Potassium bromide

Synonyms

Bromide salt of potassium; Bromure de potassium; Kalii bromidum; Potassium bromide (KBr); [ChemIDplus]

Category

Halogens, Inorganic Compounds

Description

Colorless or white solid; Slightly hygroscopic; [HSDB] White odorless powder; [MSDSonline]

Sources/Uses

Used to make photographic papers and plates; for process engraving and lithography; in special soaps; for spectroscopy; for infrared transmission; as laboratory reagent; as heat stabilizer for nylon; as raw material for silver bromide photographic emulsions; as medical and veterinary sedative and anticonvulsant; [HSDB] Used in 2 pesticide products: a sanitizer for food processing and eating establishments and a tablet to control bacteria and algae in spa water; [Reference #1] Used in photography (baths for developing and intensifying); [www.ci.tucson.az.us/arthazards/medium.html]

Comments

May cause CNS depression in large doses; [Merck Index] Findings in poisoning cases after ingestion of 12-50 grams include vomiting, diarrhea, kidney failure, liver injury, and hemolysis; [HSDB] Bromide salts were used in the past as sedatives; Not a skin irritant; Ingestion of large amounts will cause nausea and vomiting; No concern for chronic effects when used in sanitizers for food processing equipment; [Reference #1] See "Bromine."

Reference Link #1

Biomedical References

Other CNS neurotoxin

Hepatoxic (a) from occupational exposure (secondary effect) or (b) in animal studies or in humans after ingestion

Processes

Industrial Processes with risk of exposure:

• Photographic Processing

Activities

Activities with risk of exposure:

• Intalagio printing
• Lithography printing