Potassium hydroxide

56.10560

55.96640

215-181-3

WZH3C48M4T

0357

1814|1813

DTXSID5029633

White or colorless, orthorhombic, deliquescent pieces, lumps, or sticks having crystalline fracture|White or slightly yellow lumps, rods, pellets|White rhombic crystals

2815200000

23.06000

-0.17680

White flake

2.044 g/cm³

380 °C

1327 °C

52 °F

n20/D 1.421

H2O: soluble

Storage Room low temperature ventilation drying ,Separate storage of flammable, combustible, and acids

(1317°F): 1 mmHg

Noncombustible Solid; however, may react with H₂O & other substances
and generate sufficient heat to ignite combustible materials.

Odorless

Strongly alkaline (1 % solution)

Hygroscopic|When dissolved in water or alcohol or when the solution is treated with acid, much heat is generated.|Readily absorbs moisture and carbon dioxide from air and deliquesces|Heat of solution: 53.51 kJ/mol (in water)|Heat of fusion: 7.5 kJ/mol

Forms crusts on exposure to air (from absorption of carbon dioxide). Water soluble. Dilution of concentrated solutions generates heat.

Bases, Strong

POTASSIUM HYDROXIDE, SOLUTION is a strong base dissolved in water. Reacts exothermically with all acids. Slowly dissolves glass. Attacks aluminum and zinc to generate flammable hydrogen gas. Ignited a polyethylene container liner when mixed with potassium persulfate by release of heat and oxygen [MCA Case History 1155. 1955].

Not flammable (USCG, 1999)

Noncombustible Solid; however, may react with H2O & other substances

Corrosive

II

8

UN 2924 3/PG 2

1

R22; R35

S7-S16-S36/37-S45-S36/37/39-S26

TT2100000

C; F; T; Xi

Separated from food and feedstuffs, strong acids and metals. Store only in original container. Dry. Well closed. Store in an area without drain or sewer access.

Stable, but very hygroscopic. Dissolves exothermically in water. Incompatible with most metals, strong acids, acid chlorides, organic materials, zinc, aluminium, nitroalkanes, nitrobenzene, chlorine dioxide. Reacts vigorously with a wide variety of other m

P280-P301 + P312 + P330-P303 + P361 + P353-P304 + P340 + P310-P305 + P351 + P338

H290-H302-H314

SRP: Recycle any unused portion of the material for its approved use or return it to the manufacturer or supplier. Ultimate disposal of the chemical must consider: the material's impact on air quality; potential migration in air, soil or water; effects on animal, aquatic and plant life; and conformance with environmental and public health regulations. If it is possible or reasonable use an alternative chemical product with less inherent propensity for occupational harm/injury/toxicity or environmental contamination.|Neutralization & discharge to sewer: Carefully dissolve in water and neutralize with dilute acetic acid. Flush to sewer with lots of water, regulations permitting or dispose of through a licensed contractor. Consider use of waste caustic for neutralizing plant acid wastes.

Acids, water, metals (when wet), halogenated hydrocarbons, maleic anhydride [Note: Heat is generated if KOH comes in contact with water & carbon dioxide from the air].|Above 84 °C it reacts with reducing sugars to form poisonous carbon monoxide gas. Violent, exothermic reaction with water. Potentially explosive reaction with bromoform + crown ethers, chlorine dioxide, nitrobenzene, nitromethane, nitrogen trichloride, peroxidized tetrahydrofuran, 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene. Reaction with ammonium hexachloroplatinate(2-) + heat forms a heat-sensitive explosive product. Violent reaction or ignition under the appropriate conditions with acids, alcohols, p-bis(1,3-dibromoethyl)benzene, cyclopentadiene, germanium, hyponitrous acid, maleic anhydride, nitroalkanes, 2-nitrophenol, potassium peroxodisulfate, sugars, 2,2,3,3-tetrafluoropropanol, thorium dicarbide.|Molten ortho nitrophenol reacts violently with potassium hydroxide (commercial 85% pellets). When solid potassium hydroxide & tetrachloroethane are heated, a spontaneously flammable gas, chloroacetylene, is formed.|/1,2-Dichloroethylene & potassium hydroxide reaction/ produces chloroacetylene, which is ... spontaneously flammable in air.|For more Hazardous Reactivities and Incompatibilities (Complete) data for POTASSIUM HYDROXIDE (13 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

Substance added directly to human food affirmed as generally recognized as safe (GRAS).|Potassium hydroxide used as a general purpose food additive in animal drugs, feeds, and related products is generally recognized as safe when used in accordance with good manufacturing or feeding practice.

