CHLORATES

Chlorates are a combination of a metal or hydrogen and the chlorate monovalent radical. Chlorates are strong oxidizers used in the manufacture of dyes, explosives, matches, printing fabrics, weed killers, and as a weak antiseptic. 2 to 3% solutions have been used as a mouthwash (Budavari, 1996).
POTASSIUM PERCHLORATE is used in the treatment of hyperthyroidism.
SODIUM AND POTASSIUM CHLORATE were former frequent ingredients in mouthwashes, gargles, toothpaste, and medicinal lotions. Chlorate salts are currently obsolete as local antiseptics (Budavari, 1996).
BARIUM CHLORATE is a common oxidizer in explosives and fireworks (Budavari, 1996). A few fatalities have been described due to taking sodium chlorate in error for table salt or epsom salts which the salt resembles physically.
Chlorates are also used as herbicides (Smith & Oehme, 1991).

FORMS

Chlorate, n.o.s. is a crystalline compound. Chlorate, n.o.s., wet, is a slurry or sludge of white crystalline compounds (AAR, 1987).

-CLINICAL EFFECTS

GENERAL CLINICAL EFFECTS

WITH POISONING/EXPOSURE

Chlorates are principally toxic by ingestion and inhalation. They are very potent oxidizing agents; exposure may result in hemolysis with methemoglobin formation and secondary DIC. Chlorates are nephrotoxic; acute renal failure may occur.
Chlorate poisoning is characterized by a latent period of a few hours, followed initially with nausea, vomiting and diarrhea, followed by arterial hypotension, cyanosis, hemolysis and subsequent renal failure.

Death in the early stage of chlorate poisoning is due to anoxia from methemoglobinemia or to DIC. Later death is generally due to renal failure.

POTENTIAL HEALTH HAZARDS - EMERGENCY RESPONSE GUIDEBOOK, GUIDE 140 (ERG, 2004)

Inhalation, ingestion or contact (skin, eyes) with vapors or substance may cause severe injury, burns or death.
Fire may produce irritating, corrosive and/or toxic gases.
Runoff from fire control or dilution water may cause pollution.

-FIRST AID

FIRST AID AND PREHOSPITAL TREATMENT

ACTIVATED CHARCOAL

Although activated charcoal is reported not to adsorb chlorate in vitro (Steffen & Wetzel, 1985), its use is recommended until definitive quantitative data are available.
PREHOSPITAL ACTIVATED CHARCOAL ADMINISTRATION

Consider prehospital administration of activated charcoal as an aqueous slurry in patients with a potentially toxic ingestion who are awake and able to protect their airway. Activated charcoal is most effective when administered within one hour of ingestion. Administration in the prehospital setting has the potential to significantly decrease the time from toxin ingestion to activated charcoal administration, although it has not been shown to affect outcome (Alaspaa et al, 2005; Thakore & Murphy, 2002; Spiller & Rogers, 2002).

In patients who are at risk for the abrupt onset of seizures or mental status depression, activated charcoal should not be administered in the prehospital setting, due to the risk of aspiration in the event of spontaneous emesis.
The addition of flavoring agents (cola drinks, chocolate milk, cherry syrup) to activated charcoal improves the palatability for children and may facilitate successful administration (Guenther Skokan et al, 2001; Dagnone et al, 2002).

CHARCOAL DOSE

Use a minimum of 240 milliliters of water per 30 grams charcoal (FDA, 1985). Optimum dose not established; usual dose is 25 to 100 grams in adults and adolescents; 25 to 50 grams in children aged 1 to 12 years (or 0.5 to 1 gram/kilogram body weight) ; and 0.5 to 1 gram/kilogram in infants up to 1 year old (Chyka et al, 2005).

Routine use of a cathartic with activated charcoal is NOT recommended as there is no evidence that cathartics reduce drug absorption and cathartics are known to cause adverse effects such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, electrolyte imbalances and occasionally hypotension (None Listed, 2004).

