Potassium Carbonate Toxicity by Edouard Bastarche

Section: Materials, Subsection: Toxicity

Description

Toxicity of potassium carbonate related to its use in ceramics and pottery

Article

Identification and uses :
 
CAS number : 584-08-7
Molecular formula : K2CO3
 
Uses and emission sources :
-Manufacture of organic and inorganic materials.
-Ceramics
 
Toxicology :
 
This product is absorbed by the respiratory and digestive tracts.
 
I-Acute Effects :
Irritation and corrosion of the skin, the eyes, the respiratory and digestive tracts.
 
Eyes :
It causes ocular irritation. It causes an irritating and caustic effect similar to that of potassium hydroxide.
 
Skin :
It causes an irritating and caustic effect similar to that of potassium hydroxide.
 
Ingestion :
It can cause severe irritation of the gastro-intestinal tract with nausea, vomiting and burns. Harmful by ingestion.
 
Inhalation :
It causes irritation of the respiratory tract.
 
II-Chronic Effects :
No known effects.
 
Effects on Development :
 
A study of several animal species suggests an absence of effects on antenatal development.
 
Effects on Reproduction :
 
No data concerning the effects on reproduction has been found in the consulted documentary sources.
Data on mother's milk: There is no data pertaining to its excretion or detection in milk.
 
Cancinogenic Effects :
 
No data concerning a cancerogenic effect has been found in the consulted documentary sources.
 
Mutagenic Effects :
 
Available data do not make it possible to make an adequate evaluation of its mutagenic effect.
 
First aid :
 
I-Ocular Contact :
Abundantly rinse the eyes with water during at least 15 minutes and see a doctor.
 
II-Skin Contact :
Quickly withdraw contaminated clothing. Rinse skin with much water. Consult a doctor.
 
III-Ingestion :
In the case of ingestion, make the person drink water, do not induce vomiting, call a doctor.
 
IV-Inhalation :
In the case of inhalation of vapors or dust, bring the person into a ventilated place. If he does not breathe, give artificial respiration. Call a doctor.
 
Handling :
 
Wash yourself well after use. Minimize the production of dust and its accumulation. Avoid contact with the eyes, skin and clothing. Avoid ingesting and inhaling. Use adequate ventilation.
 
Storage :
 
Store in a tightly closed container, in a cool, dry, well ventilated room away from incompatible materials.
 
 
 
Edouard Bastarache M.D. (Occupational & Environmental Medicine)
Author of " Substitutions for raw ceramic materials "
Sorel-Tracy
Quebec
Canada
edouardb@sorel-tracy.qc.ca
http://www.sorel-tracy.qc.ca/~edouardb/
 
 
 
 
References :
1-Occupational Medicine,Carl Zenz, last edition.
2-Clinical Environmental Health and Toxic Exposures, Sullivan & Krieger; last edition.
3-Sax's Dangerous Properties of Industrial Materials, Lewis C., last edition.
4-Toxicologie Industrielle et Intoxications Professionnelles, Lauwerys R.R. last edition.
5-Chemical Hazards of the Workplace, Proctor & Hughes, 4th edition

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