Excerpt from ERG Guide 154 [Substances - Toxic and/or Corrosive (Non-Combustible)]: Non-combustible, substance itself does not burn but may decompose upon heating to produce corrosive and/or toxic fumes. Some are oxidizers and may ignite combustibles (wood, paper, oil, clothing, etc.). Contact with metals may evolve flammable hydrogen gas. Containers may explode when heated. For electric vehicles or equipment, ERG Guide 147 (lithium ion batteries) or ERG Guide 138 (sodium batteries) should also be consulted. (ERG, 2016)|Not combustible. Contact with moisture or water may generate sufficient heat to ignite combustible materials. Risk of fire and explosion on contact with incompatible substances. See Chemical Dangers.|Corrosives, Reactive - 1st degree

|Danger|H302: Harmful if swallowed [Warning Acute toxicity, oral]|P260, P264, P270, P280, P301+P312, P301+P330+P331, P303+P361+P353, P304+P340, P305+P351+P338, P310, P321, P330, P363, P405, and P501|H290 (15.49%): May be corrosive to metals [Warning Corrosive to Metals]|P234, P260, P264, P270, P280, P301+P312, P301+P330+P331, P303+P361+P353, P304+P340, P305+P351+P338, P310, P321, P330, P363, P390, P404, P405, and P501|Aggregated GHS information provided by 4612 companies from 51 notifications to the ECHA C&L Inventory. Each notification may be associated with multiple companies.|H290: May be corrosive to metals [Warning Corrosive to Metals]|P234, P260, P264, P270, P273, P280, P301+P312, P301+P330+P331, P303+P361+P353, P304+P340, P305+P351+P338, P310, P321, P330, P363, P390, P404, P405, and P501|H301: Toxic if swallowed [Danger Acute toxicity, oral]|P260, P264, P270, P280, P301+P310, P301+P330+P331, P303+P361+P353, P304+P340, P305+P351+P338, P307+P311, P310, P314, P321, P330, P331, P363, P405, and P501|P260, P264, P270, P280, P301+P310, P301+P330+P331, P303+P361+P353, P304+P340, P305+P351+P338, P307+P311, P310, P321, P330, P331, P363, P405, and P501

Excerpt from ERG Guide 154 [Substances - Toxic and/or Corrosive (Non-Combustible)]: As an immediate precautionary measure, isolate spill or leak area in all directions for at least 50 meters (150 feet) for liquids and at least 25 meters (75 feet) for solids. SPILL: Increase, in the downwind direction, as necessary, the isolation distance shown above. FIRE: If tank, rail car or tank truck is involved in a fire, ISOLATE for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions; also, consider initial evacuation for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions. (ERG, 2016)

Excerpt from ERG Guide 154 [Substances - Toxic and/or Corrosive (Non-Combustible)]: ELIMINATE all ignition sources (no smoking, flares, sparks or flames in immediate area). Do not touch damaged containers or spilled material unless wearing appropriate protective clothing. Stop leak if you can do it without risk. Prevent entry into waterways, sewers, basements or confined areas. Absorb or cover with dry earth, sand or other non-combustible material and transfer to containers. DO NOT GET WATER INSIDE CONTAINERS. (ERG, 2016)

Wide-brimmed hat and close-fitting safety goggles equipped with rubber side shields; long-sleeved cotton shirt or jacket with buttoned collar and buttoned sleeves; rubber or rubber-coated canvas gloves. (Shirt sleeves should be buttoned over the gloves so that any spilled material will run down the outside.) Rubber safety-toe-shoes or boots and cotton coveralls. (Trouser cuffs should be worn outside of boots.) Rubber apron. (USCG, 1999)|Wear appropriate personal protective clothing to prevent skin contact.|Wear appropriate eye protection to prevent eye contact.|Eyewash fountains should be provided in areas where there is any possibility that workers could be exposed to the substance; this is irrespective of the recommendation involving the wearing of eye protection.|Facilities for quickly drenching the body should be provided within the immediate work area for emergency use where there is a possibility of exposure. [Note: It is intended that these facilities provide a sufficient quantity or flow of water to quickly remove the substance from any body areas likely to be exposed. The actual determination of what constitutes an adequate quick drench facility depends on the specific circumstances. In certain instances, a deluge shower should be readily available, whereas in others, the availability of water from a sink or hose could be considered adequate.]|(See protection codes)

When wet, attacks metals such as aluminum, tin, lead & zinc to produce flammable hydrogen gas.

Suitable extinguishing media: Use water spray, alcohol-resistant foam, dry chemical or carbon dioxide.|Wear self-contained breathing appartus for firefighting if necessary.

Personal precautions, protective equipment and emergency procedures: Wear respiratory protection. Avoid dust formation. Avoid breathing vapors, mist or gas. Ensure adequate ventilation. Evacuate personnel to safe areas. Avoid breathing dust...|Pick up and arrange disposal without creating dust. Sweep up and shovel. Keep in suitable, closed containers for disposal.|Prevent further leakage or spillage if safe to do so. Do not let product enter drains. Discharge into the environment must be avoided.