ADVERSE EFFECTS/CONTRAINDICATIONS

Complications: emesis, aspiration (Chyka et al, 2005). Aspiration may be complicated by acute respiratory failure, ARDS, bronchiolitis obliterans or chronic lung disease (Golej et al, 2001; Graff et al, 2002; Pollack et al, 1981; Harris & Filandrinos, 1993; Elliot et al, 1989; Rau et al, 1988; Golej et al, 2001; Graff et al, 2002). Refer to the ACTIVATED CHARCOAL/TREATMENT management for further information.
Contraindications: unprotected airway (increases risk/severity of aspiration) , nonfunctioning gastrointestinal tract, uncontrolled vomiting, and ingestion of most hydrocarbons (Chyka et al, 2005).

-MEDICAL TREATMENT

LIFE SUPPORT

Support respiratory and cardiovascular function.

SUMMARY

FIRST AID - EMERGENCY RESPONSE GUIDEBOOK, GUIDE 140 (ERG, 2004)

Move victim to fresh air.
Call 911 or emergency medical service.
Give artificial respiration if victim is not breathing.
Administer oxygen if breathing is difficult.
Remove and isolate contaminated clothing and shoes.
Contaminated clothing may be a fire risk when dry.
In case of contact with substance, immediately flush skin or eyes with running water for at least 20 minutes.
Keep victim warm and quiet.
Ensure that medical personnel are aware of the material(s) involved and take precautions to protect themselves.

FIRST AID

INHALATION EXPOSURE

INHALATION: Move patient to fresh air. Monitor for respiratory distress. If cough or difficulty breathing develops, evaluate for respiratory tract irritation, bronchitis, or pneumonitis. Administer oxygen and assist ventilation as required. Treat bronchospasm with an inhaled beta2-adrenergic agonist. Consider systemic corticosteroids in patients with significant bronchospasm.

DERMAL EXPOSURE

DECONTAMINATION: Remove contaminated clothing and jewelry and place them in plastic bags. Wash exposed areas with soap and water for 10 to 15 minutes with gentle sponging to avoid skin breakdown. A physician may need to examine the area if irritation or pain persists (Burgess et al, 1999).

EYE EXPOSURE

EYE IRRIGATION, ROUTINE: Remove contact lenses and irrigate exposed eyes with copious amounts of room temperature 0.9% saline or water for at least 15 minutes. If irritation, pain, swelling, lacrimation, or photophobia persist after 15 minutes of irrigation, an ophthalmologic examination should be performed (Peate, 2007; Naradzay & Barish, 2006).

ORAL EXPOSURE

Significant esophageal or gastrointestinal tract irritation or burns may occur following ingestion. The possible benefit of early removal of some ingested material by cautious gastric lavage must be weighed against potential complications of bleeding or perforation.
GASTRIC LAVAGE: Consider after ingestion of a potentially life-threatening amount of poison if it can be performed soon after ingestion (generally within 1 hour). Protect airway by placement in the head down left lateral decubitus position or by endotracheal intubation. Control any seizures first.

CONTRAINDICATIONS: Loss of airway protective reflexes or decreased level of consciousness in unintubated patients; following ingestion of corrosives; hydrocarbons (high aspiration potential); patients at risk of hemorrhage or gastrointestinal perforation; and trivial or non-toxic ingestion.

