POTASSIUM BROMIDE

PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION: Odorless colorless crystals or white crystalline powder or white granular solid with a pungent bitter saline taste. Aqueous solutions are neutral (pH about 7). (NTP, 1992)

none

Water soluble.

Flash point data for this chemical are not available; however, it is probably nonflammable. (NTP, 1992)

SYMPTOMS: Symptoms of exposure to this compound include central nervous system depression and skin eruptions. Other symptoms include vomiting, irritability, ataxia, mental confusion and coma. It may cause drowsiness, mania, hallucinations and skin rashes. It may also cause vertigo, neurological signs, sensory disturbances, increased spinal fluid pressures and, rarely, death. Exposure may lead to dermatitis, urticaria with occasional blepharitis and conjunctivitis, disturbances of color vision, retrobulbar neuritis and eye disturbances such as mydriasis, blurring or indistinctness of vision, apparent movement or wiggling, change in apparent size of objects and, rarely, photophobia and diplopia. It may also lead to depression, profound stupor and psychoses. Nausea, mental dullness, memory lapses and mental derangement may occur. Mental deterioration may also occur. Other symptoms include pulmonary edema, abdominal pain, paralysis, anorexia, tremor, emaciation, headache, pneumonia, slurred speech, delusions and psychotic behavior. Exposure may cause coughing, sore throat, shortness of breath and dizziness. It may irritate the skin, eyes and respiratory tract. Skin contact may cause redness, pain and burns. Eye contact may cause redness and pain.

ACUTE/CHRONIC HAZARDS: This chemical is toxic by ingestion and inhalation. It is an irritant of the skin, eyes and respiratory tract. When heated to decomposition it emits toxic fumes of bromine. (NTP, 1992)

POTASSIUM BROMIDE is not in generally strongly reactive. A weak reducing agent, incompatible with oxidizing agents. Also incompatible with salts of mercury and silver. Violent reactions occur with bromine trifluoride. May react with nitrous ether spirit, many alkaloidal salts and starch. May also react with acids (NTP, 1992). Reacts with concentrated sulfuric acid to generate fumes of hydrogen bromide.

• Non-Redox-Active Inorganic Compounds

No information available.

No information available.

Fires involving this material can be controlled with a dry chemical, carbon dioxide or Halon extinguisher. A water spray may also be used. (NTP, 1992)

SMALL SPILLS AND LEAKAGE: If you spill this chemical, you should dampen the solid spill material with water, then transfer the dampened material to a suitable container. Use absorbent paper dampened with water to pick up any remaining material. Seal your contaminated clothing and the absorbent paper in a vapor-tight plastic bag for eventual disposal. Wash all contaminated surfaces with a 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 chemical under refrigerated temperatures, and protect it from moisture. Keep it away from oxidizing materials. If possible, it would be prudent to store this compound under inert atmosphere. (NTP, 1992)

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)

No information available.

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)

• BROMIDE SALT OF POTASSIUM
• POTASSIUM BROMIDE
• TRIPOTASSIUM TRIBROMIDE