Precautions for safe handling: Further processing of solid materials may result in the formation of combustible dusts. The potential for combustible dust formation should be taken into consideration before additional processing occurs. Avoid contact with skin and eyes. Avoid formation of dust and aerosols. Provide appropriate exhaust ventilation at places where dust is formed.|... Exercise great care in handling potassium hydroxide, as it rapidly destroys tissue. Do not handle with bare hand.|SRP: The scientific literature for the use of contact lenses by industrial workers is inconsistent. The benefits or detrimental effects of wearing contact lenses depend not only upon the substance, but also on factors including the form of the substance, characteristics and duration of the exposure, the uses of other eye protection equipment, and the hygiene of the lenses. However, there may be individual substances whose irritating or corrosive properties are such that the wearing of contact lenses would be harmful to the eye. In those specific cases, contact lenses should not be worn. In any event, the usual eye protection equipment should be worn even when contact lenses are in place.|SRP: Contaminated protective clothing should be segregated in a manner such that there is no direct personal contact by personnel who handle, dispose, or clean the clothing. The completeness of the cleaning procedures should be considered before the decontaminated protective clothing is returned for reuse by the workers. Contaminated clothing should not be taken home at the end of shift, but should remain at employee's place of work for cleaning.|For more Preventive Measures (Complete) data for POTASSIUM HYDROXIDE (8 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

/GUIDE 154 SUBSTANCES - TOXIC and/or CORROSIVE (Non-Combustible)/ Fire or Explosion: Non-combustible, substance itself does not burn but may decompose upon heating to produce corrosive and/or toxic fumes. Some are oxidizers and may ignite combustibles (wood, paper, oil, clothing, etc.). Contact with metals may evolve flammable hydrogen gas. Containers may explode when heated. For UN3171, if Lithium ion batteries are involved, also consult GUIDE 147. /Caustic potash, dry, solid; Potassium hydroxide, dry, solid; Potassium hydroxide, flake; Potassium hydroxide, solid; Caustic potash, liquid; Caustic potash, solution; Potassium hydroxide, solution/|/GUIDE 154 SUBSTANCES - TOXIC and/or CORROSIVE (Non-Combustible)/ Health: TOXIC; inhalation, ingestion or skin contact with material may cause severe injury or death. Contact with molten substance may cause severe burns to skin and eyes. Avoid any skin contact. Effects of contact or inhalation may be delayed. Fire may produce irritating, corrosive and/or toxic gases. Runoff from fire control or dilution water may be corrosive and/or toxic and cause pollution. /Caustic potash, dry, solid; Potassium hydroxide, dry, solid; Potassium hydroxide, flake; Potassium hydroxide, solid; Caustic potash, liquid; Caustic potash, solution; Potassium hydroxide, solution/|/GUIDE 154 SUBSTANCES - TOXIC and/or CORROSIVE (Non-Combustible)/ Public Safety: CALL Emergency Response Telephone Number on Shipping Paper first. If Shipping Paper not available or no answer, refer to appropriate telephone number listed on the inside back cover. As an immediate precautionary measure, isolate spill or leak area in all directions for at least 50 meters (150 feet) for liquids and at least 25 meters (75 feet) for solids. Keep unauthorized personnel away. Stay upwind. Keep out of low areas. Ventilate enclosed areas. /Caustic potash, dry, solid; Potassium hydroxide, dry, solid; Potassium hydroxide, flake; Potassium hydroxide, solid; Caustic potash, liquid; Caustic potash, solution; Potassium hydroxide, solution/|/GUIDE 154 SUBSTANCES - TOXIC and/or CORROSIVE (Non-Combustible)/ Protective Clothing: Wear positive pressure self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA). Wear chemical protective clothing that is specifically recommended by the manufacturer. It may provide little or no thermal protection. Structural firefighters' protective clothing provides limited protection in fire situations ONLY; it is not effective in spill situations where direct contact with the substance is possible. /Caustic potash, dry, solid; Potassium hydroxide, dry, solid; Potassium hydroxide, flake; Potassium hydroxide, solid; Caustic potash, liquid; Caustic potash, solution; Potassium hydroxide, solution/|For more DOT Emergency Guidelines (Complete) data for POTASSIUM HYDROXIDE (8 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

No person may /transport,/ offer or accept a hazardous material for transportation in commerce unless that person is registered in conformance ... and the hazardous material is properly classed, described, packaged, marked, labeled, and in condition for shipment as required or authorized by ... /the hazardous materials regulations (49 CFR 171-177)./|The International Air Transport Association (IATA) Dangerous Goods Regulations are published by the IATA Dangerous Goods Board pursuant to IATA Resolutions 618 and 619 and constitute a manual of industry carrier regulations to be followed by all IATA Member airlines when transporting hazardous materials. Potassium hydroxide, solid and potassium hydroxide solution are included on the dangerous goods list.|The International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code lays down basic principles for transporting hazardous chemicals. Detailed recommendations for individual substances and a number of recommendations for good practice are included in the classes dealing with such substances. A general index of technical names has also been compiled. This index should always be consulted when attempting to locate the appropriate procedures to be used when shipping any substance or article. Potassium hydroxide, solid and potassium hydroxide solution are included on the dangerous goods list.

