Potassium Bifluoride

SECTION 2: Hazards identification

Emergency Overview: • Corrosive product, hazardous to human health. • In case of decomposition, releases hydrogen fluoride. • Hazardous product for the aquatic environment. Potassium

Principle Routes of Exposure

Inhalation Yes Skin Yes Ingestion Yes 3.2 Potential Effects of exposure: • Corrosive to mucous membranes, eyes, and skin. • Risk of cardiac and nervous disorders. • The seriousness of the lesion and the prognosis of intoxication depend directly on the concentration and duration of exposure. • Chronic exposure to the product can cause bone fluorosis. Inhalation: • Severe irritation of the nose and throat. • Spasmodic cough and difficulty in breathing. • At high concentrations, risk of chemical pneumonitis, pulmonary edema. • At high concentrations, risk of hypocalcemia with nervous problems (tetany) and cardiac arrhythmia. • In the case of repeated or prolonged exposure: risk of sore throat, nosebleeds, chronic bronchitis. Eyes: • Severe eye irritation, watering, redness and swelling of the eyelids. • Burns. • Risk of serious or permanent eye lesions or blindness. Skin contact: • Painful irritation, delayed appearance. • Risk of severe burns; slow healing. • Risk of shock. • If fingernails are touched, severe pain after several hours. • Risk of hypocalcemia depending the extent of the lesions. Ingestion: • Severe irritation, burns, perforation of the gastrointestinal tract accompanied by shock. • Risk of throat edema and suffocation. • Nausea, vomiting (bloody), abdominal cramps and diarrhea (bloody). • Cough and difficulty breathing. • Risk of hypocalcemia with nervous disorders (tetany) and cardiac rhythm disorders. • Risk of convulsions, loss of consciousness, deep coma and cardiopulmonary arrest. • Risk of general symptoms having a severe prognosis. Carcinogenicity: See section 11.3.