Material Safety Data Sheet: Potassium Sulfate

Identification

Product Name: Potassium Sulfate
Chemical Formula: K₂SO₄
Synonyms: Sulfate of Potash, Dipotassium Sulfate, Potash Sulfate
CAS Number: 7778-80-5
Recommended Use: Fertilizers, laboratory use, manufacturing processes
Manufacturer/Supplier: Refer to supplier information on the original packaging
Emergency Contact: Local Poison Control Center or emergency services for hazardous materials incidents

Hazard Identification

Safety Hazards: Potassium sulfate ranks low in toxicity for people and animals; routine industrial exposure generally creates minimal health concerns. Dust can irritate eyes, skin, and respiratory system. Swallowing large quantities can disturb gastrointestinal function.
GHS Classification: Not classified as hazardous according to OSHA Hazard Communication Standard (29 CFR 1910.1200) or EU Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008
Signal Word: Not applicable
Hazard Statements: Dust may cause mild respiratory irritation. Eye contact might lead to slight irritation. Extended exposure to significant airborne particles may impact breathing.
Precautionary Statements: Avoid generating dusty conditions. Use personal protective equipment when managing concentrated powder.

Composition / Information on Ingredients

Chemical Identity: Potassium Sulfate
Common Name: Sulfate of Potash
Percent Composition: 99% or higher, depending on the grade
Molecular Weight: 174.26 g/mol
Impurities: May include trace amounts of sodium, chloride, magnesium, calcium

First Aid Measures

Inhalation: Move to fresh air if breathing becomes difficult; seek medical attention for severe irritation or if symptoms persist.
Skin Contact: Rinse skin with plenty of water for several minutes. Remove contaminated clothing and wash before reuse.
Eye Contact: Flush with clean water for at least 15 minutes, keeping eyelids open. Medical evaluation for persistent discomfort.
Ingestion: Rinse mouth, offer water to drink if person is conscious. Do not induce vomiting unless directed by medical personnel. Get professional care if feeling unwell or after significant accidental swallowing.

Fire-Fighting Measures

Suitable Extinguishing Media: Water spray, foam, dry chemicals, or carbon dioxide (CO₂). Product itself is not flammable.
Unsuitable Extinguishing Media: No specific limitations, product does not support combustion.
Hazardous Combustion Products: Sulfur oxides and potassium oxides could develop if involved with other burning materials.
Protective Equipment for Firefighters: Wear standard protective gear and self-contained breathing apparatus.
Special Hazards in Fire: Dust accumulation may cause respiratory irritation; runoff containing product may be harmful to aquatic life if a large amount reaches waterways.

Accidental Release Measures

Personal Precautions: Avoid breathing dust, use NIOSH-approved respiratory protection in confined or poorly ventilated spaces. Wear gloves and goggles to prevent contact.
Environmental Precautions: Stop spill from entering drains or water sources. Notify environmental authorities if large quantities escape.
Methods for Cleanup: Sweep or scoop up spilled material, depositing into suitable labeled containers for reuse or disposal. Avoid raising dust during cleanup. Wash spill area with plenty of water if practical and safe to do so.

Handling and Storage

Handling: Work in well-ventilated areas to minimize dust buildup. Use safety goggles, gloves, and dust masks as standard protection. Clean tools and equipment frequently to avoid accumulation of material that could attract moisture.
Storage: Store in a dry, cool, well-ventilated place, away from sources of moisture. Keep containers tightly closed and labeled. Do not store near incompatible chemicals like strong acids or oxidizers. Avoid stacking bags so high that they could topple over.

Exposure Controls and Personal Protection

Occupational Exposure Limits: No established OSHA or ACGIH limits for potassium sulfate. Managing dust to levels below 10 mg/m³ for nuisance particulates follows industrial best practices.
Engineering Controls: Use local exhaust ventilation or mechanical systems where dust is likely. Install dust collection systems over major handling operations.
Personal Protective Equipment: Use dust-resistant safety goggles and chemical-resistant gloves. Wear NIOSH-approved dust mask or respirator in dusty environments. Standard work clothing recommended.
Hygiene Measures: Wash hands, face, and exposed skin after handling, and before eating, drinking, or smoking.

