potassium chloride

ENVIRONMENTAL: The normal potassium content of breast milk is approximately 13 mEq/L. As long as body potassium is not excessive, the contribution of potassium salts should have little or no effect on the level of breast milk. /Potassium-Oral/

/AQUATIC SPECIES/ Various nutrients, including K+ and NO3-, are increasingly being discharged into aquatic systems via anthropogenic sources, which may impact marine organisms. The present study was conducted on blue swimmer crab (Portunus pelagicus) early juveniles to determine the acute toxicity of NaNO3, KNO3, and KCl; if a toxicity interaction exists between K+ and NO3-; the hemolymph Na+, K+, and Ca2+ changes; and the gill histopathological alterations following exposure to elevated NaNO3, KNO3, and KCl levels. A total of 20 replicate crabs were exposed to each of the five NaNO3, KNO3, and KCl concentrations for 96 h. After 96 hr, the surviving crabs were sampled for hemolymph Na+, K+, and Ca2+ levels and fixed for histological examination of the anterior gills. The 96-hr median le...

ANOTHER SOURCE OF KCL WHICH HAS BEEN WORKED DURING PAST FEW YR IS DEAD SEA, WHERE CONSIDERABLE QUANTITIES ARE FOUND AS DISSOLVED CARNALLITE.

Potassium chloride's production and use as a lab reagent, in spectroscopy, plant nutrient, salt substitute, food additive(1), gastrointestinal lavage(2), in photography, in buffer solutions, electrode cells(3) and fertilizer(4) may result in its release to the environment through various waste streams(SRC). Its use in hydraulic fracturing as a clay stabilizer(5) will result in its direct release to the environment(SRC).

NIOSH (NOES Survey 1981-1983) has statistically estimated that 387,624 workers (175,287 of these were female) were potentially exposed to potassium chloride in the US(1). The NOES Survey does not include farm workers. Occupational exposure to potassium chloride may occur through inhalation of dust and dermal contact with this compound at workplaces where potassium chloride is produced or used(SRC).

Ingestion Exposure: Diarrhoea. Nausea. Vomiting. Weakness. Convulsions.

EYES: irrigate opened eyes for several minutes under running water. INGESTION: do not induce vomiting. Rinse mouth with water (never give anything by mouth to an unconscious person). Seek immediate medical advice. SKIN: should be treated immediately by rinsing the affected parts in cold running water for at least 15 minutes, followed by thorough washing with soap and water. If necessary, the person should shower and change contaminated clothing and shoes, and then must seek medical attention. INHALATION: supply fresh air. If required provide artificial respiration.

The administration of oral potassium salts to persons with normal excretory mechanisms for potassium rarely causes serious hyperkalemia. However, if excretory mechanisms are impaired, of if potassium is administered too rapidly intravenously, potentially fatal hyperkalemia can result. It is important to recognize that hyperkalemia is usually asymptomatic and may be manifested only by an increased serum potassium concentration (6.5-8.0 mEq/L) and characteristic electrocardiographic changes (peaking of T-waves, loss of P-wave, depression of S-T segment, and prolongation of the QT interval). Late manifestations include muscle paralysis and cardiovascular collapse from cardiac arrest (9-12 mEq/L).

Adverse effects from normal use of KCl are typically related to the administration route. The FDA notes particular adverse effects for each administration route. In general, oral formulations most commonly correlate with GI irritation, including vomiting and diarrhea. Tablet and capsule forms may cause ulcerative/stenotic lesions with prolonged exposure to GI surfaces. Injectable KCl formulations have the potential to cause injection site complications (e.g., phlebitis, erythema, thrombosis, etc.). Also, rapid injection of KCl can precipitate mild hyperkalemia. This review discusses the symptoms of hyperkalemia in the Toxicity section.

Potassium is a normal dietary constituent and under steady-state conditions the amount of potassium absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract is equal to the amount excreted in the urine.

Supplemental potassium in the form of high potassium food or potassium chloride may be able to restore normal potassium levels.

3. 3= Moderately toxic: probably oral lethal dose (human) 0.5-5 g/kg, between 1 oz and 1 pint (or 1 lb) for 70 kg person (150 lb).

No indication of carcinogenicity to humans (not listed by IARC).

Adequate renal function is essential for therapy with potassium supplements, since the kidneys maintain normal potassium balance. A gradual increase in the amount of potassium ingested leads to an increased ability of the kidneys to excrete potassium, thus preventing lethal hyperkalemia. The risk-benefit of potassium supplements should be considered in any patient with a higher-than-normal serum creatinine concentration. /Potassium supplements/