Dust or mist /is/ irritating to eyes, nose & throat. ...

Vacated 1989 OSHA PEL TWA 2 mg/cu m is still enforced in some states.

Recommended Exposure Limit: Ceiling Value: 2 mg/cu m.

Personal protection: chemical protection suit including self-contained breathing apparatus. Do NOT let this chemical enter the environment. Sweep spilled substance into covered plastic containers. Carefully collect remainder. Then store and dispose of according to local regulations.

Separated from food and feedstuffs, strong acids and metals. Store only in original container. Dry. Well closed. Store in an area without drain or sewer access.

A harmful concentration of airborne particles can be reached quickly when dispersed.

The substance is very corrosive to the eyes, skin and respiratory tract. Corrosive on ingestion.

Repeated or prolonged contact with skin may cause dermatitis.

NO contact with water. NO contact with incompatible materials: See Chemical Dangers

PREVENT DISPERSION OF DUST! AVOID ALL CONTACT! IN ALL CASES CONSULT A DOCTOR!

Use local exhaust or breathing protection.

Protective gloves. Protective clothing.

Wear face shield or eye protection in combination with breathing protection.

| 3 - Materials that, under emergency conditions, can cause serious or permanent injury.| 0 - Materials that will not burn under typical fire conditions, including intrinsically noncombustible materials such as concrete, stone, and sand.| 1 - Materials that in themselves are normally stable but that can become unstable at elevated temperatures and pressures.

Persons in charge of vessels or facilities are required to notify the National Response Center (NRC) immediately, when there is a release of this designated hazardous substance, in an amount equal to or greater than its reportable quantity of 1000 lb or 454 kg. The toll free number of the NRC is (800) 424-8802. The rule for determining when notification is required is stated in 40 CFR 302.4 (section IV. D.3.b).

No studies are currently identified regarding the reproduction/developmental toxicity of potassium hydroxide. The Ld50 of potassium hydroxide in rats ranges from 0.273 - 1.230 g KOH/kg body weight/day. Adverse effects include vomiting, diarrhea, skin blistering, gastrointestinal disturbance, and burns. Strong alkaline chemicals such as potassium hydroxide destroy soft tissues may cause a deep, penetrating type of burn. Caustics are usually hydroxides of light metals. Sodium hydroxide and potassium hydroxide are the most broadly used caustic agents in the industry. Potassium Hydroxide can irritate the lungs. Repeated exposure may cause bronchitis to develop with coughing, phlegm, and/or shortness of breath.|IDENTIFICATION AND USE: Potassium hydroxide (KOH) is commercialized as a solid or as solutions with varying concentrations. It is used in soap manufacture; drain and pipeline cleaners; bleaching agents; manufacture of potassium carbonate and tetrapotassium pyrophosphate, an electrolyte in alkaline storage batteries and some fuel cells, absorbent for carbon dioxide and hydrogen sulfide; dyestuffs; liquid fertilizers; food additive; herbicides; electroplating; mercerizing; and paint removers. HUMAN EXPOSURE AND TOXICITY: Potassium hydroxide causes direct local effects on the skin, eyes and gastrointestinal tract after direct exposure. If KOH aerosols/mists occur, they will cause direct local effects on respiratory tract. Solutions with concentrations higher than 2% are corrosive, while concentrations of about 0.5 to about 2.0 % are irritating. The irritant effects are reported as coughing, wheezing, conjunctivitis, tearing, and irritation. Children may be accidentally exposed to commercial cleaning products. In a retrospective clinical study with 168 children after alkaline substance ingestion, 9 children (5.3%) developed gastric outlet obstruction. The fatal complications from an alkaline battery foreign body (containing potassium hydroxide 45%) in the esophagus of a 2.5 year old male, resulting in corrosive burns of the esophagus, necrosis, perforation, communication between the esophagus and the trachea and subsequent death, is reported. A total of 23 burns of the eye due to NaOH or KOH were admitted to the eye clinic of the RWTH Aachen in Germany from 1985 to 1992. In 17 cases the accident happened during work, while 6 cases occurred at home using NaOH/KOH as drain cleaner. The alkali burns were of special interest because of the rapid and deep penetration of alkali into the ocular tissues. A 4-year old boy who had a button battery lodged in his nose for approx. 24 hrs had local tissue corrosion, with a small perforation, caused presumably by the 25% KOH electrolyte. An epidemiological study about potash mining workers failed to correlate the exposure to potash to a number of diseases evaluated, including lung cancer. However, there is also a strong association between lye stricture of the esophagus and esophageal squamous cell carcinoma, with a long latent period of eventually several decades. ANIMAL STUDIES: In an acute toxicity study for KOH, the LD50 (intubation) of male rats was 365 mg/kg. Hemorrhaging of the stomach and intestine and adhesions of abdominal organs (stomach, pancreas, spleen, liver and small intestine) were seen following administration of both lethal and sub-lethal doses. Surviving animals showed evidence of hyper excitability, followed by apathy and weakness throughout the 14-day post-exposure period. Other clinical signs were increased respiration rate, ruffled fur, eye closing and bloody nasal exudate. All deaths occurred within 72 hours of dosing. KOH has a moderate acute oral toxicity, which is essentially due to its corrosivity. The observed systemic effects could be regarded as secondary effects. Draize skin tests in rabbits, with gauze covering and application of 0.1 mL during 24 hours, qualified a 5% KOH solution as mildly irritating on intact skin and highly irritating on abraded skin. A 10% KOH solution was qualified as corrosive on both intact and abraded skin as the result of a Draize occlusive test on rabbits with 4 hours exposure to 0.5 mL of the solution. The results of an Ames assay study with Salmonella typhimurium TA 97 and TA 102, with and without metabolic activation and up to 1 mg KOH/plate, were negative. The clastogenic activity of KOH was studied in an in vitro chromosomal aberration test using Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) K1 cells. No clastogenic activity was found at KOH concentrations of 0, 8 and 12 mM, which corresponded with initial pH values of 7.3, 9.8 and 10.4, respectively. A long-term study (reliability 3) of 25-46 weeks, consisting of painting 3-6% KOH solutions on mouse skin, has been performed. The results were ca. 15% occurrence of cancer at the application site. An old long-term study (reliability 3) of 25-46 weeks, consisting of painting 3-6% KOH solutions on mouse skin, has been performed. The results were 15% occurrence of cancer at the application site. Doses of 2.35-235 mg/kg bw/day in mice and 3.1-310 mg/kg bw/day in rats were administered to groups of 21-24 animals by single daily oral intubation. Body weights were recorded during 17 days for mice, with a post exposure period of 2 days and during 20 days for rats, with a post exposure period of 5 days. No significant effects were observed on mice and rat's survival and reproductive organs, or on offspring survival, weight, sex ratio and congenital defects.

