Synonyms: Tellurite of potassium, Potassium tellurite(VI)
Recommended Uses: Laboratory reagent, microbiological media supplement
Supplier Details: Manufacturer and address as referenced on shipment label
Emergency Contact: Refer to local or national poison center contact numbers
CAS Number: 14255-61-7
UN Number: 3288
Hazard Identification
GHS Classification: Acute toxicity (oral, dermal, inhalation), Specific target organ toxicity, Aquatic acute hazard
Signal Word: Danger
Hazard Statements: Toxic if swallowed, in contact with skin or inhaled. Causes damage to organs through prolonged or repeated exposure. Very toxic to aquatic life.
Pictograms: Skull and crossbones, exclamation mark, environment hazard
Precautionary Statements: Avoid all unnecessary exposure. Wear protective clothing, gloves, eye protection, face protection. Use only outdoors or in well-ventilated area.
Other Hazards: May irritate respiratory tract, eyes, skin. Can be absorbed through the skin. Toxic fumes may form on decomposition or combustion.
Composition / Information on Ingredients
Chemical Identity: Potassium Tellurite
Concentration: 98-100%
CAS Number: 14255-61-7
EC Number: 238-157-8
Impurities: Product may contain minimal amounts of water or potassium salts as stabilizers in certain preparations
First Aid Measures
General Advice: Remove contaminated clothing and wash affected area with soap and water. Seek medical attention in all cases of exposure.
Inhalation: Move person to fresh air. Maintain open airway. If breathing difficulties develop, provide oxygen if available and seek immediate medical help.
Skin Contact: Immediately wash skin with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes. Do not delay medical care if irritation or systemic effects occur.
Eye Contact: Rinse eyes cautiously with water for at least 15 minutes, lifting eyelids to ensure complete removal. Remove contact lenses if present, continue rinsing, get medical attention.
Ingestion: Rinse mouth with water, never induce vomiting unless directed by medical personnel. Give water to drink only if victim is fully conscious. Obtain immediate medical attention.
Symptoms: Abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, burning sensation, headache, respiratory distress. Delayed symptoms may include organ damage.
Fire-Fighting Measures
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Use dry chemical, foam, carbon dioxide, or water spray. Avoid direct use of water streams.
Specific Hazards: Product may release toxic and irritating fumes, such as potassium oxides and tellurium oxides, when burning.
Protective Equipment for Firefighters: Wear self-contained breathing apparatus and full protective suit. Approach fire from upwind to prevent exposure to hazardous vapors and fumes.
Additional Advice: If safe, move containers away from fire area. Prevent fire runoff from contaminating water supplies.
Accidental Release Measures
Personal Precautions: Evacuate personnel not involved in spill response. Wear proper protective gear including gloves, goggles, and respiratory protection. Prevent contact with skin and inhalation of dust.
Environmental Precautions: Prevent release into waterways, drains, and soils. Notify authorities if product enters sewers or water sources.
Containment Methods: Cover spill with suitable absorbent (soil, sand, vermiculite), collect in labeled containers for hazardous waste disposal.
Cleanup Methods: Use non-sparking tools to gather material. Clean affected area thoroughly with water, prevent raised dust.
Disposal: Dispose as hazardous waste in accordance with local, state, and federal regulations.
Handling and Storage
Safe Handling: Avoid contact with skin, eyes, and clothing. Minimize dust production, use in well-ventilated area or fume hood. Wear appropriate personal protective equipment at all times. Do not eat, drink, or smoke when using this product.
Storage Conditions: Store in tightly closed containers, away from incompatible substances (acids, oxidizers, reducing agents). Store in cool, dry, and well-ventilated area. Protect from moisture and direct sunlight. Label containers clearly and securely.
Additional Guidance: Keep out of reach of children. Use secondary containment for storage to minimize risk of accidental release.
Exposure Controls and Personal Protection
Occupational Exposure Limit: No established OSHA or ACGIH limit for potassium tellurite; handle as hazardous substance.
Engineering Controls: Use chemical fume hood or local exhaust ventilation to limit airborne exposure. Use tightly sealed containers and adequate workspace for manipulation.
Personal Protective Equipment: Chemical-resistant gloves (nitrile, neoprene), lab coat or chemical apron, splash goggles or face shield, NIOSH-approved respirator in cases of inadequate ventilation.
Hygiene Measures: Wash hands and face before breaks and after handling. Remove contaminated clothing and clean before reuse.
