- Potassium nitrate can be dangerous if swallowed, inhaled, absorbed through the skin or makes contact with the eyes. Wear safety goggles, a face shield, gloves and an apron when handling potassium nitrate.
- While potassium nitrate itself is not combustible, it is an oxidizer and may cause other substances to ignite. Water, fog, halon, carbon dioxide and dry chemical extinguishing methods may all be used to fight fires involving potassium nitrate.
- Because it can irritate the respiratory tract, potassium nitrate should be used only in a well-ventilated area.
- When disposing of potassium nitrate, consider the substance hazardous waste and act accordingly.
- Use caution when handling nitric acid potassium salt, collo-bo, niter and saltpeter, as these names are all synonyms for potassium nitrate.
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