Potassium dichromate health effects

Potassium is an important mineral needed for proper function of all cells, tissues and organs in your body; however, potassium dichromate is not a nutrient at all. Potassium dichromate is an industrial chemical found in leather, dyes, paints, glues, shoe polishes, floor waxes, detergents and wood preservatives.

Potassium dichromate(CAS.NO:7778-50-9) is a common inorganic chemical reagent, most commonly used as an oxidizing agent in various laboratory and industrial applications. As with all hexavalent chromium compounds, it is acutely and chronically harmful to health and must be handled and disposed of appropriately. It is a crystalline ionic solid with a very bright, red-orange color. It is also known as potassium bichromate; bichromate of potash; dipotassium dichromate; dichromic acid, dipotassium salt; chromic acid, dipotassium salt; and lopezite.

According to the Material Safety Data Sheet, or MSDS, potassium dichromate is hazardous. It is corrosive and irritating to skin. Prolonged exposure may result in skin burns and inflammation, blistering, itching, redness and scaling. Inhaling potassium dichromate can cause lung irritation. Severe over-exposure by inhaling can result in death.

Potassium dichromate is a confirmed carcinogen, a substance involved in causing cancer. Repeated, prolonged exposure can produce damage to your blood, lungs, kidneys, liver, skin, eyes and upper respiratory tract. Exposure to potassium dichromate has a cumulative effect, so any repeated exposure poses adverse health effects.

Some individuals are allergic to potassium dichromate and must vigilantly avoid exposure. It is important to read product labels if you are allergic to this chemical. It may be listed under other names, including bichromate of potash, lopezite, dipotassium dichromate, or chromium metal. It is commonly used as a treatment for woods such as mahogany because it brings out the color and presents a deep, rich appearance. Because of its wide variety of uses, it is important to advise people that you obtain services from, such as your hairdresser and florist, of your allergy.

1. Potential health effects 

Inhalation:May be fatal if inhaled. Material is extremely destructive to the tissue of the mucous membranes and upper respiratory tract.

Ingestion: May be fatal if swallowed. Causes burns.

Skin: May be fatal if absorbed through skin.

Eyes: Causes skin burns. Causes eye burns.

2. First Aid Measures 

Eyes: Immediately flush eyes with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes, occasionally lifting the upper and lower eyelids. Get medical aid immediately. 

Skin: Get medical aid immediately. Immediately flush skin with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes while removing contaminated clothing and shoes. 

Ingestion: Do not induce vomiting. Get medical aid immediately. Call a poison control center. 

Inhalation:Get medical aid immediately. Remove from exposure and move to fresh air immediately. If breathing is difficult, give oxygen. Do not use mouth-to-mouth resuscitation if victim ingested or inhaled the substance; induce artificial respiration with the aid of a pocket mask equipped with a one-way valve or other proper respiratory medical device.

3. Handling and Storage 

Handling: Do not get in eyes, on skin, or on clothing. Do not ingest or inhale. Use only in a chemical fume hood.

Storage: Store in a cool, dry place. Store in a tightly closed container.