Product Name: Potassium Bromide
Chemical Formula: KBr
CAS Number: 7758-02-3
Recommended Use: Laboratory reagent, pharmaceutical preparation, photography, veterinary medication
Manufacturers: Names and contact numbers of chemical suppliers and distributors
Emergency Telephone: Regional emergency contact for chemical incidents or advice
Synonyms: Bromide salt of potassium, Kalii Bromidum, Kalii Bromid
Relevant Identified Uses: Used in research labs, diagnostic imaging, older medication protocols, some photographic processes, scientific teaching
Restrictions: Not approved for food or direct human/animal consumption outside regulatory guidelines
GHS Classification: Not classified as a hazardous substance according to OSHA Hazard Communication Standard
Hazard Statements: May cause mild respiratory irritation, can dry the skin with prolonged contact
Pictograms: No pictogram required unless local jurisdiction requires
Signal Word: None mandated by GHS
Precautionary Statements: Prevent ingestion and unnecessary inhalation; avoid prolonged or repeated skin contact; wash after use
Other Hazards: Minor risk of chronic effects after high occupational exposure, e.g., bromism
Potential Health Effects: Eye irritation, gastrointestinal discomfort if large quantities swallowed, neurological symptoms after repeated high-level exposure
Chemical Identity: Potassium Bromide
Concentration: ≥99% by weight
Other Components: Trace inorganic impurities are technically feasible, none in significant concentration
Common Additives: No intentional additives
Ingredient Disclosure: No carcinogens, mutagens, or reproductive toxins listed in standard inventories for this substance
Inhalation: Move to area with fresh air. Seek medical advice for persistent symptoms, medical professionals sometimes administer supplemental oxygen
Ingestion: Rinse mouth, drink water if conscious, consult physician
Skin Contact: Wash skin with water and non-abrasive soap
Eye Contact: Rinse eyes with running water for 15 minutes, remove contact lenses if present
Symptoms to Watch For: Headache, nausea, drowsiness, confusion in severe cases of overexposure—especially in occupational settings
Advice to Physicians: Monitor electrolytes with large exposures; supportive care measures
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Use water spray, carbon dioxide, or foam
Unsuitable Media: Avoid strong water jets directly onto material
Fire Hazards: Potassium Bromide does not catch fire easily, does not support combustion
Combustion Products: Hydrogen bromide and potassium oxides in a very hot fire
Protective Equipment: Full protective clothing and self-contained breathing apparatus
Advice for Fire Fighters: Stay upwind of fumes, remove containers from fire area if safe to do so, cool fire-exposed containers by spraying water
Personal Precautions: Wear chemical-resistant gloves, lab coat, and dust-appropriate face covering
Environmental Precautions: Prevent release into drains, surface and ground water
Containment Methods: Sweep or scoop material into dry, sealable containers
Clean-Up Procedures: Wash area with water after removal of material
Decontamination: Clean tools and equipment with water
Disposal: Handle as chemical waste according to local, regional, and national regulations
Safe Handling: Avoid creating dust; handle containers gently; use in ventilated area
Personal Hygiene: Wash thoroughly after handling; do not eat or drink near chemicals
Storage Conditions: Store in tightly closed containers in cool, dry, well-ventilated place
Compatible Materials: Store away from acids, oxidizing agents, and incompatible metals
Incompatible Substances: Strong acids, strong oxidizers
Specific Use Guidance: Restrict access to trained personnel in designated chemical areas
Shelf Life: Stable under standard conditions, check containers for integrity regularly
Occupational Exposure Limits: No specific US OSHA/ACGIH exposure limit; ACGIH recommends minimizing dust inhalation
Engineering Controls: Use process enclosures, local exhaust ventilation, or other engineering controls to keep airborne levels below recommended guidelines
Personal Protection Equipment: Nitrile or neoprene gloves, lab apron, safety glasses
Respiratory Protection: Use properly fitted NIOSH-approved mask if dust generation is likely
Skin and Eye Protection: Protective goggles and gloves
Hygiene Measures: Wash hands before breaks and after work
Appearance: White, crystalline powder or granular solid
Odor: Odorless
Molecular Weight: 119.0 g/mol
pH (5% solution): Approximately 6.0 - 7.5
Melting Point: 730°C
Boiling Point: 1435°C
Flash Point: Not applicable; non-flammable
Vapor Pressure: Negligible at room temperature
Solubility: Highly soluble in water (nearly 54 g/100 mL at 20°C), insoluble in ethanol
Density: 2.75 g/cm³
Partition Coefficient (n-octanol/water): Not applicable due to high water solubility
Auto-Ignition Temperature: Not applicable
Evaporation Rate: Not volatile under normal conditions
Chemical Stability: Remains stable under standard ambient temperatures and storage codes
Conditions to Avoid: Avoid strong heat, excessive moisture, and sources of ignition
Reactivity: Stable with most substances; reacts with strong acids releasing toxic hydrogen bromide fumes
Incompatible Materials: Strong acids, powerful oxidizers
Hazardous Decomposition Products: Hydrogen bromide gas, potassium oxides in high-heat decomposition
Polymerization: Not known to undergo hazardous polymerization
Corrosive Properties: Lacks corrosive qualities under normal use
Routes of Exposure: Inhalation, swallowing, skin and eye contact
Acute Toxicity: Oral LD50 in rats: 3070 mg/kg
Chronic Health Effects: Neurological effects in cases of repeated, high-dose exposure (bromism), including fatigue, skin rash, anorexia, confusion
Irritation: Possible mild irritation to eyes, nose, throat, skin
Sensitization: Data does not suggest allergic sensitization in humans
Carcinogenicity: Not listed by NTP, IARC, ACGIH, or OSHA
Mutagenicity: Not considered mutagenic based on available data
Reproductive Toxicity: No evidence from human studies or animal data suggests reproductive harm from standard use
Aquatic Toxicity: Not classified as dangerous, but large releases may alter salinity and harm aquatic organisms
Persistence and Degradability: Highly soluble, dissociates fully in water
Bioaccumulative Potential: Low; neither potash nor bromide ion is typically accumulated in organism tissues
Mobility in Soil: Moves rapidly with groundwater, especially in sandy or porous soils
Ecotoxicology Data: LC50 (fish) > 1000 mg/L; minor environmental risk at typical concentrations
Disposal Methods: Dispose through licensed waste contractors following chemical waste guidelines
Neutralization: Dilute solutions may be discharged into waste water after approval by authorities
Packaging Disposal: Empty containers need triple-rinsing and follow local solid waste protocols
Special Precautions: Avoid generating dust; follow local and national hazardous waste management rules
Recommended Regulatory Approach: No landfilling of significant bulk, no discharge to surface water in bulk quantities
UN Number: Not regulated for transport
Transport Hazard Class: Non-hazardous
Packing Group: Not applicable
Labels Required: None under ADR, IMDG, IATA or US DOT
Environmental Hazards: Not classified as hazardous for environment during transport
Special Precautions: Ensure sealed packaging to prevent leaks during transit; protect from moisture and corrosion
TSCA: Listed on US Toxic Substances Control Act Inventory
REACH: Registered in EU for permitted uses
SARA Title III: Not a reportable substance
California Prop 65: Not listed
OSHA Status: Not hazardous according to OSHA regulations
Canadian Regulations: Listed in DSL/NDSL; not controlled product under WHMIS
International Inventories: Listed in most major chemical inventories including Australia AICS, EINECS (Europe), China IECSC, Japan ENCS, Philippines PICCS
Restrictions: Can be subject to additional local or industry-specific regulations especially for use in veterinary drugs or pharmaceuticals
