Potassium hexafluorosilicate

Synonyms

Dipotassium hexafluorosilicate(2-); Potassium fluosilicate; Potassium silicofluoride; Dipotassium hexafluorosilicate; Silicate(2-), hexafluoro-, dipotassium; Silicate(2-), hexafluoro-, potassium (1:2); Potassium fluorosilicate; [ChemIDplus] FLUOROSILICATE DE POTASSIUM; FLUOSILICATE DE POTASSIUM; SILICOFLUORURE DE POTASSIUM; [IUCLID] UN2655

Category

Metals, Inorganic Compounds

Description

White solid; [Merck Index] White powder; [Alfa Aesar MSDS]

Sources/Uses

Used to make opalescent glass, in porcelain enamels, insecticides, and aluminum metallurgy; [Merck Index]

Comments

Causes flaccid paralysis, ataxia, and muscle contraction in oral lethal-dose studies of mice and rats; [RTECS] Hydrolyzed by hot water producing potassium fluoride, hydrogen fluoride, and silicic acid; A severe irritant; [Merck Index] A skin, eye, and respiratory tract irritant; May have effects on calcium metabolism; Chronic exposure may cause fluorosis; [ICSC] Forms hydrofluoric acid when dissolved in water; An irritant; Toxic by ingestion, inhalation, and skin absorption; [Alfa Aesar MSDS] See "Sodium hexafluorosilicate."

Biomedical References

Fluorides in urine = 2 mg/L prior to shift or 3 mg/L at end of shift; (Repeated measurements recommended.)

2.5 mg/m3, as F

2.5 mg/m3, as F

1 mg/m3, inhalable fraction, as F

250 mg/m3, as F

Processes

Industrial Processes with risk of exposure:

• Aluminum Producing
• Farming (Pesticides)
• Glass Manufacturing

Activities

Activities with risk of exposure:

• Ceramics making
• Enameling