ACTIVATED CHARCOAL: Administer charcoal as a slurry (240 mL water/30 g charcoal). Usual dose: 25 to 100 g in adults/adolescents, 25 to 50 g in children (1 to 12 years), and 1 g/kg in infants less than 1 year old.
SODIUM THIOSULFATE - Consider administering sodium thiosulfate to symptomatic patients to inactivate the chlorate ion. Administer 2 to 5 g orally or IV in 200 ml of 5% sodium bicarbonate.
ALKALINE DIURESIS - Assure adequate hydration and renal function. Administer 88 to 132 mEq/L sodium bicarbonate and 20 to 40 mEq KCl (as needed) in D5W or other fluid to produce adequate urine flow and urine pH of at least 7.5. Additional doses may be needed to maintain an alkaline urine. Monitor fluid balance and serum potassium. Obtain hourly intake/output and hourly urine pH.
METHEMOGLOBINEMIA: Determine the methemoglobin concentration and evaluate the patient for clinical effects of methemoglobinemia (ie, dyspnea, headache, fatigue, CNS depression, tachycardia, metabolic acidosis). Treat patients with symptomatic methemoglobinemia with methylene blue (this usually occurs at methemoglobin concentrations above 20% to 30%, but may occur at lower methemoglobin concentrations in patients with anemia, or underlying pulmonary or cardiovascular disorders). Administer oxygen while preparing for methylene blue therapy.
METHYLENE BLUE: INITIAL DOSE/ADULT OR CHILD: 1 mg/kg IV over 5 to 30 minutes; a repeat dose of up to 1 mg/kg may be given 1 hour after the first dose if methemoglobin levels remain greater than 30% or if signs and symptoms persist. NOTE: Methylene blue is available as follows: 50 mg/10 mL (5 mg/mL or 0.5% solution) single-dose ampules and 10 mg/1 mL (1% solution) vials. Additional doses may sometimes be required. Improvement is usually noted shortly after administration if diagnosis is correct. Consider other diagnoses or treatment options if no improvement has been observed after several doses. If intravenous access cannot be established, methylene blue may also be given by intraosseous infusion. Methylene blue should not be given by subcutaneous or intrathecal injection. NEONATES: DOSE: 0.3 to 1 mg/kg.
Concomitant use of methylene blue with serotonergic drugs, including serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SRIs), selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs), norepinephrine-dopamine reuptake inhibitors (NDRIs), triptans, and ergot alkaloids may increase the risk of potentially fatal serotonin syndrome.
EXCHANGE TRANSFUSION - Exchange transfusion combined with hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis should be considered in severely intoxicated patients.
MONITOR RENAL FUNCTION - Renal function should be monitored carefully especially following ingestion of 20 to 30 grams or more in which renal insufficiency occurs in 80% of these cases.
Monitor fluids and electrolytes in symptomatic patients.

-RANGE OF TOXICITY

MINIMUM LETHAL EXPOSURE

CASE REPORTS

Amounts ingested ranged from 15 to 300 grams of sodium chlorate in 7 fatal adult cases (Helliwell & Nunn, 1979), however, doses of up to 150 to 200 grams have been survived (Steffen & Seitz, 1981; O'Grady & Jarecsni, 1971).
Ingestion of 90 grams of sodium chlorate was fatal in a 78-year-old man (O'Grady & Jarecsni, 1971).
Ingestion of 7.5 grams of potassium chlorate in a toothpaste formulation was fatal in an adult (Bernstein, 1930).
Ingestion of 10 grams/day of potassium chlorate for 3 days resulted in death in a 43-year-old man (total dose 30 to 35 grams) (Cochrane & Smith, 1940).
An acute or cumulative dose of 7.5 to 35 grams has been lethal in adults; however, doses of 150 grams or greater have been survived.

MAXIMUM TOLERATED EXPOSURE

ROUTE OF EXPOSURE

INHALATION

The smallest recorded dose was inhaled by a gardener after using a concentrated solution in an atomizer; he developed renal failure but subsequently recovered (Jackson et al, 1961).
Chlorates are principally toxic by ingestion and inhalation with no known reports of skin absorption.

