| Agent Name |
Potassium nitrate |
|---|
| CAS Number |
7757-79-1 |
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| Formula |
K-N-O3 |
|---|
| Major Category |
Nitrogen Compounds |
|---|
| Synonyms |
Collo-Bo; Kalii nitras; Kaliumnitrat [German]; Niter; Nitrate of potash; Nitre; Nitric acid, potassium salt; Saltpeter; Vicknite; UN1486; [ChemIDplus] |
|---|
| Category |
Nitrates and Nitrites |
|---|
| Description |
Colorless to white crystals or powder that absorbs moisture from the air; [CHEMINFO] "Cooling, saline pungent taste" [Merck Index] |
|---|
| Sources/Uses |
Used to manufacture glass, temper steel, and cure food; Used in fireworks, fluxes, matches, explosives, rocket propellants, fertilizers, and baths for silver and copper plating; [HSDB] |
|---|
| Comments |
As an oxidizer, it enhances burning of combustible materials; [CHEMINFO] Causes methemoglobinemia when ingested; [ICSC] |
|---|
| Exposure Assessment |
|---|
| Skin Designation (ACGIH) |
Not evaluated |
|---|
| Adverse Effects |
|---|
| Methemoglobinemia |
Methemoglobinemia, Secondary |
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| Links to Other NLM Databases |
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