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Product Name: Potassium Nitrate
Chemical Formula: KNO3
Chemical Family: Inorganic nitrate salt
Synonyms: Nitre, Saltpeter
CAS Number: 7757-79-1
Recommended Use: Fertilizer, oxidizer for industrial purposes, component in pyrotechnics
Supplier Details: Manufacturer or distributor contact information should always be checked before handling
Emergency Contact: CHEMTREC or local emergency response numbers
Hazard Classification: Classified as oxidizing solid; May intensify fire
Signal Word: Warning
Pictograms: Flame over circle symbol (oxidizer), exclamation mark
Hazard Statements: Strong oxidizer; increases fire risk if mixed with combustible materials; may cause skin and eye irritation upon direct contact
Precautionary Statements: Avoid release to environment, keep away from heat or open flames, use proper protective gear
Routes of Exposure: Inhalation, ingestion, skin contact, eye contact
Symptoms of Exposure: Coughing, nose and throat irritation, methemoglobinemia in severe cases
Chemical Name: Potassium Nitrate
Concentration: 99-100%
Impurities: Trace levels of sodium nitrate or chloride possible as manufacturing byproducts
Other Components: None of known significant toxicity or concentration
Inhalation: Get person to fresh air quickly, loosen tight clothing; immediate medical attention if symptoms persist such as shortness of breath or chest pain
Skin Contact: Wash heavily contaminated skin with soap and water; remove contaminated clothing and wash before reuse
Eye Contact: Rinse eyes thoroughly with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes, keeping eyelids open; medical attention needed for persistent irritation
Ingestion: Rinse mouth, do not induce vomiting, seek medical help promptly if large amounts are swallowed, inform medical staff about exact substance and amount
Recommendations for Physicians: Monitor for potential methemoglobinemia, symptomatic treatment based on clinical findings
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Plenty of water is best; do not use dry chemicals, carbon dioxide, or foam as potassium nitrate intensifies fire
Special Hazards: Strong oxidizer; increases the intensity of fire, can react violently with fuels or reducing agents
Hazardous Combustion Products: Emits toxic fumes of nitrogen oxides and potassium oxides if involved in fire
Protective Equipment: Wear full protective suit and self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA)
Specific Methods: Isolate fire area, remove combustibles if safe; cool surrounding containers with water spray
Advice for Firefighters: Approach upwind, avoid run-off into drains or water sources
Personal Precautions: Put on gloves, goggles, and dust mask; limit skin and eye contact
Emergency Procedures: Evacuate surrounding area if dust forms, ventilate if in confined space
Environmental Precautions: Avoid discharge to drains, water bodies, or soil
Methods for Cleaning Up: Sweep carefully avoiding dust formation; collect into appropriate labeled containers for disposal; wash spill site after clean-up
Disposal of Collected Material: Dispose of as hazardous chemical waste according to local regulations
Handling: Wear gloves, goggles, and dust mask during transfer or use; avoid generation of dust; never mix with organic or combustible substances
Storage Conditions: Keep in a cool, dry place away from heat, flames, and sources of ignition; store in tightly sealed containers made of compatible materials such as polyethylene or glass
Incompatibilities: Reduce contact and storage with strong acids, reductants, organics, finely divided metals, sulfur, charcoal, and other combustibles
Special Requirements: Ensure good ventilation; post clear hazard labels around the workplace
Occupational Exposure Limits: No OSHA, ACGIH, or NIOSH exposure limits set; minimize exposure by good practice
Engineering Controls: Work in area with local exhaust ventilation; use isolation cabinets when possible
Personal Protective Equipment: Eye protection with chemical resistant goggles; gloves of nitrile or similar chemical-resistant material; disposable coveralls or protective coats; dust mask or respirator P2/P3 standard in dusty situations or spills
Hygiene Measures: Wash hands thoroughly before eating, drinking, or smoking; change contaminated clothing; keep work area clean and free from combustibles
Appearance: White, crystalline powder or granules
Odor: Odorless
Odor Threshold: Not applicable
pH (1% solution): Slightly alkaline, approximately 6.5-8.5
Melting Point: Around 334°C
Boiling Point: Decomposes before boiling
Flash Point: Not flammable
Explosive Properties: Not explosive by itself; supports combustion
Vapor Pressure: Negligible
Solubility: Easily soluble in water; insoluble in alcohol
Specific Gravity: Approximately 2.1 (water = 1)
Partition Coefficient (n-octanol/water): Not determined
Evaporation Rate: Not volatile
Chemical Stability: Stable at normal temperatures and pressures
Decomposition: Violent decomposition at high temperatures creates toxic gases (NOx, potassium oxide)
Incompatible Materials: Acidic substances, reducing agents, organic matter, powdered metals, sulfur, ammonium salts
Hazardous Reactions: Strong oxidizing activity leads to risk of spontaneous combustion if mixed with fuel
Conditions to Avoid: Heat, flame, shock, friction, contamination with organic substances
Polymerization: Will not occur
Likely Routes of Exposure: Inhalation, ingestion, skin and eye contact
Acute Toxicity: Oral LD50 (rat): about 3750 mg/kg; inhalation and dermal toxicity expected to be low at workplace exposures
Irritation: Causes mild irritation on contact with skin and eyes
Chronic Effects: Repeated or prolonged exposure can cause anemia, headache, dizziness, confusion due to methemoglobinemia
Sensitization: Not known to cause allergic reactions
Carcinogenicity: No evidence of carcinogenic effects in humans or animals
Mutagenicity: No evidence found in available studies
Reproductive Toxicity: Not expected under typical handling
Symptoms of Overexposure: Blue coloration of lips, shortness of breath, tiredness; medical assistance is important if symptoms develop
Ecotoxicity: Potassium nitrate is a source of nutrients (nitrogen and potassium); can stimulate algal and plant growth in waterways leading to eutrophication
Persistence and Degradability: Dissolves completely and rapidly in water; does not bioaccumulate
Mobility: High mobility in soil and water due to solubility
Aquatic Toxicity: LC50 (96 h, fish): about 1378 mg/L (low acute hazard)
Impact on Sewage Treatment: High concentrations can promote uncontrolled microbial activity and affect water quality negatively
Waste Methods: Dispose of excess and non-recyclable product by a licensed chemical waste contractor
Small Spills: Clean up promptly and place in properly labeled seizure-resistant containers
Contaminated Packaging: Rinse with water where feasible or dispose as hazardous chemical waste
Regulatory Compliance: Follow all local, state, and national regulations for disposal and environmental protection
Precautions: Never mix with household waste; avoid drainage into surface or groundwater
UN Number: UN1486
Proper Shipping Name: Potassium Nitrate
Transport Hazard Class: 5.1 (Oxidizer)
Packing Group: III (for most packaging situations)
Labels Required: Oxidizing agent label
Special Precautions: Keep away from organic materials, fuel, and heat sources during transport; use secure, sealed containers
Marine Pollutant Status: Not listed as a marine pollutant
Limited Quantity Limits: Restrictions may apply to small or air shipments
GHS Classification: Oxidizing solid; acute oral toxicity
TSCA Status: Potassium nitrate appears in the US Toxic Substances Control Act inventory
REACH Registration: Registered for import and use in European Union
SARA Title III Section 313: Not listed
Canadian DSL/NDSL: Listed on Domestic Substances List (DSL)
California Proposition 65: Not listed
Other Regulations: Subject to local fire and occupational safety regulations; always check facility-specific rules for storage and handling