LD50 Rat oral 363 mg/kg bw/day|LD50 Rat oral 273 mg/kg bw/day|LD50 Rat oral 1230 mg/kg bw/day

According to the 2012 TSCA Inventory Update Reporting data, 38 reporting facilities estimate the number of persons reasonably likely to be exposed in manufacturing, processing, or use of potassium hydroxide in the United States may be as low as <10 workers and as high as 9999 workers per plant; the data may be greatly underestimated due to confidential business information (CBI) or unknown values(1).|NIOSH (NOES Survey 1981-1983) has statistically estimated that 1,966,611 (800,041 of these were female) were potentially exposed to potassium hydroxide in the US(1). Occupational exposure to potassium hydroxide may occur through inhalation and dermal contact with this compound at workplaces where potassium hydroxide is produced or used(SRC).

Medically, the microscopic examination of potassium hydroxide (KOH) preparations is utilized in the diagnosis of fungal hyphae or trichomonads. Samples from hair, skin, or nail tissue are obtained by scraping with a scalpel, cotton-tipped applicator and are inoculated directly onto the KOH solution. In addition to the above, potassium hydroxide is used as a softener for nail grooves.

/EXP THER/ The effects of 1% potassium hydroxide aqueous solution and aqueous Teepol, a surfactant, on reducing subsequent development of anthralin inflammation without loss of therapeutic effect are described. Both compounds were effective and the action seemed to have resulted from enhanced oxidation of anthralin to inactive products by potassium hydroxide and from increased solubility and removal of anthralin by Teepol.|/EXP THER/ Potassium hydroxide (KOH) is a strong alkali that has long been known to digest proteins, lipids, and most other epithelial debris of skin scrapings to identify fungal infections. To our knowledge, KOH has never been used for the treatment of molluscum contagiosum (MC). We evaluated 35 children with MC for the clinical effectiveness of treatment with topical 10% KOH aqueous solution. The solution was applied by the parents of affected children, twice daily, on each MC lesion. The therapy was continued until all lesions underwent inflammation and superficial ulceration. Thirty-two of 35 patients achieved complete clinical cure after a mean treatment period of 30 days. Three children discontinued treatment: two reported severe stinging of the lesions and refused further applications; the other, with giant MC lesions, developed a secondary infection with prolonged treatment. Therapy with KOH was found to be effective and safe in the treatment of MC in children.|Potassium hydroxide is a powerful caustic which has been used to remove warts. /Former use/|A 2.5% solution in glycerol may be used as a cuticle solvent.|Therap. cat (Vet): Caustic. In disbudding calves' horns. In aq solution to dissolve scales and hair in skin scrapings.

