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Please be aware that this old REACH registration data factsheet is no longer maintained; it remains frozen as of 19th May 2023.

The new ECHA CHEM database has been released by ECHA, and it now contains all REACH registration data. There are more details on the transition of ECHA's published data to ECHA CHEM here.

Diss Factsheets

Toxicological information

Additional toxicological data

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Administrative data

Endpoint:
additional toxicological information
Adequacy of study:
other information

Data source

Reference
Reference Type:
publication
Title:
No information
Author:
Milner SM et al
Year:
1996
Bibliographic source:
Herndon, D.N., (Ed.), Total burn care, 415-424

Materials and methods

Test material

Constituent 1
Chemical structure
Reference substance name:
Potassium hydroxide
EC Number:
215-181-3
EC Name:
Potassium hydroxide
Cas Number:
1310-58-3
Molecular formula:
HKO
IUPAC Name:
potassium hydroxide

Results and discussion

Any other information on results incl. tables

Skin and ocular burns; chemical injury. The mechanism of injury by alkali is by saponification of fat, which causes fatty tissue to lose its function with increased damage due to heat reaction; extraction of considerable water from cells due to the hygroscopic nature of the alkali; and dissolution of proteins, permitting so deeper penetration of OH- ions and further chemical reactions. Ocular damage is most significant around pH 11-11.5. The alkali penetrates quickly, saponify plasma membranes, denatures collagen, and causes vascular thromboses in the conjunctiva, the episclera, and even the anterior uvea. The sequelae of corneal burns include scarring and opacification of the cornea with resultant loss of visual acuity, corneal neovascularization, ulcer formation, and perforation. Other sequelae of untreated or very severe alkali burns include epithelial erosions, secondary glaucoma, progressive cicatrization which occludes the ducts of main and accessory lacrimal glands and causes destruction of conjonctival goblet cells so as to cause dry eyes, cicatricial entropion, and trichiasis.

Applicant's summary and conclusion

Conclusions:
Corrosivity caused by alkali such as potassium hydroxide is caused by saponification of fat tissue.