MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEET







I       PRODUCT IDENTIFICATION



Trade Name:      Potassium Carbonate                                            Chemical Formula:         K2CO3

CAS #:           584-08-7





II      HAZARDOUS INGREDIENTS



Ingredients: Potassium Carbonate                                                Toxicity Data: Oral rat LD50: 1870 mg/kg.





III     PHYSICAL DATA



                                                                                Melting Point: 891 oC (1636 oF)

Boiling Point:             Decomposes

Vapor Density (Air=1):     No information found                                 Vapor Pressure: No information found

Solubility:                Soluble in equal parts of cold water                 Appearance:     Fine white granules

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

immediately.

SKIN: 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 dis-

persal. 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 regula-

tions.





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.





Prepared By:     S. Dierks

Date:            December 1994