apparatus where large amounts are present
Hazardous decomposition: Strong fire may generate carbon monoxide and potassium oxides
Personal precautions: Avoid eye and skin exposure; put on gloves and goggles
Spill cleanup: Sweep up solid material, absorb liquid with non-combustible absorbent material like sand or earth
Waste handling: Place residue in suitable, sealed container for disposal; ventilate spill area
Environmental measures: Minimize run-off to drains, use barriers to keep material contained on hard surfaces
Safe handling: Keep container tightly closed, avoid generating dust; use only in well-ventilated areas
Storage conditions: Store in a cool, dry location; keep away from strong acids, oxidizing agents; separate from food or feed
Workplace hygiene: Wash hands after handling, avoid eating or drinking in work area, remove contaminated clothing after work
Engineering controls: Local exhaust ventilation in areas of dust generation
Eye protection: Safety goggles or face shield
Hand protection: Chemical-resistant gloves
Skin protection: Lab coats, long sleeves
Respiratory protection: Dust masks or respirators where airborne dust may reach irritating levels
State: Solid crystals or concentrated aqueous solution
Odor threshold: Slightly sweet; not pungent
Melting point: 167°C for anhydrous solid
Solubility: Freely soluble in water, nearly insoluble in most organic solvents
pH: Alkaline, usually around 9-10 as a 10% solution
Vapor pressure: Negligible for the solid
Density: About 1.91 g/cm³ (solid); depends on solution concentration
Chemical stability: Stable under normal storage and handling conditions
Conditions to avoid: Moisture exposure of the solid may cause caking; strong acids release formic acid vapors
Incompatible materials: Strong acids, strong oxidizers
Hazardous products: Formic acid, carbon monoxide, and potassium oxides form if strongly heated
Expected routes of exposure: Skin, eye, inhalation
Short term effects: Mild irritation for eyes and skin; respiratory irritation from dust
Long term effects: No evidence of chronic toxicity at usual levels; acute oral toxicity is low (LD50 mammals greater than 2000 mg/kg)
Allergenic effects: Not known to be a sensitizer
Aquatic impact: High solubility means runoff can cause localized changes to water chemistry
Biodegradability: Readily biodegradable; breaks down to potassium and carbon dioxide
Toxicity to aquatic life: Generally low; formate ion is metabolized by bacteria, potassium is a regular plant nutrient
Soil impact: Excess may change soil structure or pH temporarily
Preferred method: Small amounts can dilute with water and flush to drain, following local laws
Bulk disposal: Send to licensed waste handler; avoid landfill dump in high concentrations
Container cleaning: Rinse thoroughly; avoid mixing residues with acids or oxidizers
DOT (USA): Not regulated as a dangerous good
UN status: No shipping restrictions for general public transport; keep sealed, clearly labeled
Precautions: Use covered vehicles for large quantities; avoid container breakage or leakage during transit
GHS status: Typically not classified as hazardous under GHS or OSHA for low exposure
Inventory status: Listed by US TSCA, EU REACH, Canadian DSL, and others
Workplace requirements: Follow standard chemical hygiene; post hazard communications where significant use occurs
