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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