POTASSIUM HYDROXIDE SOLUTION

SECTION 2: Hazards identification

EMERGENCY OVERVIEW Odourless, clear to slightly turbid corrosive liquid. Harmful if swallowed. Causes severe burns. The product may decompose at high temperatures, to produce irritating, corrosive and/or toxic fumes. For short and long term exposure effects see Section 11 Toxicological data. Eye Effects: Causes eye burns. Contact may cause ulceration of the conjunctiva and cornea. Eye damage may be delayed. Causes redness and pain. Prolonged or repeated eye contact may cause conjunctivitis. Skin Effects: Causes severe skin burns with delayed tissue destruction. May cause deep penetrating ulcers of the skin. Causes redness and pain. Prolonged or repeated skin contact may cause dermatitis. Ingestion/Oral Effects: May cause severe and permanent damage to the digestive tract. May cause circulatory system failure. May cause perforation of the digestive tract. Causes severe digestive tract burns with abdominal pain, vomiting, and possible death. May cause systemic effects. Inhalation Effects: Inhalation may lead to chemical pneumonitis and pulmonary oedema. It causes severe irritation of the upper respiratory tract with coughing, burns, breathing difficulty, and possible coma. Inhalation may be fatal as a result of spasm, inflammation, edema of the larynx and bronchi, chemical pneumonitis and pulmonary edema. May cause systemic effects.

Medical Conditions Generally Aggravated by Exposure

May aggravate pre-existing eye, skin, and respiratory conditions NFPA Hazard codes HMIS Hazard codes Rating System Health 3 Health 3 0 = No Hazard Flammability 0 Flammability 0 1 = Slight Hazard Instability 1 Reactivity 1 2 = Moderate Hazard 3 = Serious Hazard 4 = Severe Hazard