Product Name: Potassium Bicarbonate
Chemical Formula: KHCO₃
CAS Number: 298-14-6
Synonyms: Bicarbonate of Potash, Acid Potassium Carbonate
Recommended Use: Fire extinguishing agent, food additive, buffer, chemical reagent
Manufacturer Contact: Name, address, emergency phone, email
Hazard Classification: Not classified as hazardous under GHS
Label Elements: No pictogram, no signal word required for non-hazardous classification
Health Hazards: Can cause mild irritation to eyes, skin, and respiratory tract if exposed to significant concentrations of dust
Environmental Hazards: Large spills can elevate potassium levels in waterways—potential harm to aquatic life
Special Hazards: Reacts with acids, produces carbon dioxide gas
Chemical Name: Potassium Bicarbonate
Concentration: 99-100%
Impurities/Additives: Product-grade dependent, typically non-toxic, check certificate of analysis for details
Inhalation: Move person to fresh air, seek medical advice if symptoms persist
Skin Contact: Wash exposed area with plenty of water and mild soap; remove contaminated clothing, seek attention if irritation develops
Eye Contact: Rinse eyes with water for several minutes, hold eyelids open; consult a healthcare professional if redness or pain continues
Ingestion: Rinse mouth, drink water to dilute if swallowed, never induce vomiting, medical attention for large amounts or persistent symptoms
Symptoms: Coughing, shortness of breath, redness or irritation in case of skin or eye exposure
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Not flammable; use extinguishing methods suitable for surrounding materials (water spray, dry chemical, foam, CO₂)
Specific Hazards: Decomposes at high temperature to form potassium carbonate and CO₂; risk of respiratory irritation from dust or fumes
Protective Equipment: Firefighters should wear self-contained breathing apparatus in enclosed or poorly ventilated spaces
Thermal Decomposition Products: Carbon dioxide, potassium oxide (in extreme heat)
Personal Precautions: Avoid dust generation, ventilate area, use protective equipment including gloves and mask
Environmental Precautions: Prevent large quantities from entering waterways or drains
Clean-up Methods: Collect material mechanically, sweep or vacuum, avoid water unless necessary, transfer to appropriate container for disposal or reuse
Spill Response: Wash spill area thoroughly after removal, monitor for slips on powder residue
Handling: Minimize dust creation, wear protective clothing and respiratory protection as needed, clean hands and exposed skin after use, avoid eating or drinking in processing zones
Storage: Store in tightly closed containers, in a dry, cool, and well-ventilated area, separate from strong acids and incompatible materials, use corrosion-resistant containers where possible
Incompatibilities: Avoid contact with acids (liberates CO₂), avoid moisture which can cause caking
Additional Considerations: Rotate stock to keep within shelf life, use good general housekeeping
Permissible Exposure Limits: No specific OSHA limit; treat as nuisance dust (< 10 mg/m³ for inhalable dust, < 3 mg/m³ for respirable dust)
Engineering Controls: Use local exhaust ventilation to minimize dust, maintain eyewash facilities
Personal Protection: Gloves, safety goggles, dust mask/respirator (especially during bulk handling or in poorly ventilated spaces), protective clothing
Hygiene Measures: Wash thoroughly after handling, change contaminated clothing, avoid inhaling dust
Appearance: White crystalline or granular powder
Odor: Odorless
pH (1% solution): 8.2 - 8.6
Melting Point: Decomposes at 100°C
Boiling Point: Not applicable
Solubility: 22g/100mL at 20°C (water)
Density: 2.17 g/cm³
Vapor Pressure: Not applicable
Partition Coefficient: Not applicable
Other Data: Stable in dry air, sensitive to moisture
Chemical Stability: Stable under normal conditions of use and storage
Possible Reactions: Evolves CO₂ when combined with acids, forming potassium salts
Conditions to Avoid: High humidity, heat, contact with strong acids
Incompatible Materials: Strong acids, aluminum, magnesium (in moisture conditions)
Hazardous Decomposition Products: CO₂, potassium carbonate
Acute Toxicity: Oral LD50 in rats: > 2,000 mg/kg, considered low toxicity
Skin/Eye Irritation: Mild irritant to eyes and skin for some individuals
Sensitization: Not a known sensitizer
Chronic Effects: Repeated excessive exposure to dust may cause respiratory system irritation
Carcinogenicity: Not listed as carcinogenic by IARC, NTP, or OSHA
Other Effects: No evidence of mutagenic, teratogenic, reproductive toxicity
Environmental Toxicity: Low ecotoxicity, high potassium can disrupt aquatic environments in large spills
Persistence and Degradability: Readily dissociates in water, not persistent in environment
Bioaccumulation: Does not bioaccumulate
Mobility: Highly soluble in water; migrates easily in moist soil
Other Instructions: Restrict large discharges into natural waterways to prevent nutrient imbalances
Disposal Methods: Dispose by landfill according to local, regional, and national regulations for non-hazardous waste
Contaminated Packaging: Triple rinse, recycle or dispose as non-hazardous material
Special Instructions: Avoid release to basin with limited water flow, recover for reuse where possible before disposal
UN Number: Not regulated as a hazardous material
Proper Shipping Name: Potassium Bicarbonate
Transport Hazard Class: Not classified as dangerous for transport
Packing Group: None
Environmental Hazards: Not a marine pollutant
Special Precautions: Secure containers to prevent spillage, keep dry during transportation
Label Requirements: No hazard labels required under standard US or EU regulations
TSCA: Listed
DSL/NDSL (Canada): Listed
REACH (EU): Registered for commercial and industrial use
SARA Title III: Not subject to reporting
California Proposition 65: Not listed
Other: Food grade meets relevant food safety standards; industrial grade may include specific state or local requirements