The potential effects of Potassium chlorate on the human body.

AI Thread Summary
Potassium chlorate (KClO3) exposure can have serious health implications, particularly when inhaled in significant amounts. A U.S. Army EOD technician reported experiencing acute symptoms such as migraines, uncontrollable shaking, cold sweating, and shortness of breath after exposure to an IED containing potassium chlorate. Medical professionals expressed concern that potassium could bind to red blood cells, impairing oxygen transport. The technician's case is unique, as it is reportedly the first of its kind documented, raising questions about potential long-term health effects. Experts noted that chlorate exposure can lead to the destruction of red blood cells, resulting in headaches, dizziness, kidney damage, and possible brain damage due to hypoxia. While the technician seeks insights into future medical issues, the discussion emphasizes the need for professional medical evaluation rather than reliance on informal opinions.
cooke monster
Messages
1
Reaction score
0
The potential effects of "Potassium chlorate" on the human body.

To the many distinguished members of the chemistry field,

I am a U.S. Army EOD (explosive ordnance disposal) Tech who returned from Afghanistan about 3 months ago. During my deployment I was forced to manually enter an IED (improvised explosive device) which we later determined was filled with Potassium chlorate (KClO3). During the process I inhaled an exorbitant amount of the HME (home made explosive). It took two hours for the first symptoms to show, migraine, uncontrollable shaking, cold sweating, and shortness of breath. I was immediately given large IVs and the doctor called Poison Control and the CDC in Washington DC, who informed him I was the first reported case ever. The primary concern was that the potassium would bind to my red blood cells and keep the cells from being infused with oxygen or so I was told. I am curious from a chemist's view point what effects this may have on me later in life, since no one seems to be curious but me.

I can for sure tell you that what I was exposed to was not the purest form of Potassium chlorate, god only knows what else the Taliban used in the making of it, I can say that according to Laser chemical analysis (Ahura first defender) it was still classified as Potassium chlorate.

I appreciate anyone who is willing to help me theorize any future medical issues I may experience.
 
Chemistry news on Phys.org


You certainly aren't the first reported case for this! The effects of chlorate in your bloodstream lead to the destruction of some RBC's. That could lead to headaches, dizziness, kidney damage (from methemoglobin) and brain damage if you were hypoxic long enough. Sounds like a typical friday night back in college! All kidding aside, if you are concerned about your health, asking a chemist here isn't in your best interests IMO.

You might be interested in this case.
 
I was introduced to the Octet Rule recently and make me wonder, why does 8 valence electrons or a full p orbital always make an element inert? What is so special with a full p orbital? Like take Calcium for an example, its outer orbital is filled but its only the s orbital thats filled so its still reactive not so much as the Alkaline metals but still pretty reactive. Can someone explain it to me? Thanks!!
It seems like a simple enough question: what is the solubility of epsom salt in water at 20°C? A graph or table showing how it varies with temperature would be a bonus. But upon searching the internet I have been unable to determine this with confidence. Wikipedia gives the value of 113g/100ml. But other sources disagree and I can't find a definitive source for the information. I even asked chatgpt but it couldn't be sure either. I thought, naively, that this would be easy to look up without...
Back
Top