Tommy,
I realize you are trying really hard to discredit the potential of economic development and to try and scare the public, but I suggest you do some research before you prove how stupid you are.
Potash Fertilizer is Potassium Carbonate, not potassium permanganate, or potassium chlorate. Those other chemical compounds are able to be formed out of potash, but they are not the chemical variant used in fertilizer. The chemical compound for Potassium Carbonate is K2CO3.
Here is the MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet) for K2CO3.
http://www.jtbaker.com/msds/englishhtml/p5609.htmIt's only severe toxicity is when ingested. Other than that it is considered an irritant when exposed by contact or inhalation.
As I have said before, it passes through the Calumet Region and Hammond daily.
Quote:
1. Product Identification
Synonyms: Pearl ash; potash; carbonic acid, dipotassium salt; salt of tartar
CAS No.: 584-08-7
Molecular Weight: 138.21
Chemical Formula: K2CO3
Product Codes:
J.T. Baker: 3011, 3012, 3014, 6056
Mallinckrodt: 0436, 4674, 6790, 6814, 6844
2. Composition/Information on Ingredients
Ingredient CAS No Percent Hazardous
--------------------------------------- ------------ ------------ ---------
Potassium Carbonate 584-08-7 99 - 100% Yes
3. Hazards Identification
Emergency Overview
--------------------------
WARNING! CAUSES IRRITATION TO SKIN, EYES AND RESPIRATORY TRACT. MAY BE HARMFUL IF SWALLOWED.
SAF-T-DATA(tm) Ratings (Provided here for your convenience)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Health Rating: 2 - Moderate
Flammability Rating: 0 - None
Reactivity Rating: 1 - Slight
Contact Rating: 3 - Severe
Lab Protective Equip: GOGGLES & SHIELD; LAB COAT & APRON; VENT HOOD; PROPER GLOVES
Storage Color Code: Green (General Storage)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Potential Health Effects
----------------------------------
Inhalation:
Causes irritation to the respiratory tract. Symptoms may include coughing, shortness of breath.
Ingestion:
Causes irritation to the gastrointestinal tract. Symptoms may include nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. May have moderate toxic effects if consumed in large enough quantities. Ingestion of large amounts may be corrosive to mouth, throat and GI tract and produce abdominal pains, vomiting, diarrhea, and circulatory collapse.
Skin Contact:
Contact with dry material causes irritation. In aqueous solution it is a strong caustic and as such may have corrosive effects on the skin.
Eye Contact:
Causes extreme irritation, redness, pain and possibly corneal damage.
Chronic Exposure:
A chronic dermatitis may follow repeated contact with this substance.
Aggravation of Pre-existing Conditions:
No information found.
4. First Aid Measures
Inhalation:
Remove to fresh air. If not breathing, give artificial respiration. If breathing is difficult, give oxygen. Get medical attention.
Ingestion:
If swallowed, DO NOT INDUCE VOMITING. Give large quantities of water. Never give anything by mouth to an unconscious person. Get medical attention immediately.
Skin Contact:
Immediately flush skin with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes. Remove contaminated clothing and shoes. Get medical attention. Wash clothing before reuse. Thoroughly clean shoes before reuse.
Eye Contact:
Immediately flush eyes with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes, lifting lower and upper eyelids occasionally. Get medical attention immediately.
5. Fire Fighting Measures
Fire:
Not considered to be a fire hazard.
Explosion:
Not considered to be an explosion hazard. An explosion occurred after mixing sodium hydrosulfite, aluminum powder, potassium carbonate and benzaldehyde.
Fire Extinguishing Media:
Use any means suitable for extinguishing surrounding fire.
Special Information:
In the event of a fire, wear full protective clothing and NIOSH-approved self-contained breathing apparatus with full facepiece operated in the pressure demand or other positive pressure mode.
6. Accidental Release Measures
Ventilate area of leak or spill. Wear appropriate personal protective equipment as specified in Section 8. Spills: Pick up and place in a suitable container for reclamation or disposal, using a method that does not generate dust.
7. Handling and Storage
Keep in a tightly closed container, stored in a cool, dry, ventilated area. Protect against physical damage. Isolate from incompatible substances. Containers of this material may be hazardous when empty since they retain product residues (dust, solids); observe all warnings and precautions listed for the product.
8. Exposure Controls/Personal Protection
Airborne Exposure Limits:
None established.
Ventilation System:
A system of local and/or general exhaust is recommended to keep employee exposures as low as possible. Local exhaust ventilation is generally preferred because it can control the emissions of the contaminant at its source, preventing dispersion of it into the general work area. Please refer to the ACGIH document, Industrial Ventilation, A Manual of Recommended Practices, most recent edition, for details.
Personal Respirators (NIOSH Approved):
For conditions of use where exposure to dust or mist is apparent and engineering controls are not feasible, a particulate respirator (NIOSH type N95 or better filters) may be worn. If oil particles (e.g. lubricants, cutting fluids, glycerine, etc.) are present, use a NIOSH type R or P filter. For emergencies or instances where the exposure levels are not known, use a full-face positive-pressure, air-supplied respirator. WARNING: Air-purifying respirators do not protect workers in oxygen-deficient atmospheres.
Skin Protection:
Wear impervious protective clothing, including boots, gloves, lab coat, apron or coveralls, as appropriate, to prevent skin contact.
Eye Protection:
Use chemical safety goggles and/or full face shield where dusting or splashing of solutions is possible. Maintain eye wash fountain and quick-drench facilities in work area.
9. Physical and Chemical Properties
Appearance:
Fine white granules.
Odor:
Odorless.
Solubility:
Soluble in equal parts of cold water.
Specific Gravity:
2.29
pH:
11.6 Aqueous solution
% Volatiles by volume @ 21C (70F):
0
Boiling Point:
Decomposes.
Melting Point:
891C (1636F)
Vapor Density (Air=1):
No information found.
Vapor Pressure (mm Hg):
No information found.
Evaporation Rate (BuAc=1):
No information found.
10. Stability and Reactivity
Stability:
Stable under ordinary conditions of use and storage.
Hazardous Decomposition Products:
Contact with acids and involvement in a fire can cause formation of carbon dioxide. Thermal decomposition may also form potassium oxide.
Hazardous Polymerization:
Will not occur.
Incompatibilities:
Acids, chlorine trifluoride, magnesium. An explosion occurred after mixing sodium hydrosulfite, aluminum powder, potassium carbonate and benzaldehyde.
Conditions to Avoid:
Moisture, heat, dusting and incompatibles.
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