Potassium permanganate (KMnO4) is present in many laboratories and can cause a number of hazards.
It is a strong oxidizing agent.
Effects of direct contact:
(1) skin burns
(2) ocular burns with keratitis
(3) mucosal burns
If ingested it can cause oral and esophageal caustic burns. If ingested or infused intravenously it can cause multi-organ failure and death.
Mixtures of potassium permanganate and glycerol or ethylene glycol can spontaneously ignite.
Potassium permanganate was known as Z-stoff by the Germans and was mixed with hydrogen peroxide (T-stoff) to make a highly corrosive rocket fuel.
A mixture of potassium permanganate with concentrated sulfuric acid
(1) produces ozone, which can react with alcohol to cause a spontaneous ignition
(2) can form Mn2O7 which is explosive.
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Specialty: Clinical Laboratory