Physical and Chemical Properties

Appearance: White or colorless crystalline solid, sometimes granulated
Odor: Odorless
Solubility in Water: Highly soluble (approx. 120 g/L at 25°C)
Melting Point: 1,069°C
Boiling Point: Decomposes prior to boiling
pH (in solution): Approximately 7 (neutral)
Density: 2.66 g/cm³ at 20°C
Vapor Pressure: Not applicable (solid at room temperature)
Evaporation Rate: Not applicable
Flash Point: Not flammable
Partition Coefficient: Not relevant for inorganic salt
Appearance in Light: Non-fluorescent, does not react under UV

Stability and Reactivity

Chemical Stability: Stable under ordinary handling, transportation, and storage conditions.
Incompatibility: Reacts with strong acids to release sulfur oxides. Avoid contact with strong oxidizers.
Hazardous Decomposition Products: Contact with acids or high temperatures may produce toxic gases (sulfur oxides, potassium oxide).
Reactivity: Not reactive with most common materials used in industrial settings.

Toxicological Information

Acute Toxicity: Low oral toxicity. LD50 (rat, oral) typically greater than 6,600 mg/kg.
Skin Contact: May cause mild irritation in sensitive individuals after prolonged exposure.
Eye Contact: Direct eyewash prevents persistent irritation from dust.
Chronic Exposure: No evidence suggests chronic health risks at standard workplace exposures.
Inhalation: Dust may cause short-term discomfort in nose, throat, lungs.
Sensitization: Does not sensitize skin or respiratory tract.
Carcinogenicity/Mutagenicity/Reproductive Effects: No component listed as carcinogen by IARC, NTP, OSHA.
Additional Data: Not known to induce birth defects or genetic mutations.

Ecological Information

Aquatic Toxicity: Potassium sulfate is considered low toxicity for aquatic organisms; excessive concentrations contribute to nutrient build-up which can modify local ecosystems.
Persistence and Degradability: Breaks down into naturally occurring potassium and sulfate ions.
Bioaccumulation Potential: Unlikely to bioaccumulate in food chains.
Mobility in Soil: Soluble in water, mobile when released in damp environments, potential for leaching in sandy soils.
Other Environmental Effects: High concentrations may disrupt aquatic life through osmotic stress or alteration of water chemistry.

Disposal Considerations

Waste Treatment Methods: Dispose of according to local, regional, or national regulations for non-hazardous inorganic wastes.
Product Disposal: Detrimental impact is minimal if disposed of in small quantities; for larger quantities, avoid disposal in surface water or sewer systems.
Contaminated Packaging: Triple rinse and recycle or discard containers following official guidelines. Do not reuse containers for food or drink storage.
Special Precautions: Prevent uncontrolled disposal to agricultural land or sensitive water systems.

Transport Information

UN Number: Not regulated for transport by road, rail, air, or sea.
Shipping Name: Potassium Sulfate
Hazard Class: Not a hazardous material under DOT or ADR regulations
Packing Group: Not assigned
Marine Pollutant: Not classified as marine pollutant
Special Handling Instructions: Protect packaging from moisture during shipping, avoid rough handling to prevent bag breakage.

Regulatory Information

Labeling Requirements: No special labeling demands under OSHA, GHS, or international chemical regulations, beyond standard workplace labeling practices.
Inventory Status: Listed on TSCA (US), REACH (EU), DSL (Canada), AICS (Australia), ENCS (Japan), and several national chemical inventories.
Restrictions: Agricultural users should follow state or federal nutrient management and runoff prevention rules.
Other Regulations: Not subject to SARA Title III Sections 302, 304, or 313. No restrictions under California Proposition 65.
Workplace Requirements: Suitable hygiene, dust control, and training on safe handling fall under general occupational health standards.