The corrosiveness of potassium hydroxide renders it a very useful agent in the decomposition/removal soft tissue and hair removal. It is incorporated into some nail products, shaving creams, and soaps.

Substances used for the detection, identification, analysis, etc. of chemical, biological, or pathologic processes or conditions. Indicators are substances that change in physical appearance, e.g., color, at or approaching the endpoint of a chemical titration, e.g., on the passage between acidity and alkalinity. Reagents are substances used for the detection or determination of another substance by chemical or microscopical means, especially analysis. Types of reagents are precipitants, solvents, oxidizers, reducers, fluxes, and colorimetric reagents. (From Grant and Hackh's Chemical Dictionary, 5th ed, p301, p499) (See all compounds classified as Indicators and Reagents.)

KOH in aqueous solutions completely dissociates into K+ and OH- ions. Because of the neutralization of OH- by gastric HCl and the rapid blood pH regulation action (buffer capacity of extracellular body fluids, respiratory and renal compensation mechanisms), an alkalosis due to the OH- ions after KOH oral dosage in non-irritating conditions is thus prevented. The uptake of potassium, in potassium hydroxide form, is much less than the oral uptake with therapeutic doses of KCl for treating potassium deficiency, of up to 10 g/day. Furthermore, the oral uptake of potassium from food/natural sources or from food additives is likely to be also much higher.|Interesting observations are also that alkalosis promotes renal excretion of K+, and that, for preventing hyperkalemia, extra cellular potassium is taken up by cells in exchange for hydrogen ions (Saxena, 1989). In other words, these compensating effects of K+ and OH- would attenuate the systemic effect of KOH.|...It can also be stated that the substance will neither reach the foetus nor reach male and female reproductive organs in effective toxic concentrations. Therefore, no risk for reproductive toxicity is expected.|Under normal handling and use conditions (non-irritating) neither the concentration of potassium in the blood nor the pH of the blood will be increased above normal limits and therefore KOH is not expected to cause systemically toxic levels in the blood. The renal excretion of K+ can be elevated and the OH- ion is neutralised by the bicarbonate buffer system in the blood...|Alkalies penetrate skin slowly. /Alkalies/|Ammonium hydroxide penetrates fastest, followed by sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide, and finally calcium hydroxide.

KOH in aqueous solution is entirely dissociated into K+ and OH- ions. Due to the neutralization of OH- by gastric HCl and the quick and efficient blood pH regulation mechanisms (buffer capacity of extra cellular body fluids, respiratory and renal compensation mechanisms), an alkalosis due to the OH- ions after KOH oral dosage in non-irritating conditions is prevented.|KOH in aqueous solutions is completely dissociated into K+ and OH- ions. Due to the neutralization of OH- by gastric HCl and the quick and efficient blood pH regulation mechanisms (buffer capacity of extra cellular body fluids, respiratory and renal compensation mechanisms), an alkalosis due to the OH- ions after KOH oral dosage in non-irritating conditions is prevented.|...In every case, it should be realised that aerosols of KOH are not stable. They are rapidly transformed due to an uptake of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere resulting in the formation of potassium bicarbonate and potassium carbonate. Cooper et al. (1979) reported that the transformation of respirable NaOH aerosols into carbonate aerosols could occur in seconds...

The exact mechanism of action of KOH is not known but the speculated one is that topical application of KOH digests keratin, and induces inflammation. The mechanism of skin injury by alkali substances such as potassium hydroxide is by the saponification of fat, causing fatty tissue to lose its function with increased damage due to a heat reaction. Extraction of water from cells occurs due to the hygroscopic (absorbent) nature of alkali. Dissolution of proteins also occurs, allowing for deeper penetration of OH- ions and resulting in various chemical reactions. The alkali penetrates the skin quickly, saponifies plasma membranes, denatures collagen proteins, and leads to vascular thromboses in the conjunctiva and other parts of the eye. The resulting corneal burns include scarring and opacification of the cornea with resulting in vision loss, corneal neovascularization, ulcer formation, and perforation. Other consequences of untreated or very severe alkali burns include epithelial erosions, secondary glaucoma, and causes the destruction of conjunctival mucus cells, causing dry eyes, trichiasis (misdirected eyelash hairs), and other ocular conditions. In the gastrointestinal tract, after oral ingestion, burns may result. The mechanism of injury is liquefactive necrosis. The thrombosis of gastrointestinal blood vessels also contributes to tissue damage. When the alkali enters the stomach, gastric acid may neutralize the strong base, which can limit the extent of the injury. Perforation of the stomach can sometimes occur with peritonitis and caustic injury to the surrounding organs including the colon, pancreas, liver, and spleen.|The mechanism of injury by alkali skin burns is by saponification of fat, which causes fatty tissue to lose its function with increased damage due to heat reaction; extraction of considerable water from cells due to the hygroscopic nature of alkali; and dissolution of proteins, permitting so deeper penetration of OH- ions and further chemical reactions.|A systemic (non-acute) oral intoxication by KOH is not expected. Regarding the potassium toxicity, the LD50 value in rats of KCl, 3.020 g/kg bw/day is much higher than that of KOH, in the range of 0.273 - 0.365 - 1.230 g KOH/kg bw/day. This demonstrates that the acute toxicity of KOH is probably due to the corrosivity caused by the OH- ion (pH value), and less to systemic toxic effects of the K+ ion. Under non-irritating conditions, the potassium doses are much lower than those used in acute toxicity studies, and therefore not relevant from the point of view of the systemic toxicity of potassium. Furthermore, the uptake of potassium, via exposure to potassium hydroxide, is much less than the oral uptake with therapeutic doses of KCl for treating potassium deficiency, of up to 10 g/day. Moreover, the oral uptake of potassium from food, from natural origin or from food additives, is likely to be also much higher.

