The Risks of potassium hydroxide are discussed in this article. Potassium hydroxide is a chemical that exists as a powder, shell or pellet. Commonly known as rye or potash. It is a caustic chemical. If it comes in contact with tissue, it can cause damage. Poisoning by swallowing or touching potassium or products containing this chemical has been discussed.
Alkali metal hydroxides are highly corrosive substances. Contact of solutions, dust or skin stains with skin, eyes and mucous membranes can cause severe damage. Skin contact with solid hydroxides or concentrated solutions can cause rapid tissue damage and severe burns. In contrast to acids, hydroxides do not coagulate protein (which prevents penetration), and metal hydroxide burns may not be immediately painful, while skin penetration is done to cause severe and mild burns. Potassium hydroxide is slightly more corrosive than sodium hydroxide. Contact with even dilute solutions can irritate and damage the skin, the severity of which depends on the duration of contact.
Exposure to the eye in concentrated sodium hydroxide solution or potassium hydroxide solution can cause severe eye damage and possibly blindness. Consumption of concentrated solutions of sodium hydroxide or potassium hydroxide can cause severe abdominal pain as well as serious damage to the mouth, throat, esophagus and gastrointestinal tract. Inhalation of dust or potassium hydroxide dust, depending on the concentration and duration of exposure, can cause irritation and damage to the respiratory tract.
Potassium hydroxide is not flammable as solids or aqueous solutions.
Potassium hydroxidereacts strongly with acids with the evolution of heat and is highly exothermic in dissolution with water. Reaction with aluminum and other metals may lead to the evolution of hydrogen gas. Solids in prolonged contact with chloroform, ethylene trichloride, and tetrachloroethane can produce explosive products. Many organic compounds such as propylene oxide, allyl alcohol, glyoxal, acetaldehyde, acrolein and acrylonitrile can be roughly polymerized in contact with a concentrated base.
Reaction with nitromethane and nitrophenols produces a shock-sensitive explosive salt. Potassium hydroxide, as a solid, absorbs moisture and carbon dioxide from the air to form bicarbonate. Aqueous solutions also form carbon dioxide to form bicarbonate.
Potassium hydroxide should be transported in the laboratory for careful use. In particular, special glasses and gloves should be worn when handling this material. Operation with metal hydroxide solutions that have the potential to form airborne particles should be performed in the heater hood to prevent air from entering. NaOH and KOH produce significant heat when dissolved in water. When mixing with water, always add the fillers gently to the water and stir frequently. Never add limited amounts of water to solid hydroxides. Containers of hydroxides should be stored in a cool, dry place and separated from incompatible acids and substances this is a Benefits and harms of potassium hydroxide.
If potassium hydroxide comes in contact with the eye, it can cause severe eye burns. May cause irreversible eye damage. Contact with it causes conjunctival and corneal ulcers.
Causes skin burns. May cause deep, penetrating scars on the skin. Prolonged or repeated contact with the skin may cause dermatitis.
Dangers of potassium hydroxide if swallowed. May cause problems with the circulatory system. Causes perforation of the gastrointestinal tract. Severe gastrointestinal burns with abdominal pain, vomiting and death.
Harmful if inhaled. Stimulation may lead to chemical pneumonitis and pneumonia. Causes severe upper respiratory tract irritation with cough, burns, difficulty breathing, and coma.
Eyes: Immediately rinse your eyes with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes and occasionally lift your upper and lower eyelids. Seek medical attention in case of serious injury.
Skin: Get medical attention immediately. Immediately wash the skin with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes and remove contaminated clothing and shoes to remove contaminated clothing.
First aid Risks of potassium hydroxide by gastrointestinal tract: Give 4 cups of milk or water if poisoned. If unconscious, never give anything by mouth. Get medical help immediately.
Inhalation: Get medical attention immediately. Take the person to fresh air immediately. If he has difficulty breathing, give him oxygen. Give her artificial respiration if she stops breathing. This person needs 100% oxygen.