Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) — Potassium Lactate

Identification

Product Name: Potassium Lactate
Chemical Formula: C3H5KO3
CAS Number: 996-31-6
Synonyms: DL-Lactic acid, potassium salt
Recommended Uses: Food preservative, humectant, buffering agent
Supplier Details: Manufacturer and distributor information available upon purchasing from credible suppliers
Emergency Contact: Local poison control center or emergency medical services

Hazard Identification

Classification: Not an acute hazard under GHS standards; low health risk for typical handling
Eye Contact: May cause minor irritation, redness, or watering
Skin Contact: Prolonged or repeated exposure can trigger mild irritation in sensitive users
Inhalation: Mist exposure can lead to irritation of the respiratory tract, including coughing or sore throat
Ingestion: Large quantities can irritate the digestive tract; not classified as highly toxic
Environmental Effects: No significant long-term hazard at dilute concentrations

Composition / Information on Ingredients

Chemical Name: Potassium Lactate
Concentration: Typically ranges from 60% to 78% in commercial solutions
Impurities: Trace water, lactic acid, and minor potassium salts
Molecular Weight: 128.17 g/mol

First Aid Measures

Inhalation: Move the exposed person to fresh air; seek medical attention for ongoing irritation or if respiratory symptoms develop
Skin Contact: Wash with plenty of water; remove contaminated clothing and wash before reuse
Eye Contact: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes; remove contact lenses if present; continue rinsing
Ingestion: Rinse mouth with water; do not induce vomiting; consult a physician if symptoms persist or large amounts are consumed

Fire-Fighting Measures

Suitable Extinguishing Agents: Dry chemical, foam, carbon dioxide, or water spray
Hazards from Combustion: Decomposition may release carbon monoxide or carbon dioxide in a fire
Protective Equipment: Firefighters should wear self-contained breathing apparatus and protective gear
Unusual Fire and Explosion Hazards: The solution itself is not flammable, but containers can burst at high temperatures

Accidental Release Measures

Personal Precautions: Wear gloves and goggles during cleanup; avoid direct contact
Environmental Precautions: Prevent product from entering drains or open water sources in large quantities
Cleanup Methods: Absorb spillage with inert material such as sand or earth, then place in a suitable container for disposal; clean contaminated surfaces with water

Handling and Storage

Safe Handling: Avoid prolonged or repeated contact with skin or eyes; use with adequate ventilation
Storage Conditions: Store in tightly closed containers; keep in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated area
Incompatibilities: Avoid strong acids, oxidizing agents, and materials sensitive to potassium salts
Shelf Life: Product degrades slowly over time, especially if exposed to heat or air moisture

Exposure Controls and Personal Protection

Engineering Controls: General exhaust ventilation recommended
Personal Protection: For routine use, wear chemical-resistant gloves and safety goggles; in cases of heavy splash risk, use face shields and impervious clothing
Respiratory Protection: Not typically required; for aerosol or mist, use a dust mask or particulate respirator
Hygiene Measures: Wash hands and any exposed skin before breaks and after work

Physical and Chemical Properties

Appearance: Clear, colorless to pale yellow liquid
Odor: Slight characteristic, mildly acidic scent
pH (solution): 6.5 to 8.5 (as supplied)
Boiling Point: >100°C (solution)
Melting Point: Not applicable for aqueous solutions
Solubility: Easily dissolves in water
Density: 1.33–1.36 g/cm³ at 20°C
Viscosity: Slightly more viscous than water
Flash Point: Not applicable (does not support combustion under normal use)

Stability and Reactivity

Chemical Stability: Remains stable under recommended storage conditions
Hazardous Polymerization: Not expected
Incompatible Materials: Strong acids accelerate decomposition, leading to lactic acid and possible gas release
Decomposition Products: Burning produces carbon oxides; acidic breakdown releases potassium ions and lactic acid

Toxicological Information

Acute Oral Toxicity: Low; LD50 (rat) > 2000 mg/kg
Skin Irritation: May cause mild irritation after prolonged contact
Eye Irritation: Brief exposure creates discomfort, especially for sensitive individuals
Chronic Effects: No measurable adverse effects on organs or systems at typical exposure levels
Carcinogenicity: Not listed as a suspected carcinogen by IARC, NTP, OSHA, or ACGIH

Ecological Information

Aquatic Toxicity: Low; product disperses in water and breaks down rapidly
Persistence and Degradability: Biodegradable under environmental conditions
Mobility in Soil: Moves freely due to high water solubility
Bioaccumulation: Unlikely due to metabolic breakdown in organisms and soil

Disposal Considerations

Waste Disposal Methods: Small amounts can be diluted and disposed of in accordance with regional regulations; larger quantities should go to appropriate chemical waste treatment facilities
Container Handling: Clean thoroughly before recycling or disposal; avoid direct landfill if not washed
Regulatory Status: No special disposal controls in place, but follow local, state, and national guidelines for chemical waste

Transport Information

UN Number: Not classified as dangerous for transport
Proper Shipping Name: Potassium Lactate Solution
Transport Hazard Class: Non-hazardous
Packing Group: None assigned
Special Precautions: Ship in securely closed containers; prevent leaks by upright placement

Regulatory Information

OSHA Status: Not considered hazardous under OSHA Hazard Communication Standard
TSCA: Listed on the US Toxic Substances Control Act inventory
REACH Registration: Fully registered under European REACH framework
SARA Title III: Not listed under Sections 302, 304, or 313
Labeling Requirements: Standard GHS-compliant labels recommended for workplace containers
Other Local Requirements: Check with relevant national and local environmental and occupational health authorities