/Potential/ impurities: sodium oxide, sodium carbonate, sodium chloride, sodium chlorate, ferrous oxide, mercury, sodium sulfate, silicon dioxide, aluminum oxide, calcium oxide, magnesium oxide, manganese, nickel, and copper.

Causes severe burns of eyes, skin, and mucous membranes. (USCG, 1999)

(Act quickly]) EYES: flush with water for at least 15 min. SKIN: flush with water, then rinse with dilute vinegar (acetic acid). INGESTION: give water and milk. Do NOT induce vomiting. Call physician at once, even when injury seems to be slight. (USCG, 1999)|(See procedures)

Fresh air, rest. Refer immediately for medical attention.

Remove contaminated clothes. Rinse skin with plenty of water or shower for at least 15 minutes. Refer immediately for medical attention.

First rinse with plenty of water for several minutes (remove contact lenses if easily possible), then refer for medical attention.

Immediate first aid: Remove patient from contact with the material. Ensure that adequate decontamination has been carried out. If patient is not breathing, start artificial respiration, preferably with a demand valve resuscitator, bag-valve-mask device, or pocket mask, as trained. Perform CPR if necessary. Immediately flush contaminated eyes with gently flowing water. Do not induce vomiting. If vomiting occurs, lean patient forward or place on the left side (head-down position, if possible) to maintain an open airway and prevent aspiration. Keep patient quiet and maintain normal body temperature. Obtain medical attention. /Inorganic Bases/Alkaline Corrosives and Related Compounds/|Basic treatment: Establish a patent airway (oropharyngeal or nasopharyngeal airway, if needed). Suction if necessary. Watch for signs of respiratory insufficiency and assist ventilations if necessary. Administer oxygen by nonrebreather mask at 6 to 12 L/min. Monitor for pulmonary edema and treat if necessary ... . Monitor for shock and treat if necessary ... . For eye contamination, flush eyes immediately with water. Irrigate each eye continuously with 0.9% saline (NS) during transport ... . Do not use emetics. For ingestion, rinse mouth and administer 5 mL/kg up to 200 mL of water for dilution if the patent can swallow, has a strong gag reflex, and does not drool ... . Do not attempt to neutralize. Cover skin burns with dry sterile dressings after decontamination ... . /Inorganic Bases/Alkaline Corrosives and Related Compounds/|Advanced treatment: Consider orotracheal or nasotracheal intubation for airway control in the patient who is unconscious, has severe pulmonary edema, or is in severe respiratory distress. Early intubation, at the first signs of upper airway obstruction, may be necessary. Positive-pressure ventilation techniques with a bag valve mask device may be beneficial. Consider drug therapy for pulmonary edema ... . Monitor cardiac rhythm and treat arrhythmias as necessary ... . Start IV administration of D5W /SRP: "To keep open", minimal flow rate/. Use 0.9% saline (NS) or lactated Ringer's (LR) if signs of hypovolemia are present. For hypotension with signs of hypovolemia, administer fluid cautiously. Consider vasopressors if patient is hypotensive with a normal fluid volume. Watch for signs of fluid overload ... . Use proparacaine hydrochloride to assist eye irrigation ... . /Inorganic Bases/Alkaline Corrosives and Related Compounds/

