© 2026 Sinochem Nanjing Corporation,
All Right Reserved
Chemical Name: Potassium Iodate
Chemical Formula: KIO3
Common Uses: Used as a source of iodine in emergency food preparedness kits, pharmaceutical applications, and occasionally in laboratory settings.
Appearance: White, crystalline powder or granules with minimal odor, not easily mistaken for anything else on the shop shelf.
CAS Number: 7758-05-6
Hazard Class: Oxidizing solid
GHS Label: Oxidizer, warning for skin and eye irritation, specific hazard to thyroid in excessive doses
Main Hazards: Contact can irritate eyes, skin, and respiratory tract. Inhalation of dust may aggravate symptoms in those with respiratory issues. Mixing with combustible material or strong acids increases fire risk.
Potential Health Effects: Short-term overexposure can cause nausea, stomach pain, and throat irritation. Long-term excessive intake could impact thyroid function, emphasizing personal limits rather than bureaucratic limits.
Potassium Iodate Concentration: 99-100% purity is common. No usual impurities significant enough for most hazards.
Synonyms: Iodic acid, potassium salt; Iodate de potassium
Inhalation: Head straight to fresh air. A cough or mild sore throat often suggest exposure. If breathing feels off, seek more specialized help.
Skin Contact: Wash thoroughly with soap and water. Even minor irritation deserves a good rinse.
Eye Contact: Flush with water without rubbing. Taking care of your eyes always comes first. If discomfort lingers, don’t brush it off.
Ingestion: Rinse mouth but hold off on eating or drinking more. Medical providers should handle persistent symptoms or large accidental doses. Those on thyroid medication should mention this detail quickly—dose matters.
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Water spray works best. Keep away from flammable or organic materials.
Unusual Fire Hazards: Potassium iodate doesn’t burn easily, but it will feed a fire if mixed with combustible materials or exposed to high heat, releasing toxic iodine vapors.
Protective Equipment: Firefighters need full gear and breathing protection. Standard home fire extinguishers usually suffice if the quantity is small.
Personal Precautions: Avoid kick-up of dust with gentle handling. Respiratory protection helps if ventilation isn’t up to snuff.
Environmental Precautions: Keep powders away from drains and waterways. Excess can disrupt aquatic ecosystems or end up in the wrong parts of the food chain.
Clean-Up Methods: Sweep up gently, dampen if possible to limit dust. Bag securely for proper disposal.
Handling: Use in a well-ventilated spot, keep away from heat, open flames, and anything that burns. Mixing with acids or organic materials creates risk.
Storage: Store in tightly sealed containers, in a cool, dry place, out of direct sunlight, and safe from children and pets. Label everything to avoid mix-ups—clear labeling prevents accidents at home or in the lab.
Eye Protection: Goggles or a face shield limit irritation from dust. For quick tasks, at least some form of eye cover helps.
Respiratory Protection: Use a dust mask or respirator if handling large amounts. Even small quantities can trigger coughs or aggravate asthma.
Skin Protection: Gloves keep your hands safe, especially if the product is being handled over long periods.
Engineering Controls: Sufficient ventilation—open windows, fans, or a fume hood—lowers exposure and keeps everyone breathing easier.
Appearance: White crystalline solid, easily mistaken for salt or sugar in dim light, so always double-check the label.
Odor: Odorless
Boiling/Decomposition Point: Decomposes before it boils, important if heating in experiments.
Melting Point: About 560°C
Solubility in Water: Moderately soluble
Stability: Stable under standard room conditions with dry air and no strong acids around.
Incompatible Materials: Strong acids, reducing agents, organic material. Combining these by mistake brings unwanted reactions.
Hazardous Decomposition: High heat or mixing with the wrong chemicals could release iodine or other toxic fumes.
Acute Toxicity: Short, intense exposure might cause mouth or stomach irritation, especially if inhaled.
Chronic Effects: Repeated or excessive oral intake can lead to thyroid issues. Thyroid patients or those with pre-existing conditions should take particular care.
Sensitization: No widespread cases, but allergic responses can happen—especially with prolonged skin contact.
Environmental Impact: Runoff can harm aquatic life, as iodates disrupt normal body functions in fish and plants. Responsible cleanup and disposal shrink the risk of leftover chemicals entering water streams.
Mobility: Moderately mobile in water, less so in soil, but still worth being careful about.
Disposal Methods: Follow local rules. Small amounts can go with household hazardous waste. Larger amounts belong in chemical waste programs, not tossed with household trash.
Avoid: Pouring into drains or the environment. It works its way into water faster than many think, creating long-term effects downstream.
UN Number: UN 1479 (oxidizing solid, nos)
Transport Hazard Class: 5.1 (oxidizer)
Packing Group: II or III, depending on amount and purity. Pack carefully to avoid spills in transit.
Labeling Needs: Packages marked “oxidizer” and handled in a way that stops bags from breaking open during routine handling.
Labeling: GHS/CLP icons for oxidizers and irritants required in many regions.
Restrictions: Not allowed as an additive everywhere, especially in foods, so check relevant health authority lists. Some countries classify it under stricter rules due to its potential hazards.
Workplace Limits: Many workplaces do not set formal occupational exposure limits, so local health and safety standards dictate acceptable usage.
