Potassium nitrate (data page)

Potassium nitrate is an oxidizer so storing it near fire hazards or reducing agents should be avoided to minimise risk in case of a fire.

Synonyms: Saltpetre; Niter/Nitre; Nitric acid potassium salt; Salt Peter
CAS No.: 7757-79-1
Molecular Weight: 101.1
Chemical Formula: KNO₃

Emergency Overview
Danger - oxidizer. Contact with some materials may cause fire. Harmful if swallowed, inhaled or absorbed through the skin. Causes irritation to skin, eyes and respiratory tract.

SAF-T-DATA Ratings

Health Rating: 1 - Minimal
Flammability Rating: 0 - None
Reactivity Rating: 2 - Moderate (Oxidizer)
Contact Rating: 1 - Minimal (Life)
Lab Protective Equip: Safety goggles and surgical face mask (If you are planning to encounter this material close up for a period of time). Gloves optional.
Storage Color Code: Yellow (Reactive)

Potential Health Effects

Inhalation: Causes irritation to the respiratory tract. Symptoms may include coughing, shortness of breath.
Ingestion: Causes irritation to the gastrointestinal tract. Symptoms may include nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. May cause gastroenteritis and abdominal pains. Purging and diuresis can be expected. Rare cases of nitrates being converted to the more toxic nitrites have been reported, mostly with infants.
Skin Contact: Causes irritation to skin. Symptoms include redness, itching, and pain.
Eye Contact: Causes irritation, redness, and pain.
Chronic Exposure: Under some circumstances methemoglobinemia occurs in individuals when the nitrate is converted by bacteria in the stomach to nitrite. Nausea, vomiting, dizziness, rapid heart beat, irregular breathing, convulsions, coma, and death can occur should this conversion take place. Chronic exposure to nitrites may cause anemia and adverse effects to kidney.

Inhalation:none
Skin Contact: none
Eye Contact: Flush eyes with water, lifting lower and upper eyelids occasionally.

Fire: Not combustible itself but substance is a strong oxidizer and its heat of reaction with reducing agents or combustibles may accelerate burning.
Explosion: No danger of explosion. KNO₃ is an oxidising agent, so will accelerate combustion of combustibles.
Fire Extinguishing Media: Dry chemical, carbon dioxide, Halon, water spray, or fog. If water is used, apply from as far a distance as possible. Water spray may be used to keep fire exposed containers cool. Do not allow water runoff to enter sewers or waterways.
Special Information: Wear full protective clothing and breathing equipment for high-intensity fire or potential explosion conditions. This oxidizing material can increase the flammability of adjacent combustible materials.

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