Potassium chloride

Endpoint summary

Description of key information

In an acute oral toxicity study female Wistar rats received 0, 2100, 2400, 2700, 3300, 3600, 3900 mg/kg bw potassium chloride dissolved in water. The LD50 value has been determined 3020 mg/kg bw.(Boyd 1969, UNEP 2003).

Key value for chemical safety assessment

Acute toxicity: via oral route

Endpoint conclusion

Dose descriptor:

LD50

Value:

3 020 mg/kg bw

Additional information

ORAL APPLICATION

In an acute oral toxicity study female Wistar rats received 0, 2100, 2400, 2700, 3300, 3600, 3900 mg/kg bw potassium chloride dissolved in water. The LD50 value has been determined 3020 mg/kg bw. Clinical signs of intoxication in animals that died included convulsions followed by exhaustion and respiratory failure Autopsy revealed signs of irritant gastro-enterisis and necrosis appeared in the renal tubular epithelium. Animals that survived had convulsive movements, diarrhea, or obstipation ,loss of appetite, increase thirst and urine excretion and fever. Measurements of clinical signs were within the normal range within 2 -3 days and organ weights and water levels returned to normal limits in survivors at 2 weeks after administration of potassium chloride (Boyd 1969, UNEP 2003)

DERMAL APPLICATION

There is no data available on acute dermal toxicity for potassium chloride.

Due to the low vapour pressure (5.73 hPa) and the low calculated octanol-water partition coefficient (Log POW: -0.46 ) of the substance, the potential for dermal absorption is low [UNEP 2003].

Thus, the physicochemical properties suggest a low absorption rate through the skin and according to the specific rules (Column 2) of ANNEX VIII section 8.5 of Regulation (EC) 1907/2008 (REACH) testing by dermal route is not appropriate. APPLICATION via INHALATION There are no data available on acute inhalation toxicity for potassium chloride. Potassium chloride is a solid white odorless crystalline substance with low vapor pressure and high melting points (770 °C). Due to this physico-chemical property of potassium chloride the potential for generation of aerosols, particles or droplets in inhalable size is low. Therefore, exposure of humans via inhalation is unlikely to occur. Based on the physicochemical properties and the neutral pH = 7, the potential for irritation effects is low. The systemic toxicity of potassium chloride is investigated in an oral acute study and found to be low.

Justification for classification or non-classification

Based on the available data no classification has to be required