Safety and Hazards
Information on safety and hazards for this compound, including safety/hazards properties, reactivity, incompatibilities, management techniques, first aid treatments, and more. For toxicity and related information, please see the Toxicity section.
Hazards Identification
This section identifies the hazards of the chemical presented on the safety data sheet (SDS) and the appropriate warning information associated with those hazards. The information in this section includes, but are not limited to, the hazard classification of the chemical, signal word, pictograms, hazard statements and precautionary statements.
GHS Classification
GHS (Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals) is a United Nations system to identify hazardous chemicals and to inform users about these hazards. GHS has been adopted by many countries around the world and is now also used as the basis for international and national transport regulations for dangerous goods. The GHS hazard statements, class categories, pictograms, signal words, and the precautionary statements can be found on the PubChem GHS page.
This chemical does not meet GHS hazard criteria for 94.3% (825 of 875) of all reports.
Not Classified
Reported as not meeting GHS hazard criteria by 825 of 875 companies (only 5.7% companies provided GHS information). For more detailed information, please visit ECHA C&L website.
Aggregated GHS information provided per 875 reports by companies from 14 notifications to the ECHA C&L Inventory.
Reported as not meeting GHS hazard criteria per 825 of 875 reports by companies.
There are 10 notifications provided by 50 of 875 reports by companies with hazard statement code(s).
Information may vary between notifications depending on impurities, additives, and other factors. The percentage value in parenthesis indicates the notified classification ratio from companies that provide hazard codes. Only hazard codes with percentage values above 10% are shown. For more detailed information, please visit ECHA C&L website.ECHA C&L website.
Not Classified
Reported as not meeting GHS hazard criteria by 1 of 1 companies. For more detailed information, please visit ECHA C&L website.
Hazard Classes and Categories
The Hazard Classes and Categories are aligned with GHS (Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals) hazard statement codes. The percentage data in the parenthesis from ECHA indicates that the hazard classes and categories information are consolidated from multiple companies. Also, see the detailed explanation from the above GHS classification section.
Not Classified
Not Classified
EPA Safer Chemical
EPA labels products so that consumers can easily choose ones that are safer for people and the environment. When consumers see the Safer Choice label on a product, they can be confident that the ingredients have been through a rigorous EPA review. The label means that EPA scientists have evaluated every ingredient in the product to ensure it meets Safer Choice's stringent criteria. When people use Safer Choice products, they are protecting their families and the environment by making safer chemical choices.
Chemical: Potassium chloride
Green circle - The chemical has been verified to be of low concern based on experimental and modeled data.
Health Hazards
Description of the chemical's health hazards (e.g., toxicity, corrosivity, and flammability) that can have negative impacts on our short- or long-term health.
SYMPTOMS: Large doses of this chemical usually induce vomiting, so acute intoxication by mouth is rare. If no pre-existing kidney damage, it is rapidly excreted. Poisoning disturbs the rhythm of heart. Large doses by mouth can cause gastrointestinal irritation, purging, weakness, and circulatory disturbances. (NTP, 1992)
Fire Hazards
Fire hazard means any situation, process, material or condition which may cause a fire or explosion or provide a ready fuel supply to increase the spread or intensity of the fire or explosion and which poses a threat to life or property. This section provides information on fire hazards involving this chemical.
Flammability data is not available, but this compound is probably nonflammable. (NTP, 1992)
Not combustible.
Hazards Summary
This section provides an overview of the key hazards information of this compound.
Causes vomiting after ingestion of large doses; [CAMEO] An eye irritant; [CHEMINFO]
First Aid Measures
This section describes the initial care that should be given to an individual who has been exposed to the chemical. The information in this section includes the description of the symptoms or effects of exposure to the chemical, necessary first-aid instructions by relevant routes of exposure (inhalation, skin and eye contact, and ingestion), and recommendations for immediate medical care and special treatment needed, when necessary.
Fresh air, rest.
Rinse skin with plenty of water or shower.
First rinse with plenty of water for several minutes (remove contact lenses if easily possible), then refer for medical attention.
Rinse mouth. Induce vomiting (ONLY IN CONSCIOUS PERSONS!). Give one or two glasses of water to drink. Refer for medical attention .