Environmental Controls: Prevent product from entering drains or natural water sources.
Physical and Chemical Properties
Appearance: White, crystalline powder or granules
Odor: Odorless
Odor Threshold: Not applicable
pH: 10-11 (1% aqueous solution)
Melting Point: Decomposes before melting
Boiling Point: Not applicable, decomposes
Flash Point: Not flammable
Evaporation Rate: Not available
Flammability: Non-flammable
Solubility: Soluble in water
Vapor Pressure: Negligible at room temperature
Relative Density: Approx. 3.2 at 20°C
Partition Coefficient: No data available
Bulk Density: Varies by granulation
Upper/Lower Flammability or Explosive Limits: Not applicable
Decomposition Temperature: Product will decompose on strong heating
Stability and Reactivity
Chemical Stability: Stable under normal temperatures and pressures if stored properly.
Reactivity: Reacts with strong acids to release tellurium dioxide and potassium salts. Avoid contact with strong oxidizers and reducing agents.
Hazardous Decomposition Products: Under fire or intense heat, produces toxic tellurium oxides and potassium vapors.
Conditions to Avoid: Contact with moisture, high temperatures, incompatible substances.
Incompatible Materials: Strong acids, oxidizers, reducers, and certain metals.
Polymerization: Product will not polymerize.
Toxicological Information
Acute Toxicity: Oral LD50 (rat) estimated at 100-200 mg/kg. Toxic if swallowed, inhaled, or in contact with skin.
Chronic Effects: Prolonged or repeated exposure may cause damage to the liver, kidneys, gastrointestinal tract, or central nervous system.
Routes of Exposure: Inhalation, ingestion, skin, and eye contact
Carcinogenicity: Not classified as carcinogenic by IARC, ACGIH, NTP, or OSHA.
Mutagenicity: No available data, prudent avoidance advised.
Reproductive Toxicity: No available data, take standard precautions.
Target Organs: Liver, kidneys, central nervous system, gastrointestinal tract.
Ecological Information
Ecotoxicity: Toxic to aquatic life with long lasting effects. Harmful concentrations may persist in soils and sediments.
Aquatic Toxicity (Fish): Data limited, but tellurite salts have shown acute toxicity at low parts per million level.
Persistence and Degradability: Not readily biodegradable. May bioaccumulate and persist in the environment.
Bioaccumulation Potential: Tellurium compounds may bioaccumulate in aquatic life.
Mobility in Soil: Moderate mobility in moist soils; low volatility.
Other Adverse Effects: Avoid environmental release. Tellurium acts as a persistent contaminant in surface and groundwater.
Disposal Considerations
Waste Disposal Methods: Place waste material in clearly labeled hazardous waste container. Dispose of in accordance with local, regional, national, and international regulations for hazardous inorganic chemicals.
Contaminated Packaging: Decontaminate and dispose of containers as hazardous waste. Never reuse empty containers for other materials.
Disposal Precautions: Avoid direct release to environment. Do not pour down the drain or dispose with regular municipal waste.
Recommended Treatment: Consider chemical stabilization and disposal at licensed hazardous waste facility equipped to handle inorganic toxins.
Transport Information
UN Number: 3288
UN Shipping Name: Toxic solid, inorganic, n.o.s. (contains potassium tellurite)
Transport Hazard Class: 6.1 (Toxic substances)
Packing Group: II
Environmental Hazards: Marine pollutant. Mark shipments accordingly.
Special Precautions: Ensure packaging is sturdy, sealed, labeled as Class 6.1. During transportation, keep away from food, animals, and feedstuffs. Comply with all regulatory and security requirements for shipment of toxic substances.
Transport Label Required: Toxic substance label
Emergency Procedures: Refer to emergency response guidebook (ERG) for UN3288 in the event of spill or exposure during transport.
Regulatory Information
OSHA Status: Considered hazardous under 29 CFR 1910.1200
TSCA Inventory: Listed
SARA Title III: Section 313 (Toxic Chemical Release Reporting) not specifically listed; consult requirements for tellurium compounds.
RCRA Status: Waste may be regulated as hazardous under RCRA. Use EPA hazardous waste number D004 for tellurium-containing wastes.
International Inventories: Listed on Canadian DSL, EINECS, and other relevant inventories.
Labeling Requirements: Must meet GHS, DOT, EPA, and any state or national labeling guidelines for hazardous materials.
Other Regulatory Notes: If disposing internationally, ensure compliance with Basel Convention and national export-import controls for toxic chemicals.
