POTASSIUM IODIDE (KI)

SYNONYMS
None known.
GENERAL PRECAUTIONS
Use a fume hood.
Avoid skin contact ­ causes dermatitis.
Avoid eye contact.
Avoid inhalation of the vapour and powder.
Keep away from heat.
Keep the container tightly sealed.
Wash hands thoroughly after handling.
CHARACTERISTICS
Colourless crystals or a white crystalline powder.
HEALTH HAZARD DATA
A moderately toxic substance by skin absorption, inhalation or ingestion. It is also a skin, eye and respiratory tract irritant. The most detrimental route of exposure is by inhalation. Prolonged exposure will produce a skin rash, runny nose and headache and irritation of the mucous membranes.
TREATMENTS
Skin ­ remove contaminated clothing and immediately wash the affected area with soap or mild detergent and large amounts of water until all evidence of the chemical has been removed (approximately 15 minutes). If irritation persists seek medical advice. 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.
Inhalation ­ remove from the area of exposure to fresh air. If breathing has ceased apply artificial respiration. Keep warm and allow to rest. Seek immediate medical attention.
Ingestion ­ rinse the mouth with water then give large amounts of water or milk to drink. Seek immediate medical attention.
INCOMPATIBILITY
Heating produces toxic fumes of iodine.
Bromium fluoride ­ violent reaction.
STORAGE
Keep the lid tightly closed and store in a cool, dry atmosphere away from heat and incompatible substances.
HANDLING
Use a fume hood to avoid inhalation of the vapour or powder. Wear protective clothing to avoid skin or eye contact. A long sleeved laboratory coat or gown, rubber gloves, safety goggles and a face mask 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:

BACK to the top of the Glossary Contents List
BACK to the top of the Chemical Contents List

REFERENCES