INGESTION

Less than 20 wooden (330 milligrams) or 2 books of paper matches (220 milligrams) do not contain enough potassium chlorate to be harmful to a child.
Acute ingestion of 150 to 200 grams of sodium chlorate resulted in serious toxicity and survival in adults (Steffen & Seitz, 1981).
In 5 adults who recovered from sodium chlorate poisoning, the amount ingested was 1-2, 5, 30, 45, and 100 grams (Helliwell & Nunn, 1979).
A 28-year-old male recovered over 32 days after ingesting 40 grams of sodium chlorate. He developed extensive hemolysis, progressive kidney failure, liver dysfunction and hyperkalemia (Klendshoj et al, 1962).
Acute ingestion of 20 grams of sodium chlorate by a 15-year-old boy resulted in cyanosis, anuria, and DIC (Lee et al, 1970).
Severe toxicity (renal failure, jaundice, methemoglobinemia) was described in a 13-year-old boy who dipped his finger into sodium chlorate crystals and licked the finger (Stavrou et al, 1978).
A 42-year-old man developed hypotension, methemoglobinemia, acute renal failure, hemolytic anemia, and DIC after ingesting approximately 50 mL of an herbicide containing sodium chlorate. The total amount of sodium chlorate ingested was 27 grams. The patient gradually recovered following daily intermittent hemodialysis sessions and supportive care (Ranghino et al, 2006).

TOXICITY AND RISK ASSESSMENT VALUES

TOXICITY VALUES

POTASSIUM CHLORATE
- LD50- (ORAL)RAT:
SODIUM CHLORATE
- LD50- (ORAL)MOUSE:
- LD50- (ORAL)RABBIT:
- LD50- (SKIN)RABBIT:
- LD50- (ORAL)RAT:

-STANDARDS AND LABELS

SHIPPING REGULATIONS

SURFACE

DOT -- Table of Hazardous Materials and Special Provisions for UN/NA Number 3210 (49 CFR 172.101, 2005):

Hazardous materials descriptions and proper shipping name: Chlorates, inorganic, aqueous solution, n.o.s

Symbol(s): Not Listed
Hazard class or Division: 5.1

5.1: Oxidizer. See 49 CFR section 173.127 for definitions.

Identification Number: UN3210
Packing Group: II

II: Packing Group II - indicates the degree of danger presented by the material is medium.

Label(s) required (if not excepted): 5.1

5.1: Oxidizer.

Special Provisions: IB2, T4, TP1

IB2: Authorized IBCs: Metal (31A, 31B and 31N); Rigid plastics (31H1 and 31H2); Composite (31HZ1). Additional Requirement: Only liquids with a vapor pressure less than or equal to 110 kPa at 50 °C (1.1 bar at 122 °F), or 130kPa at 55 °C (1.3 bar at 131 °F) are authorized.
T4: Minimum test pressure (bar): 2.65; Minimum shell thickness (in mm-reference steel) (See sxn.178.274(d)): sxn.178.274(d)(2); Pressure-relief requirements (See sxn.178.275(g)): Normal; Bottom opening requirements (See sxn.178.275(d)): sxn.178.275(d)(3).
TP1: The maximum degree of filling must not exceed the degree of filling determined by the following: [Degree of filling = 97/1+alpha(tr - tf)], where tr is the maximum mean bulk temperature during transport, and tf is the temperature in degrees celsius of the liquid during filling.

Packaging Authorizations (refer to 49 CFR 173.***):

Exceptions: 152
Non-bulk packaging: 202
Bulk packaging: 242

Quantity Limitations:

Passenger aircraft or railcar: 1 L
Cargo aircraft only: 5 L

Vessel Stowage Requirements:

Vessel stowage location: B

B: (i) The material may be stowed "on deck" or "under deck" on a cargo vessel and on a passenger vessel carrying a number of passengers limited to not more than the larger of 25 passengers, or one passenger per each 3 m of overall vessel length; and (ii) "On deck only" on passenger vessels in which the number of passengers specified in paragraph (k)(2)(i) of this section is exceeded.

Vessel stowage other: 56, 58, B101

56: Stow "separated from" ammonium compounds.
58: Stow "separated from" cyanides.
B101:

Hazardous materials descriptions and proper shipping name: Chlorates, inorganic, aqueous solution, n.o.s.

