MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEET

I.  PRODUCT IDENTIFICATION

Manufacturer/Supplier:

ESPI Metals

1050 Benson Way, Ashland, OR 97520

Toll Free (800) 638-2581 * Fax (541) 488-8313

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Product Name:    Potassium Chloride

Formula:             KCl

CAS Number:      7447-40-7

II.  HAZARDOUS INGREDIENTS

Hazardous Component:   Potassium Chloride

Percent (%):                   0-100 

OSHA/PELL:                     N/E 

ACGIH/TLV:                     N/E

III.  PHYSICAL DATA

Boiling Point:                1500 ^oC, sublimes

Melting Point:                770 ^oC

Specific Gravity:           1.984

Solubility in H₂O:           Soluble

Appearance and Odor:  Colorless crystalline solid.  No odor.

IV.  FIRE AND EXPLOSION HAZARDS DATA

Flash Point:  N/A

Autoignition Temperature:  N/E or N/A

Explosive Limits:  Lower:  N/A         Upper:  N/A

Extinguishing Media:  Use suitable extinguishing media for surrounding material and type of fire.

Special Firefighting Procedures:  Firefighters must wear full face, self-contained breathing apparatus with full protective clothing to prevent contact with skin and eyes.

Unusual Fire and Explosion Hazard:  When heated to decomposition, potassium chloride may emit toxic fumes of chlorine and K₂O.  May have an explosive reaction with bromine trifluoride, sulfuric acid + potassium permanganate.

V.  HEALTH HAZARD INFORMATION

Effects of Exposure:

To the best of our knowledge the physical, chemical and toxicological properties of potassium chloride have not been thoroughly investigated and recorded.

Potassium compounds are not toxic.  Any toxicity of the salts is due to the anion.  (Sax, Dangerous Properties of Industrial Materials)

Chlorides toxicity vary widely.  Sodium chloride (table salt) has very low toxicity, while carbonyl chloride (phosgene) is lethal in small doses.  (Sax, Dangerous Properties of Industrial Materials)

Acute Effects:

Inhalation:  May cause irritation to the respiratory tract and mucous membranes.

Ingestion:  POISON by ingestion.  Large oral doses cause gastrointestinal irritation, purging, weakness, and circulatory problems.

Skin:  May cause irritation.

Eye:  May cause irritation.

Chronic Effects:  Inhalation:  May cause slight lesions in the lungs.  No other chronic health effects recorded.

Target Organs:  May affect the lungs.

Medical Conditions Generally Aggravated by Exposure:  Pre-existing respiratory disorders.

Carcinogenicity:  NTP:  No               IARC:  No             OSHA:  No

EMERGENCY AND FIRST AID PROCEDURES:

INHALATION:  Remove to fresh air, keep warm and quiet, give oxygen if breathing is difficult and seek medical attention.

INGESTION:  Give 1-2 glasses of milk or water and induce vomiting, seek medical attention.  Never induce vomiting or give anything by mouth to an unconscious person.

SKIN:  Wash affected area with soap and water.  Seek medical attention if symptoms persist.

EYES:  Flush eyes, including under upper and lower eyelids, with water for 15 minutes.  Seek medical attention if symptoms persist.

VI.  REACTIVITY DATA

Stability:  Stable

Conditions to Avoid:  None

Incompatibility (Materials to Avoid):  Bromine trifluoride, sulfuric acid + potassium permanganate, acids, oxidizing agents, water/moisture.

Hazardous Decomposition Products:  Chlorine compounds, hydrogen chloride and K₂O.

Hazardous Polymerization:  Will not occur.

VII.  SPILL OR LEAK PROCEDURES

Steps to Be Taken in Case Material Is Released or Spilled:  Wear appropriate respiratory and protective gear specified in section VIII.  Isolate spill area and provide ventilation.  Vacuum up spill using a high efficiency particulate absolute (HEPA) air filter and place in a closed container for proper disposal.  Take care not to raise dust.

Waste Disposal Method:  In accordance with Local, State and Federal waste disposal regulations.

VIII.  SPECIAL PROTECTION INFORMATION

Respiratory Protection:  NIOSH approved dust-mist-vapor cartridge respirator.

Ventilation:  Use local exhaust ventilation to maintain concentration of exposure at low levels.  General exhaust is recommended.

Protective Gloves:  Impervious gloves

Eye Protection:  Safety glasses

Other Protective Equipment:  Normal Lab wear

IX.  SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS

Precautions to Be Taken in Handling and Storage:  Do not get in eyes, on skin or clothing.  Do not breathe dust, vapor, mist or gas.  Keep container closed.  Store in tightly closed containers.

Other Precautions:  This product is hygroscopic.  Store under dry protective gas.  Protect from humidity and water.  Do not store together with acids or oxidizing agents.

Work Practices:  Implement engineering and work practice controls to reduce and maintain concentration of exposure at low levels.  Use good housekeeping and sanitation practices.  Do not use tobacco or food in work area.  Wash thoroughly before eating and smoking.  Do not blow dust off clothing or skin with compressed air.  Maintain eyewash capable of sustained flushing, safety drench shower and facilities for washing.

DOT Regulations:

Hazard Class:           None

The above information is believed to be correct, but does not purport to be all inclusive and shall be used only as a guide.  ESPI shall not be held liable for any damage resulting from handling or from contact with the above product.

Prepared By:         S. Dierks

Date:                    April 2006