/HUMAN EXPOSURE STUDIES/ Potassium hydroxide (KOH) is a strong alkali that has long been known to digest proteins, lipids, and most other epithelial debris of skin scrapings to identify fungal infections. To our knowledge, KOH has never been used for the treatment of molluscum contagiosum (MC). We evaluated 35 children with MC for the clinical effectiveness of treatment with topical 10% KOH aqueous solution. The solution was applied by the parents of affected children, twice daily, on each MC lesion. The therapy was continued until all lesions underwent inflammation and superficial ulceration. Thirty-two of 35 patients achieved complete clinical cure after a mean treatment period of 30 days. Three children discontinued treatment: two reported severe stinging of the lesions and refused further applications; the other, with giant MC lesions, developed a secondary infection with prolonged treatment. Therapy with KOH was found to be effective and safe in the treatment of MC in children.|/SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS/ Acute poisoning: ... ingestion of alkali is followed by severe pain, vomiting, diarrhea, & collapse. The vomitus contains blood and desquamated mucosal lining. If death does not occur in the first 24 hours, the patient may improve for 2-4 days and then have a sudden onset of severe abdominal pain, boardlike abdominal rigidity, and rapid fall of blood pressure indicating delayed gastric or esophageal perforation. ... Esophageal stricture can occur weeks, months, or even years later to make swallowing difficult. Carcinoma is a risk in later life. /Alkalies/|/SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS/ Acute poisoning: ... alkalies penetrate skin slowly. Extent of damage ... depends on duration of contact. ... Chronic poisoning: (from skin contact) a chronic dermatitis may follow repeated contact with alkalies. /Alkalies/|/SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS/ There are great many accounts of accidental and suicidal ingestion of the sodium and potassium hydroxides... Death results from shock, perforation of the esophagus, aspiration from the esophagus into the trachea, pneumonitis, mediatinitis, or inanition and infection.|For more Human Toxicity Excerpts (Complete) data for POTASSIUM HYDROXIDE (31 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

potassium hydroxide

Serious local effects by all routes of exposure.|inhalation, ingestion, skin and/or eye contact

irritation eyes, skin, respiratory system; cough, sneezing; eye, skin burns; vomiting, diarrhea

Cough. Sore throat. Burning sensation. Shortness of breath.

Redness. Pain. Serious skin burns. Blisters.

Redness. Pain. Blurred vision. Severe burns.

Eyes, skin, respiratory system

29% AS A CHEM INT FOR POTASSIUM CARBONATE; 19% AS A CHEM INT FOR SOAPS; 19% AS A CHEM INT FOR TETRAPOTASSIUM PYROPHOSPHATE; 10% AS A CHEM INT FOR OTHER INORG POTASSIUM CHEMICALS; 8% AS A CHEM INT FOR LIQUID FERTILIZERS; 5% IN MFR OF DYESTUFFS; 4% IN MFR OF HERBICIDES; 6% FOR MISC USES (1975)|Potassium Carbonate, 25%; Liquid Fertilizers, 15%; Soap, 10%; Potassium Phosphates, 9%; Synthetic Rubber, 5%; Pesticides, 3%; Potassium Permanganate, 2%; Exports, 5%; Other Chemicals and Misc uses, 26% (1984)|Potassium carbonate, 25%; potassium phosphates (including TKPP), 10%; liquid fertilizers, 8%; soaps, 7%; potassium chemicals (including potassium silicate, permaganate and cyanide), 30%; miscellaneous (including oil and gas, metal treatment, batteries and water treatment), 18%; exports, 2%.|Potassium chemicals (including potassium acetate, cyanide, permanganate and silicate), 35%; potassium carbonate, 25%; liquid fertilizer, 12%; soaps, 12%; potassium phosphates (including tetrapotassium pyrophosphate), 7%, miscellaneous, 9%.

Grades: Commercial, ground, flake, fused (88-92%), purified by alcohol (sticks, lumps and drops), reagent, highest purity, United States Pharmacopeia, liquid (45%), FCC.|Available as 50%-Rayon, 50%-Commercial, 73%-Commercial, and Flake.|Marketed as dehydrated solid (90-92% potassium hydroxide) and as a liquor (45-50% potassium hydroxide).|2 Liquid grades sold: rayon and commercial.|POTASSIUM HYDROXIDE ... CONTAINS NOT LESS THAN 85.0% OF TOTAL ALKALI, CALCULATED AS POTASSIUM HYDROXIDE ... & INCL NOT MORE THAN 3.5% OF POTASSIUM CARBONATE ...

All other basic inorganic chemical manufacturing|Potassium hydroxide (K(OH)): ACTIVE|Each year, an estimated 35,000 wells are hydraulically-fractured in the U.S. Although the oil and gas extraction industry as a whole has a relatively higher fatality rate compared to most of the U.S. general industry... there is currently no worker injury/illness or fatality data publicly available for hydraulic fracturing or flowback operations. Regardless of the availability of data, more workers are potentially exposed to the hazards created by hydraulic fracturing and flowback operations due to the large increase in the number of these operations in the past decade. /Hydraulic fracturing/

Method: NIOSH 7401, Issue 2; Procedure: acid-base titration; Analyte: potassium hydroxide; Matrix: air; Detection Limit: 0.03 mg per sample (as NaOH).

EPA Safer Chemical Functional Use Classes -> Processing Aids and Additives|Safer Chemical Classes -> Green circle - The chemical has been verified to be of low concern|Food additives|Fire Hazards -> Corrosives, Reactive - 1st degree|Cosmetics -> Buffering

Food Additives -> ACIDITY_REGULATOR;