Symbol(s): Not Listed
Hazard class or Division: 5.1

5.1: Oxidizer. See 49 CFR section 173.127 for definitions.

Identification Number: UN3210
Packing Group: III

III: Packing Group III - indicates the degree of danger presented by the material is minor.

Label(s) required (if not excepted): 5.1

5.1: Oxidizer.

Special Provisions: IB2, T4, TP1

IB2: Authorized IBCs: Metal (31A, 31B and 31N); Rigid plastics (31H1 and 31H2); Composite (31HZ1). Additional Requirement: Only liquids with a vapor pressure less than or equal to 110 kPa at 50 °C (1.1 bar at 122 °F), or 130kPa at 55 °C (1.3 bar at 131 °F) are authorized.
T4: Minimum test pressure (bar): 2.65; Minimum shell thickness (in mm-reference steel) (See sxn.178.274(d)): sxn.178.274(d)(2); Pressure-relief requirements (See sxn.178.275(g)): Normal; Bottom opening requirements (See sxn.178.275(d)): sxn.178.275(d)(3).
TP1: The maximum degree of filling must not exceed the degree of filling determined by the following: [Degree of filling = 97/1+alpha(tr - tf)], where tr is the maximum mean bulk temperature during transport, and tf is the temperature in degrees celsius of the liquid during filling.

Packaging Authorizations (refer to 49 CFR 173.***):

Exceptions: 152
Non-bulk packaging: 202
Bulk packaging: 241

Quantity Limitations:

Passenger aircraft or railcar: 2.5 L
Cargo aircraft only: 30 L

Vessel Stowage Requirements:

Vessel stowage location: B

B: (i) The material may be stowed "on deck" or "under deck" on a cargo vessel and on a passenger vessel carrying a number of passengers limited to not more than the larger of 25 passengers, or one passenger per each 3 m of overall vessel length; and (ii) "On deck only" on passenger vessels in which the number of passengers specified in paragraph (k)(2)(i) of this section is exceeded.

Vessel stowage other: 56, 58, B101

56: Stow "separated from" ammonium compounds.
58: Stow "separated from" cyanides.
B101:

DOT -- Table of Hazardous Materials and Special Provisions for UN/NA Number 1461 (49 CFR 172.101, 2005):

Hazardous materials descriptions and proper shipping name: Chlorates, inorganic, n.o.s

Symbol(s): Not Listed
Hazard class or Division: 5.1

5.1: Oxidizer. See 49 CFR section 173.127 for definitions.

Identification Number: UN1461
Packing Group: II

II: Packing Group II - indicates the degree of danger presented by the material is medium.

Label(s) required (if not excepted): 5.1

5.1: Oxidizer.

Special Provisions: A9, IB6, IP2, N34, T3, TP33

A9: For combination packagings, if plastic bags are used, they must be packed in tightly closed metal receptacles before packing in outer packagings.
IB6: Authorized IBCs: Metal (11A, 11B, 11N, 21A, 21B, 21N, 31A, 31B and 31N); Rigid plastics (11H1, 11H2, 21H1, 21H2, 31H1 and 31H2); Composite (11HZ1, 11HZ2, 21HZ1, 21HZ2, 31HZ1 and 31HZ2). Additional Requirement: Composite IBCs 11HZ2 and 21HZ2 may not be used when the hazardous materials being transported may become liquid during transport.
IP2: When IBCs other than metal or rigid plastics IBCs are used, they must be offered for transportation in a closed freight container or a closed transport vehicle.
N34: Aluminum construction materials are not authorized for any part of a packaging which is normally in contact with the hazardous material.
T3: Minimum test pressure (bar): 2.65; Minimum shell thickness (in mm-reference steel) (See sxn.178.274(d)): sxn.178.274(d)(2); Pressure-relief requirements (See sxn.178.275(g)): Normal; Bottom opening requirements (See sxn.178.275(d)): sxn.178.275(d)(2).
TP33: The portable tank instruction assigned for this substance applies for granular and powdered solids and for solids which are filled and discharged at temperatures above their melting point which are cooled and transported as a solid mass. Solid substances transported or offered for transport above their melting point are authorized for transportation in portable tanks conforming to the provisions of portable tank instruction T4 for solid substances of packing group III or T7 for solid substances of packing group II, unless a tank with more stringent requirements for minimum shell thickness, maximum allowable working pressure, pressure-relief devices or bottom outlets are assigned in which case the more stringent tank instruction and special provisions shall apply. Filling limits must be in accordance with portable tank special provision TP3. Solids meeting the defnintion of an elevated temperature material must be transported in accordance with the applicable requirements of this subchapter.

