Potassium Permanganate Baths:
What Is A Potassium Permanganate Bath?
How Does Potassium Permanganate Work?
Why Should You Use Potassium Permanganate Baths?
Potassium permanganate is a chemical compound used in many industrial applications such as the production of fertilizer, pesticides, explosives and other chemicals. It is used in various types of household products including cleaning products, paints and varnishes.
It is also known to be used in the manufacture of certain drugs. Potassium permanganate is a very effective disinfectant and antiseptic agent. It kills bacteria, fungi, viruses and protozoa without damaging healthy cells or tissues.
It works best when it comes into contact with water containing organic matter such as blood, body fluids, vomit or sweat. When the concentration of potassium permanganate exceeds 10%, it becomes toxic to humans and animals.
The most common application of potassium permanganate is in the manufacturing of fertilizers and pesticides. It is commonly found in swimming pools, hot tubs, laundry detergents and other household products. It is also used to make fire extinguishers and for making explosives.
In some cases, it may be harmful if swallowed because it contains high levels of sodium permanganate which can cause kidney damage if ingested. It is also used as an antiseptic when applied topically to the skin.
It has been shown that potassium permanganate should never be ingested in large quantities or for prolonged periods of time. While small amounts can be ingested safely, it is not recommended even in small quantities. Large doses can cause nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.
It can also lead to more serious conditions like dehydration and electrolyte imbalances. It can even lead to death if consumed in excessive quantities.
The medical uses of potassium permanganate are many and varied. It is used as an antiseptic on minor cuts, scrapes and wounds. It kills germs in the blood and reduces inflammation.
It is also used to disinfect the skin before surgery or medical procedures.
In addition to being used as a first aid treatment for cuts and scrapes, it can also be used in cleaning solutions for minor household and industrial applications. It is used in the cleaning and disinfecting of kitchen counter tops and cutting boards. It is also used in spas, swimming pools, hot tubs and water treatment plants.
It is also used as a stain remover in laundry products and some carpet cleaners. It can even be found in some tooth whitening products.
It has an excellent ability to kill bacteria and viruses and can be used to clean medical equipment and areas during an outbreak of a contagious disease.
It is a very useful medical tool for the treatment of jellyfish stings because it prevents further damage from the toxins and soothes the pain.
Potassium permanganate is a very strong oxidizing agent and will react vigorously with combustible materials like paper, wood, oil, grease, cotton and some chemicals. It can also react explosively with hydrogen peroxide, sulfuric acid and itself. It should be kept away from heat, open flames and electrical equipment.
It is not known to be toxic to birds, insects or aquatic life. However, it is not recommended that you apply potassium permanganate to your skin or to plants because it may cause burns. It can also stain certain materials and colored fabric so it should not come into contact with colored fabrics, clothing, carpeting or flooring.
It can be rinsed off hard surfaces but it may take several hours.
If you do come into contact with potassium permanganate, you should immediately wash the affected area with lots of soap and water for at least 15 minutes. If you feel a burning sensation or develop a rash, you should seek medical attention immediately.
It should be noted that it is NOT the same as sodium permanganate which is a strong poison that can cause death upon ingestion. It should not be confused with potassium iodide, an ingredient in some common medicines.
Potassium permanganate can be found at most drug stores, medical suppliers and some pool supply companies. It can also be found online sold in 1lb or 50 lb bags and is relatively inexpensive.
This article has been written by Emmett Vascano, founder of Surviving Amid the Storm.
Sources & references used in this article:
The use of potassium permanganate as an electron-dense stain for sections of tissue embedded in epoxy resin by AM Lawn – The Journal of biophysical and biochemical cytology, 1960 – ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
Green oxidations. The use of potassium permanganate supported on manganese dioxide by A Shaabani, P Mirzaei, S Naderi, DG Lee – Tetrahedron, 2004 – Elsevier
Oxidation of hydrocarbons. 8. Use of dimethyl polyethylene glycol as a phase transfer agent for the oxidation of alkenes by potassium permanganate by DG Lee, VS Chang – The Journal of Organic Chemistry, 1978 – ACS Publications
The thermal decomposition of potassium permanganate by EG Prout, FC Tompkins – Transactions of the Faraday Society, 1944 – pubs.rsc.org
Analytical applications of acidic potassium permanganate as a chemiluminescence reagent by BJ Hindson, NW Barnett – Analytica chimica acta, 2001 – Elsevier
Potassium permanganate reaction in amyloidosis. A histologic method to assist in differentiating forms of this disease by JR Wright, E Calkins… – Laboratory Investigation, 1977 – jhu.pure.elsevier.com
Fast and sensitive detection of protein and DNA bands by treatment with potassium permanganate by W Ansorge – Journal of biochemical and biophysical methods, 1985 – Elsevier
