International Chemical Safety Cards

POTASSIUM SULFIDE

ICSC: 0549

Dipotassium monosulfide
Dipotassium sulfide
Potassium monosulfide
K₂S
Molecular mass: 110.3

ICSC #    0549
CAS #     1312-73-8
RTECS # TT6000000
UN #        1382
EC #         016-006-00-1
April 09, 1997 Peer reviewed

TYPES OF HAZARD/ EXPOSURE	ACUTE HAZARDS/ SYMPTOMS	PREVENTION	FIRST AID/ FIRE FIGHTING
FIRE	Highly flammable. Gives off irritating or toxic fumes (or gases) in a fire.	NO open flames, NO sparks, and NO smoking.	Water in large amounts, water spray.
EXPLOSION	Finely dispersed particles form explosive mixtures in air.	Do NOT expose to friction or shock. Prevent deposition of dust; closed system, dust explosion-proof electrical equipment and lighting.	In case of fire: keep drums, etc., cool by spraying with water.

EXPOSURE		PREVENT DISPERSION OF DUST! AVOID ALL CONTACT!	IN ALL CASES CONSULT A DOCTOR!
•INHALATION	Sore throat. Cough. Burning sensation. Shortness of breath. Headache. Dizziness. Nausea. Symptoms may be delayed (see Notes).	Local exhaust or breathing protection.	Fresh air, rest. Half-upright position. Artificial respiration if indicated. Refer for medical attention.
•SKIN	Pain. Blisters. Skin burns.	Protective gloves. Protective clothing.	Remove contaminated clothes. Rinse skin with plenty of water or shower. Refer for medical attention. Wear protective gloves when administering first aid.
•EYES	Pain. Redness. Severe deep burns.	Safety goggles, or eye protection in combination with breathing protection.	First rinse with plenty of water for several minutes (remove contact lenses if easily possible), then take to a doctor.
•INGESTION	Burning sensation. Sore throat. Abdominal cramps. Nausea. Diarrhoea. Vomiting (see Inhalation).	Do not eat, drink, or smoke during work.	Rinse mouth. Do NOT induce vomiting. Refer for medical attention.

SPILLAGE DISPOSAL

STORAGE

PACKAGING & LABELLING

Do NOT wash away into sewer. Sweep spilled substance into containers (extra personal protection: chemical protection suit including self-contained breathing apparatus).

Fireproof. Separated from strong oxidants, strong acids. Dry.

Airtight.
C symbol
R: 31-34
S: 1/2-26-45
UN Hazard Class: 4.2
UN Packing Group: II

SEE IMPORTANT INFORMATION ON BACK

ICSC: 0549

Prepared in the context of cooperation between the International Programme on Chemical Safety & the Commission of the European Communities (C) IPCS CEC 1994. No modifications to the International version have been made except to add the OSHA PELs, NIOSH RELs and NIOSH IDLH values.

International Chemical Safety Cards

POTASSIUM SULFIDE

ICSC: 0549

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PHYSICAL STATE; APPEARANCE:
HYGROSCOPIC, WHITE CRYSTALS , WITH CHARACTERISTIC ODOUR. TURNS RED OR BROWN ON EXPOSURE TO AIR.

PHYSICAL DANGERS:
Dust explosion possible if in powder or granular form, mixed with air.

CHEMICAL DANGERS:
May explosively decompose on shock, friction, or concussion. The substance may spontaneously ignite on contact with air. On combustion, forms hydrogen sulfide and sulfur oxides. The substance decomposes on contact with acids producing highly toxic and flammable hydrogen sulfide (ICSC # 0165). The solution in water is a strong base, it reacts violently with acid and is corrosive. Reacts with oxidants producing sulfur dioxide.

OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE LIMITS:
TLV not established.

ROUTES OF EXPOSURE:
The substance can be absorbed into the body by inhalation and by ingestion.

INHALATION RISK:
Evaporation at 20°C is negligible; a harmful concentration of airborne particles can, however, be reached quickly.

EFFECTS OF SHORT-TERM EXPOSURE:
The substance is corrosive to the eyes, the skin and the respiratory tract. Inhalation of this substance may cause lung oedema (see Notes). Exposure at high levels may result in death. The effects may be delayed. Medical observation is indicated.

EFFECTS OF LONG-TERM OR REPEATED EXPOSURE:

PHYSICAL
PROPERTIES

Melting point: 840°C
Relative density (water = 1): 1.8

Solubility in water: very good

ENVIRONMENTAL
DATA

The substance is harmful to aquatic organisms.

N O T E S

The symptoms of lung oedema often do not become manifest until a few hours have passed and they are aggravated by physical effort. Rest and medical observation are therefore essential. Immediate administration of an appropriate spray, by a doctor or a person authorized by him/her, should be considered.

Transport Emergency Card: TEC (R)-42G15
NFPA Code: H3; F1; R0;

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

ICSC: 0549	POTASSIUM SULFIDE
(C) IPCS, CEC, 1994

IMPORTANT LEGAL NOTICE:

Neither NIOSH, the CEC or the IPCS nor any person acting on behalf of NIOSH, the CEC or the IPCS is responsible for the use which might be made of this information. This card contains the collective views of the IPCS Peer Review Committee and may not reflect in all cases all the detailed requirements included in national legislation on the subject. The user should verify compliance of the cards with the relevant legislation in the country of use. The only modifications made to produce the U.S. version is inclusion of the OSHA PELs, NIOSH RELs and NIOSH IDLH values.