Packaging Authorizations (refer to 49 CFR 173.***):

Exceptions: 152
Non-bulk packaging: 212
Bulk packaging: 242

Quantity Limitations:

Passenger aircraft or railcar: 5 kg
Cargo aircraft only: 25 kg

Vessel Stowage Requirements:

Vessel stowage location: A

A: The material may be stowed "on deck" or "under deck" on a cargo vessel and on a passenger vessel.

Vessel stowage other: 56, 58, 106

56: Stow "separated from" ammonium compounds.
58: Stow "separated from" cyanides.
106: Stow "separated from" powdered metal.

ICAO International Shipping Name for UN3210 (ICAO, 2002):

Proper Shipping Name: Chlorates, inorganic, aqueous solution, n.o.s.
UN Number: 3210

ICAO International Shipping Name for UN1461 (ICAO, 2002):

Proper Shipping Name: Chlorates inorganic, n.o.s.
UN Number: 1461

-HANDLING AND STORAGE

STORAGE

INCOMPATIBILITIES

Chlorate explosives must not be stored together with ammonium nitrate explosives, since ammonium chlorate, which is formed when these two substances are brought in contact, decomposes and explodes (Meyer, 1987).

-PERSONAL PROTECTION

SUMMARY

RECOMMENDED PROTECTIVE CLOTHING - EMERGENCY RESPONSE GUIDEBOOK, GUIDE 140 (ERG, 2004)

Wear positive pressure self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA).
Wear chemical protective clothing that is specifically recommended by the manufacturer. It may provide little or no thermal protection.
Structural firefighters' protective clothing will only provide limited protection.

RESPIRATORY PROTECTION

Refer to "Recommendations for respirator selection" in the NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards on TOMES Plus(R) for respirator information.

-PHYSICAL HAZARDS

FIRE HAZARD

SUMMARY

POTENTIAL FIRE OR EXPLOSION HAZARDS - EMERGENCY RESPONSE GUIDEBOOK, GUIDE 140 (ERG, 2004)
- These substances will accelerate burning when involved in a fire.
- Some may decompose explosively when heated or involved in a fire.
- May explode from heat or contamination.
- Some will react explosively with hydrocarbons (fuels).
- May ignite combustibles (wood, paper, oil, clothing, etc.).
- Containers may explode when heated.
- Runoff may create fire or explosion hazard.
Chlorates are dangerous fire hazards when in contact with flammable matter. When contaminated with oxidizable materials, they are particularly sensitive to friction, heat, and shock (Sax & Lewis, 1989).

FIRE CONTROL/EXTINGUISHING AGENTS

SMALL FIRE PRECAUTIONS - EMERGENCY RESPONSE GUIDEBOOK, GUIDE 140 (ERG, 2004)
- Use water. Do not use dry chemicals or foams. CO2 or Halon® may provide limited control.
LARGE FIRE PRECAUTIONS - EMERGENCY RESPONSE GUIDEBOOK, GUIDE 140 (ERG, 2004)
- Flood fire area with water from a distance.
- Move containers from fire area if you can do it without risk.
- Do not move cargo or vehicle if cargo has been exposed to heat.
- Fight fire from maximum distance or use unmanned hose holders or monitor nozzles.
- Cool containers with flooding quantities of water until well after fire is out.
- ALWAYS stay away from tanks engulfed in fire.
- For massive fire, use unmanned hose holders or monitor nozzles; if this is impossible, withdraw from area and let fire burn.