First Aid
First aid measures for exposure to this chemical through various routes (for example, ingestion, inhalation, skin contact, and eye contact).
EYES: First check the victim for contact lenses and remove if present. Flush victim's eyes with water or normal saline solution for 20 to 30 minutes while simultaneously calling a hospital or poison control center. Do not put any ointments, oils, or medication in the victim's eyes without specific instructions from a physician. IMMEDIATELY transport the victim after flushing eyes to a hospital even if no symptoms (such as redness or irritation) develop.
SKIN: IMMEDIATELY flood affected skin with water while removing and isolating all contaminated clothing. Gently wash all affected skin areas thoroughly with soap and water. If symptoms such as redness or irritation develop, IMMEDIATELY call a physician and be prepared to transport the victim to a hospital for treatment.
INHALATION: IMMEDIATELY leave the contaminated area; take deep breaths of fresh air. If symptoms (such as wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath, or burning in the mouth, throat, or chest) develop, call a physician and be prepared to transport the victim to a hospital. Provide proper respiratory protection to rescuers entering an unknown atmosphere. Whenever possible, Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) should be used; if not available, use a level of protection greater than or equal to that advised under Protective Clothing.
INGESTION: DO NOT INDUCE VOMITING. If the victim is conscious and not convulsing, give 1 or 2 glasses of water to dilute the chemical and IMMEDIATELY call a hospital or poison control center. Be prepared to transport the victim to a hospital if advised by a physician. If the victim is convulsing or unconscious, do not give anything by mouth, ensure that the victim's airway is open and lay the victim on his/her side with the head lower than the body. DO NOT INDUCE VOMITING. IMMEDIATELY transport the victim to a hospital. (NTP, 1992)
Fire Fighting
This section provides fire fighting information, including fire fighting procedures and hazards.
In case of fire in the surroundings, use appropriate extinguishing media.
Fire Fighting Procedures
This section provides information on the actions to be taken in the event of a fire emergency involving this chemical, to prevent the spread of and extinguish fires.
Use water spray, alcohol-resistant foam, dry chemical or carbon dioxide.
Wear self-contained breathing appartus for firefighting if necessary.
Accidental Release Measures
This section provides recommendations on the appropriate response to spills, leaks, or releases, including containment and cleanup practices to prevent or minimize exposure to people, properties, or the environment. It may also include recommendations distinguishing between responses for large and small spills where the spill volume has a significant impact on the hazard.
Spillage Disposal
Methods for containment and safety measures to protect workers dealing with a spillage of this chemical.
Sweep spilled substance into covered containers. Carefully collect remainder. Then store and dispose of according to local regulations. Personal protection: particulate filter respirator adapted to the airborne concentration of the substance.
Cleanup Methods
Procedures for cleanup of chemical spill or hazardous waste
Use personal protective equipment. Avoid dust formation. Avoid breathing vapors, mist or gas. Avoid breathing dust.
Pick up and arrange disposal without creating dust. Sweep up and shovel. Keep in suitable, closed containers for disposal.
Do not let product enter drains.
Disposal Methods
Disposal methods or procedures for this chemical or hazardous waste containing it.
SRP: Recycle any unused portion of the material for its approved use or return it to the manufacturer or supplier. Ultimate disposal of the chemical must consider: the material's impact on air quality; potential migration in air, soil or water; effects on animal, aquatic and plant life; and conformance with environmental and public health regulations. If it is possible or reasonable use an alternative chemical product with less inherent propensity for occupational harm/injury/toxicity or environmental contamination.
Preventive Measures
Preventive measures to take to avoid suffering negative health effects from this chemical.
Avoid formation of dust and aerosols. Further processing of solid materials may result in the formation of combustible dusts. The potential for combustible dust formation should be taken into consideration before additional processing occurs.
Handling and Storage
This section provides guidance on the safe handling practices and storage conditions for this chemical. The information in this section includes precautions for safe handling, such as recommendations for handling incompatible chemicals, minimizing the release of the chemical into the environment, and providing advice on general hygiene practices (e.g., eating, drinking, and smoking in work areas is prohibited). In addition, this section provides recommendations on the conditions for safe storage (including any incompatibilities) as well as advice on specific storage requirements (e.g., ventilation requirements).
Nonfire Spill Response
Emergency response measures to take in the event of a chemical spill (without a fire).
