Product Name: Potassium Iodide
Synonyms: KI, Iodide of Potash
Chemical Formula: KI
CAS Number: 7681-11-0
Manufacturer: Major laboratory supply companies, always check packaging for supplier contact
Recommended Use: Reagent, radiation protection, expectorant in biotechnology and healthcare environments
Emergency Contact: Refer to local emergency number or poison control for chemical exposures
Classification: Not classified as hazardous under GHS for general handling, but prolonged or high exposure brings toxicological concerns
Physical Hazards: Non-combustible, can cause mild skin and eye irritation
Health Hazards: Repeated exposure can affect thyroid function, excess inhalation or ingestion triggers headaches, nausea, and skin rashes
Environmental Hazards: presents moderate hazard, can accumulate in soil and water; disrupts local ecosystems with improper large-scale disposal; directly impacts aquatic environments
Signal Word: Warning
Precautionary Phrases: Avoid contact with skin or eyes, avoid inhaling dust or vapors, wash thoroughly after handling
Substance: Potassium Iodide
Chemical Formula: KI
Content: Minimum 99% by weight, depending on purity from supplier
Impurities: Trace levels of sodium iodide, moisture, and organic contaminants possible based on batch
Other Components: No stabilizers, preservatives, or additional chemicals listed for standard lab-grade or pharmaceutical-grade product
Eye Contact: Immediately rinse eyes with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes, seek medical attention if pain or irritation persists
Skin Contact: Wash exposed area thoroughly with soap and water, remove contaminated clothing. If a rash appears, consult a healthcare provider
Inhalation: Remove to fresh air as soon as possible, monitor for respiratory distress, seek medical help if symptoms do not subside
Ingestion: Rinse mouth with water, avoid inducing vomiting unless directed by medical personnel, obtain prompt assistance
Acute Symptoms: Symptoms such as stomach upset, headache, and throat irritation may appear rapidly after significant exposure
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Water spray, carbon dioxide, dry powder, or foam
Specific Hazards: Nonflammable, but decomposition in fire can release toxic potassium and iodine fumes
Protective Equipment: Firefighters need self-contained breathing apparatus, full protective gear to prevent inhalation of gases
Special Instructions: Move containers away from heat sources if safe; stay upwind of smoke exposure during fire incidents
Personal Precautions: Put on dust mask or respirator, goggles, and gloves to prevent skin and respiratory contact
Spill Containment: Sweep up carefully to avoid dispersing dust. Place in a secure, labelled waste container
Methods for Cleaning Up: Rinse spill area with copious water and detergent after solid waste has been removed. Prevent run-off into natural waterways
Environmental Precautions: Notify local authorities if large volume enters soil or water sources, as product can bioaccumulate
Safe Handling: Handle with protective equipment in well-ventilated environments, use dust extraction or masks where dust may form
Avoid: Open flames, heat, moisture, incompatible substances such as strong acids or alkalis
Safe Storage: Store in tightly sealed original containers in a dry, cool, and well-ventilated area
Avoid Storage Near: Moist air, sources of iodine, oxidizing agents, and acids
Repackaging Advice: Keep containers closed and labelled, avoid repurposing chemical containers for other uses
Engineering Controls: Work with local exhaust or fume hood if dust levels rise
Personal Protection: Standard PPE including nitrile gloves, safety goggles, and lab coat required
Respiratory Protection: Use NIOSH-approved dust respirator for bulk amounts or poorly ventilated areas
Exposure Limits: No specific OSHA or ACGIH threshold limits published, monitor exposure for individuals with thyroid conditions
Hygiene Measures: Do not eat, drink, or smoke in work area; wash hands after handling, remove contaminated clothing right away
Appearance: Colorless to white crystalline powder or granules
Odor: Odorless or very mild
Melting Point: About 681°C
Boiling Point: Decomposes at high temperature before boiling
Solubility: Highly soluble in water, slightly soluble in alcohol
pH: Neutral to alkaline in solution
Density: 3.13 g/cm³
Vapor Pressure: Negligible at room temperature
Other Properties: Hygroscopic, readily absorbs moisture from the air
Chemical Stability: Stable under recommended storage and handling conditions
Conditions to Avoid: Excess moisture, heat, and exposure to direct sunlight
Incompatible Materials: Strong oxidizing agents, acids, benzoyl peroxide, chlorine trifluoride
Hazardous Decomposition Products: Iodine vapors, potassium oxides under fire or decomposition
Polymerization: Will not occur
Acute Toxicity: Oral LD50 (rat) about 2,000 mg/kg
Routes of Exposure: Inhalation, skin contact, ingestion, eye contact
Symptoms: Cough, itching, sore throat, stomach upset, rash, in sensitive individuals thyroid dysfunction
Chronic Effects: Prolonged exposure can alter thyroid hormone production, cause iodism (metallic taste, salivation, mucus membrane irritation)
Carcinogenicity: Not listed by NTP, IARC, or OSHA as carcinogenic
Sensitization: Skin reactions possible in sensitive people
Aquatic Toxicity: Moderately toxic to fish and aquatic organisms; can persist in water and disrupt ecosystem balance due to iodine accumulation
Soil Impact: Moves through soil, raising local iodine concentrations
Persistence and Degradability: Not rapidly degradable, persists in the environment
Bioaccumulation: Possible in aquatic plants and animals
Mobility: Moves easily through water and soil; avoid introducing to sewage systems directly
Disposal Methods: Collect and dispose of according to local, regional, national, and international regulations
Avoid: Disposal in municipal sewage or surface water
Waste Classification: Typically non-hazardous for small domestic amounts, hazardous for larger industrial volumes
Empty Containers: Decontaminate before recycling or discarding
UN Number: Not classified for most ground, sea, or air transport, check regional ADR regulations
Transport Hazards: Non-hazardous under typical transport situations
Special Precautions: Avoid container rupture, prevent exposure to moisture during shipment
Packing Group: None assigned for standard forms
Proper Shipping Name: Potassium Iodide
Regulatory Information: Always consult latest transport code or authority circulars for updates
Regulatory Listings: Potassium iodide appears on US TSCA, Canadian DSL, EINECS (EU), Australian AICS chemical inventories
Label Elements: GHS-compliant with warning symbol for health hazard
Specific Regulations: Not controlled as a narcotic, precursor, or high-risk industrial material
SARA Title III: Not listed as an Extremely Hazardous Substance, but notify for bulk accidental release
Workplace Labels: Follow OSHA, WHMIS, or regional labeling requirements for proper hazard communication
Environmental Regulations: Notify regional environmental authorities if large accidental spill threatens water or soil