COMBUSTION TOXICITY

When heated to decomposition, chlorates emit toxic fumes of chlorides and explode (Sax & Lewis, 1989).

EXPLOSION HAZARD

When heated to decomposition, chlorates emit toxic fumes of chlorides and explode (Sax & Lewis, 1989).

Chlorates present a dangerous explosion hazard when shocked, exposed to heat, or rubbed, particularly when contaminated with (Sax & Lewis, 1989):

As2S3
CaH2
Hg3P4
MnO2
NaH2PO2
PHI4
SCN
(S + Cu)
SO2
SrH
Aluminum
Ammonium compounds
Charcoal
Cyanides
(Metals + acids)
Metal sulfides
Phosphorous or antimony sulfide
Powdered metals
Organic acids
Sawdust
Selenium
Shellac
Starch
Sugar
Sulfur
Sulfuric acid

When mixed with combustible materials, chlorates may form explosive mixtures. For instance, potassium chlorate, when mixed with sulfur or with other combustible substances, explodes on friction (Sax & Lewis, 1989).

Pure chlorates which have been spilled on the floor, or mixed with small amounts of impurities, become very sensitive to shock and friction (Sax & Lewis, 1989).

DUST/VAPOR HAZARD

When heated to decomposition, chlorates emit toxic fumes of chlorides and explode (Sax & Lewis, 1989).

REACTIVITY HAZARD

When heated to decomposition, chlorates emit toxic fumes of chlorides and explode (Sax & Lewis, 1989).

When contaminated with oxidizable materials, chlorates are particularly sensitive to friction, heat, and shock (Sax & Lewis, 1989).

Chlorates are powerful oxidizing agents and can undergo violent reactions with reducing materials (Sax & Lewis, 1989).

EVACUATION PROCEDURES

SUMMARY

Editor's Note: This material is not listed in the Table of Initial Isolation and Protective Action Distances.
LARGE SPILL - PUBLIC SAFETY EVACUATION DISTANCES - EMERGENCY RESPONSE GUIDEBOOK, GUIDE 140 (ERG, 2004)
- Consider initial downwind evacuation for at least 100 meters (330 feet).
FIRE - PUBLIC SAFETY EVACUATION DISTANCES - EMERGENCY RESPONSE GUIDEBOOK, GUIDE 140 (ERG, 2004)
- If tank, rail car or tank truck is involved in a fire, ISOLATE for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions; also, consider initial evacuation for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions.
PUBLIC SAFETY MEASURES - EMERGENCY RESPONSE GUIDEBOOK, GUIDE 140 (ERG, 2004)
- CALL Emergency Response Telephone Number on Shipping Paper first. If Shipping Paper not available or no answer, refer to appropriate telephone number:
- For additional details see the section entitled "WHO TO CALL FOR ASSISTANCE" under the ERG Instructions.
- As an immediate precautionary measure, isolate spill or leak area in all directions for at least 50 meters (150 feet) for liquids and at least 25 meters (75 feet) for solids.
- Keep unauthorized personnel away.
- Stay upwind.
- Keep out of low areas.
- Ventilate closed spaces before entering.