SMALL SPILLS AND LEAKAGE: If you should spill this chemical, use absorbent paper to pick up all liquid spill material. Seal the absorbent paper, as well as any of your clothing which may be contaminated, in a vapor-tight plastic bag for eventual disposal. Wash any surfaces you may have contaminated with a strong soap and water solution. Do not reenter the contaminated area until the Safety Officer (or other responsible person) has verified that the area has been properly cleaned.
STORAGE PRECAUTIONS: You should store this material in a refrigerator. (NTP, 1992)
Storage Conditions
Conditions for safe storage of this compound, including any incompatible chemicals and specific storage requirements (e.g., ventilation requirements).
Keep container tightly closed in a dry and well-ventilated place. Hygroscopic, keep in a dry place. Storage class (TRGS 510): Non combustible solids.
Exposure Control and Personal Protection
This section provides information on the exposure limits, engineering controls, and personal protective measures that can be used to minimize worker exposure. The information in this section includes OSHA Permissible Exposure Limits (PELs), American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) Threshold Limit Values (TLVs), and any other exposure limit used or recommended by the chemical manufacturer, importer, or employer preparing the safety data sheet, where available. In addition, this section contains information on appropriate engineering controls (e.g., use local exhaust ventilation, or use only in an enclosed system) as well as recommendations for personal protective measures to prevent illness or injury from exposure to chemicals, such as personal protective equipment (PPE) (e.g., appropriate types of eye, face, skin or respiratory protection needed based on hazards and potential exposure).
Inhalation Risk
Risk of exposure to this chemical through inhalation. Note that the terms "risk" and "hazard" have different meanings. A hazard is something that has the potential to cause harm, while risk is the likelihood of harm taking place, based on exposure to that hazard.
Evaporation at 20Â °C is negligible; a nuisance-causing concentration of airborne particles can, however, be reached quickly when dispersed, especially if powdered.
Effects of Short Term Exposure
This section provides health effects of short-term exposure to this compound. The short-term exposure (also called acute exposure) is a short contact with a chemical. It may last a few seconds or a few hours. For example, it might take a few minutes to clean windows with ammonia, use nail polish remover or spray a can of paint. The fumes someone might inhale during these activities are examples of acute exposures.
The substance is irritating to the eyes and respiratory tract. Ingestion of large amounts could cause effects on the cardiovascular system. This may result in cardiac dysrhythmia.
Allowable Tolerances
The tolerances of a chemical (usually a pesticide) are the maximum amount of chemical residues allowed to remain in or on fruits, vegetables, grains, and other foods, as part of the process of regulating pesticides. In some countries tolerances are called maximum residue limits (MRLs).
Unless specifically excluded, residues resulting from the use of the following substance as either an inert or an active ingredient in a pesticide chemical formulation, including antimicrobial pesticide chemicals, is exempted from the requirement of a tolerance under FFDCA section 408, if such use is in accordance with good agricultural or manufacturing practices. Potassium chloride is included on this list.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Personal protective equipment (PPE) to use when handling this chemical.
RECOMMENDED RESPIRATOR: Where the neat test chemical is weighed and diluted, wear a NIOSH-approved half face respirator equipped with an organic vapor/acid gas cartridge (specific for organic vapors, HCl, acid gas and SO2) with a dust/mist filter. (NTP, 1992)
Inhalation Prevention
Precautionary measures to avoid inhalation of this chemical.
Use local exhaust.
Skin Prevention
Precautionary measures to avoid skin exposure to this chemical.
Protective gloves.
Eye Prevention
Precautionary measures to avoid eye exposure to this chemical.
Wear safety goggles.
Ingestion Prevention
Precautionary measures to avoid ingestion of this chemical.
Do not eat, drink, or smoke during work.
Stability and Reactivity
This section describes the stability and reactivity hazards of the chemical. For some compounds, related information may also be found in the "Stability/Shelf Life" section under Experimental Properties (if available).
Air and Water Reactions
Special alerts if this chemical reacts with air, water, or moisture.
Hygroscopic. Water soluble.
Reactive Group
List of reactive groups that this chemical belongs to, according to CAMEO Chemicals at the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).
