Product Description
About
Alum, widely known in India as Fitkari (Potassium Aluminum Sulfate), is a versatile mineral salt used heavily in water treatment and textiles.
Safety
Skin Irritation: While often used in small amounts for aftershave, industrial-grade Alum can cause redness, itching, and irritation with prolonged contact.
* Eye Irritation: Fine dust or crystals can cause significant stinging, redness, and potential chemical conjunctivitis (inflammation) if they enter the eyes.
* Respiratory Issues: Inhaling Alum dust can irritate the nose, throat, and lungs, leading to coughing or shortness of breath.
* Ingestion: If swallowed in large quantities, it can cause gastrointestinal irritation, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain.
Chemical Hazards
* Non-Flammable: Unlike Acetone, Alum is not a fire hazard and will not burn.
* Corrosive When Wet: When Alum dissolves in water, it becomes acidic. If this solution is heated (above 200°C), it can release corrosive sulfuric acid fumes which damage metals.
* Dust Explosion: Although rare, high concentrations of fine Alum dust in a confined space could pose a minor dust explosion risk if exposed to a strong ignition source.
Storage
Moisture Control: Alum is highly "hygroscopic," meaning it absorbs moisture from the air. Store in a bone-dry location. If it gets damp, the crystals will clump together and form a hard "cake" that is difficult to sell or use.
* Container Type: Store in the original HDPE bags or plastic-lined drums. Avoid storing loose Alum in direct contact with mild steel or aluminum bins, as the acidic nature of the salt can cause corrosion over time.
* Separation: Keep away from strong bases (like Caustic Soda) and oxidizing agents to prevent unwanted chemical reactions.
* Stacking: Keep bags on pallets to avoid ground moisture. Do not stack too high, as the weight can compress the bottom bags into solid blocks.