CONTAINMENT/WASTE TREATMENT OPTIONS

SUMMARY

SPILL OR LEAK PRECAUTIONS - EMERGENCY RESPONSE GUIDEBOOK, GUIDE 140 (ERG, 2004)
- Keep combustibles (wood, paper, oil, etc.) away from spilled material.
- Do not touch damaged containers or spilled material unless wearing appropriate protective clothing.
- Stop leak if you can do it without risk.
- Do not get water inside containers.
RECOMMENDED PROTECTIVE CLOTHING - EMERGENCY RESPONSE GUIDEBOOK, GUIDE 140 (ERG, 2004)
- Wear positive pressure self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA).
- Wear chemical protective clothing that is specifically recommended by the manufacturer. It may provide little or no thermal protection.
- Structural firefighters' protective clothing will only provide limited protection.
No information on disposal guidelines for chlorates was found in available references at the time of this review.
BIODEGRATION: Anaerobic microbial removal of chlorate was the subject of this laboratory study. Four bacterial strains that reduced chlorate were isolated and tested in the study. The best isolate was used in a pilot plant at a Swedish Kraft mill and demonstrated practical operating conditions (Malmqvist & Welander, 1992).

SMALL LEAK/SPILL

SMALL LIQUID SPILL PRECAUTIONS - EMERGENCY RESPONSE GUIDEBOOK, GUIDE 140 (ERG, 2004)
- Use a non-combustible material like vermiculite or sand to soak up the product and place into a container for later disposal.
SMALL DRY SPILL PRECAUTIONS - EMERGENCY RESPONSE GUIDEBOOK, GUIDE 140 (ERG, 2004)
- With clean shovel place material into clean, dry container and cover loosely; move containers from spill area.

LARGE LEAK/SPILL

LARGE SPILL PRECAUTIONS - EMERGENCY RESPONSE GUIDEBOOK, GUIDE 140 (ERG, 2004)
- Dike far ahead of liquid spill for later disposal.
- Following product recovery, flush area with water.

-ENVIRONMENTAL HAZARD MANAGEMENT

POLLUTION HAZARD

No information on the pollution hazard of chlorates was found in available references at the time of this review.

ENVIRONMENTAL FATE AND KINETICS

OTHER

OTHER
- No information on the environmental kinetics of chlorates was found in available references at the time of this review.

ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICITY

No information on the environmental toxicity of chlorates was found in available references at the time of this review.

-PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL PROPERTIES

MOLECULAR WEIGHT

POTASSIUM CHLORATE: 122.55 (Budavari, 1996)

SODIUM CHLORATE: 106.44 (Budavari, 1996)

DESCRIPTION/PHYSICAL STATE

POTASSIUM CHLORATE: odorless; cooling saline taste

Chlorates are generally white in color (AAR, 1987).

Chlorates can be a crystalline solid, slurry or sludge of crystalline material (AAR, 1987).

DENSITY

OTHER TEMPERATURE AND/OR PRESSURE

POTASSIUM CHLORATE: 2.3 g/cm(3) (at 20 degrees C)
SODIUM CHLORATE: 2.5 g/cm(3) (at 15 degrees C)

SOLUBILITY

IN WATER

POTASSIUM CHLORATE: 7 g/100 mL (at 20 degrees C)
SODIUM CHLORATE

1 g/1 mL (at 20 degrees C)
1 g/0.5 mL (boiling water)

Chlorates, n.o.s. and chlorates, n.o.s., wet are soluble in water (AAR, 1987).

IN ORGANIC SOLVENTS

SODIUM CHLORATE

ALCOHOL: 1 g/130 mL
BOILING ALCOHOL: 1 g/50 mL
GLYCEROL: 1 g/4 mL

-REFERENCES

GENERAL BIBLIOGRAPHY

49 CFR 172.101: Department of Transportation - Table of Hazardous Materials. National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) and the Government Printing Office (GPO), Washington, DC. Final rules current as of Aug 11, 2005.

AAR: AAR: Emergency Handling of Hazardous Materials in Surface Transportation, Bureau of Explosives, Association of American Railroads, Washington, DC, 1987, pp 9-A,10-A-496.

Alaspaa AO, Kuisma MJ, Hoppu K, et al: Out-of-hospital administration of activated charcoal by emergency medical services. Ann Emerg Med 2005; 45:207-12.

Bernstein R: Kaliumklorat Vergiftung. Arch Exp Path Pharmacol 1930; 1:15.

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