Non-Redox-Active Inorganic Compounds
Reactivity Profile
Description of the chemical's potential reactivity with other chemicals, air, and water. Also it includes any other intrinsic reactive hazards (such as polymerizable or peroxidizable).
POTASSIUM CHLORIDE is not in general strongly reactive. Violent reaction with BrF3 and with a mixture of sulfuric acid potassium permanganate mixture (NTP, 1992). Reacts with concentrated sulfuric acid to generate fumes of hydrogen chloride.
Hazardous Reactivities and Incompatibilities
This compound may undergo hazardous reactions with other chemicals. Therefore, it is considered incompatible with those chemicals and should not be used with them.
An attempt to prepare permanganyl chloride by cautiously adding concn sulfuric acid to an intimate mixture of the salts at 0 °C in clean glass apparatus caused a violent explosion.
Regulatory Information
This section lists the regulations related to the safety, health, and environment of the chemical and its associated products. The regulatory information, which may encompass national and/or regional regulations pertaining to the chemical or mixtures, is presented solely for informational purposes. For additional details, please consult the links to the information sources provided under each data entry.
Chemical: Potassium chloride (KCl)
Status: Active Update: 10-02-2023 https://echa.europa.eu/registration-dossier/-/registered-dossier/14341
Status: Active Update: 04-01-2016 https://echa.europa.eu/registration-dossier/-/registered-dossier/16838
Potassium chloride: Does not have an individual approval but may be used under an appropriate group standard
Federal Drinking Water Guidelines
Federal drinking water guidelines (e.g. maximum containment level (MCL)) for this chemical. In general, these guidelines are recommendations and not legally enforceable.
EPA 250,000 ug/L /Chloride ion/
State Drinking Water Guidelines
State drinking water guidelines (e.g. maximum containment level (MCL)) for this chemical. In general, these guidelines are recommendations and not legally enforceable.
(CA) CALIFORNIA 250 ug/L (Recommended); 500 ug/L (Upper); Short-term 600 ug/L /Chorine ion/
FIFRA Requirements
The Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) is the Federal statute that governs the registration, distribution, sale, and use of pesticides in the United States.
Unless specifically excluded, residues resulting from the use of the following substance as either an inert or an active ingredient in a pesticide chemical formulation, including antimicrobial pesticide chemicals, is exempted from the requirement of a tolerance under FFDCA section 408, if such use is in accordance with good agricultural or manufacturing practices. Potassium chloride is included on this list.
FDA Requirements
FDA requirements regarding this chemical and products containing it. FDA Requirements means any requirements of the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act (FDCA), as amended, and any rules or regulations promulgated thereunder which are or may be applicable to the manufacture, sale, labeling or distribution of the products regulated by FDA (e.g., drugs, biologics, dietary supplements, foods, cosmetics, tobacco products, etc.).
Substance added directly to human food affirmed as generally recognized as safe (GRAS).
Potassium chloride used as a nutrient and/or dietary supplement in animal drugs, feeds, and related products is generally recognized as safe when used in accordance with good manufacturing or feeding practice.
The Approved Drug Products with Therapeutic Equivalence Evaluations identifies currently marketed prescription drug products, including potassium chloride, approved on the basis of safety and effectiveness by FDA under sections 505 of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act.
Other Safety Information
Miscellaneous safety information for this chemical that is not shown in other sections, such as history, incidents, special reports, and so on.
IMAP assessments - Potassium chloride (KCl): Human health tier I assessment
IMAP assessments - Potassium chloride (KCl): Environment tier I assessment
Toxic Combustion Products
Toxic products (e.g., gases and vapors) produced from the combustion of this chemical.
Hydrogen chloride gas, Potassium oxides.
Special Reports
Special reports on the safety and hazard of this chemical. Most of them are government documents and review articles.
European Chemicals Bureau; IUCLID Dataset, Potassium Chloride (CAS No. 7447-40-7) (2000 CD-ROM edition).[Available from, as of November 15, 2006: http://esis.jrc.ec.europa.eu/]
International Programme on Chemical Safety (IPCS); Poisons Information Monograph: Potassium Chloride (PIM 430) (1992). A PIM is a concise, practical document designed to facilitate the work of poisons information specialists, clinicians, and analysts.[Available from, as of April 25, 2007: http://www.inchem.org/documents/pims/pharm/potasscl.htm]