ABC of Safety in the Biological Sciences
POTASSIUM DIHYDROGEN ORTHOPHOSPHATE (KH2PO4)
SYNONYMS
Potassium phosphate, monobasic; potassium biphosphate,
monobasic.
GENERAL PRECAUTIONS
Avoid contact with eyes and skin.
Avoid ingestion.
Wash hands well after use.
CHARACTERISTICS
Colourless, odourless crystals.
HEALTH HAZARD DATA
Moderately toxic. LD 50 = 0.55 g/kg orally. Target organs are
heart and kidneys. Overexposure results in fall in blood
pressure, gastroenteritis and renal tubular necrosis. Is an
irritant to eyes, skin and respiratory tract.
TREATMENTS
Skin remove contaminated clothing and wash affected area with
soap or mild detergent and large amounts of water until all
evidence of the chemical has been removed (15 minutes). If
sensitisation occurs seek medical attention. Wash contaminated
clothing before reuse.
Eyes immediately wash the affected eye with large amounts of
water until all evidence of the chemical has been removed
(approximately 15 minutes). If irritation persists seek medical
advice.
Ingestion if victim is conscious and convulsions not present
induce vomiting by sticking finger down throat. Seek medical
advice.
Inhalation remove to fresh air. If breathing has ceased apply
artificial respiration. Seek medical attention.
INCOMPATIBILITY
None noted.
STORAGE
Room temperature.
HANDLING
Wear protective clothing. A long sleeved laboratory coat or
gown, rubber gloves and safety glasses as a minimum standard.
DISPOSAL
WEAR:
Rubber gloves, safety glasses and laboratory coat.
SPILLS:
Solid: collect in a beaker, dissolve in a large amount of water.
Add soda ash, mix and neutralise with 6M hydrochloric acid and
discharge to sewer with large excess of water.
Solution: cover with soda ash, mix and scoop into a beaker of
water. Neutralise with 6M hydrochloric acid and discharge to
sewer with a large excess of water. If a spill contains a
fluoride, add slaked lime in addition to the above treatment.
PACKAGE LOTS:
Add slowly to a large container of water. Stir in a slight
excess of soda ash. If fluoride is present add slaked lime. Let
stand for 24 hours. Decant or siphon into another container and
neutralise with 6M hydrochloric acid. Discharge to sewer with a
large excess of water. The sludge may be added to land fill.
ENVIRONMENT:
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