Potassium Carbonate

 

 

 

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

E-Mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

 

 

Product Name:     Potassium Carbonate

Formula:              K₂CO₃

CAS Number:       584-08-7

 

 

II.   HAZARDOUS INGREDIENTS

Ingredients:          Potassium Carbonate

Toxicity Data:       Oral rat LD50:  1870 mg/kg.

 

 

III.   PHYSICAL DATA

Boiling Point:                  Decomposes

Melting Point:                 891 ^oC (1636 ^oF)

Solubility in H₂O:            Soluble in equal parts of cold water

Appearance and Odor:   Fine white granules and Odorless

 

 

IV.   FIRE AND EXPLOSION HAZARDS DATA

Fire Hazard:  Not considered to be a fire hazard

Autoignition Temperature:  N/A

Flammable Limits In Air:  Upper:  N/A           Lower:  N/A

Explosion:  Not considered to be an explosion hazard.

Special Information:  In the event of a fire, wear full protective clothing and NIOSH-approved self-contained breathing apparatus with full facepiece operated in the pressure demand or other positive pressure mode.

Fire Extinguishing Media:  Use any means suitable for extinguishing surrounding fire.

 

 

V.   HEALTH HAZARD INFORMATION

Exposure/Health Effects:

Inhalation:  Inhalation of dust may cause irritation of the upper respiratory tract.

Ingestion:  May have moderate toxic effects if consumed in large enough quantities.  Ingestion of large amounts may be corrosive to mouth, throat and GI tract and produce abdominal pains, vomiting, diarrhea, and circulatory collapse.

Skin Contact:  Contact with dry material may cause irritation.  In aqueous solution it is a strong caustic and as such may have corrosive effects on the skin.

Eye Contact:  Will cause extreme irritation and possibly corneal damage.

Chronic Exposure:  A chronic dermatitis may follow repeated contact with this substance.

Aggravation of Pre-existing Medical Conditions:  No information found.

 

EMERGENCY AND FIRST AID PROCEDURES:

EYE EXPOSURE:  Wash eyes with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes, lifting upper and lower eyelids occasionally.  Get medical attention immediately.

SKIN EXPOSURE:  Remove any contaminated clothing.  Wash skin with soap or mild detergent and water for at least 15 minutes.  Get medical attention if irritation develops or persists.

INHALATION:  Remove to fresh air.  Get medical attention for any breathing difficulty.

INGESTION:  DO NOT INDUCE VOMITING!  Give large quantities of water or milk if available.  Never give anything by mouth to an unconscious person.  Get medical attention immediately.

 

 

VI.   REACTIVITY DATA

Stability:  Stable under ordinary conditions of use and storage.

Hazardous Decomposition Products:  Contact with acids and involvement in a fire can cause formation of carbon dioxide.  Thermal decomposition may also form potassium oxide.

Hazardous Polymerization:  Will not occur.

Incompatibilities:  Acids, chlorine trifluoride, magnesium.

 

 

VII.   SPILL OR LEAK PROCEDURES

Steps to Be Taken in Case Material Is Released or Spilled:  Ventilate area or leak or spill.  Clean-up personnel may require protective clothing and respiratory protection from dust.   Sweep up and containerize for reclamation or disposal.  Avoid dust dispersal.  Trace residue may be flushed to sewer with large amounts of water.

Disposal:  Whatever cannot be saved for reclamation may be disposed in an approved waste disposal facility.  Alternatively, spills may be neutralized with dilute acid and handled as non-hazardous waste.  Ensure compliance with Local, State and Federal regulations.

 

 

VIII.   SPECIAL PROTECTION INFORMATION

Personal Respirators:  (NIOSH-approved) For conditions of use where exposure to the dust is apparent, a dust/mist respirator may be worn. For emergencies, a self-contained breathing apparatus may be necessary.

Ventilation System:  A local exhaust system which captures the contamination at its source is recommended to prevent dispersion of the contaminant into the workroom air.

Personal Protection:  Use chemical safety goggles and/or full face shield where dusting or splashing of solutions is possible.  Contact lenses should not be worn when working with this material.  Maintain eye wash fountain and quick-drench facilities in the work area.  Wear protective gloves and clean body-covering clothing.

Other Handling and Storage Conditions:  Keep in a tightly closed container, stored in a cool, dry ventilated place.  Isolate from incompatible substances.

 

 

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:                    December 1994