Agent Name |
Potassium hydroxide |
CAS Number |
1310-58-3 |
Formula |
H-K-O |
Major Category |
Other Classes |
Synonyms |
Caustic potash; Cyantek CC 723; Hydroxyde de potassium [French]; Potash; Potash lye; Potassa; Potasse caustique [French]; Potassio (idrossido di) [Italian]; Potassium (hydroxyde de) [French]; Potassium hydrate; Potassium hydroxide; [ChemIDplus] UN1813; UN1814 |
Category |
Bases |
Description |
Odorless, white or slightly yellow lumps, rods, flakes, sticks, or pellets. [Note: May be used as an aqueous solution.]; [NIOSH] |
Sources/Uses |
Used to make liquid soaps; it is also used in paint, varnish removers, and drain cleaners; it is used in electroplating, photoengraving, and lithography. [ACGIH] |
Comments |
Liquid causes second or third degree burns after short contact. [CHRIS] Potassium hydroxide 30-70% is highly corrosive to skin; [Quick CPC] A corrosive substance that can cause pulmonary edema; [ICSC] |
Exposure Assessment |
Skin Designation (ACGIH) |
No |
Ceiling (ACGIH) |
2 mg/m3 |
Explanatory Notes |
VP: negligible at room temperature; [CHEMINFO] |
Flammability (NFPA) |
0: will not burn |
Adverse Effects |
Dermatotoxin |
Skin Burns |
Links to Other NLM Databases |
Health Studies |
Human Health Effects from Hazardous Substances Data Bank: POTASSIUM HYDROXIDE
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