If you’re looking to buying potassium permanganate read this. Potassium permanganate is an oxidizing compound used to disinfect wounds, kill weeds, and clean drinking water. It also works to treat parasites on fish, including anchor worms, flukes, ich, and cottonmouth.
It can be bought in concentrated form as crystals or dissolved tablets. Concentrated solutions or undiluted crystals can burn the skin, so they should be diluted before use.
It’s a chemical
When diluted, potassium permanganate acts as a mild antiseptic and astringent (something that dries the skin). It’s available as a tablet for a cutaneous solution or crystals for use in bathing. It’s important to note that it must be kept away from the eyes and lips and never swallowed in any form.
It’s also a potent oxidizing agent, and if you drip glycerine onto a pile of crystals, you’ll soon have a flame, acrid in smell and a dramatic purple color.
It’s a disinfectant
The oxidizing ability of potassium permanganate means that it can attack the outer membranes of microorganisms, causing them to break down. This is what makes it a disinfectant.
It’s often used in chemistry labs as an indicator to determine the number of contaminants in a sample, and it’s also used for water treatment, removing iron, hydrogen sulfide, and foul odors from well water through oxidation.
It’s also a good choice for washing produce and wild edibles in survival situations. A solution of 0.05%-0.1% (light purple) can be poured over produce to kill off bacteria and pest eggs. Potassium permanganate baths can also support and accelerate the healing of wounds, chafes, and prickly heat in adults and children. However, this must not be done directly on the skin, as it can cause a burn.
It’s a fire starter
A few drops of glycerin or antifreeze on a pile of potassium permanganate will start it to smoke and ignite. This excellent fire starter can save you a lot of time in a survival situation. It can also be used to make a smoke signal.
Potassium permanganate is often found in specialty survival kits and is sold at pet stores, pool supply shops, and hardware stores. The dark purple crystalline compound is easy to find and inexpensive. It’s also an effective water treatment and disinfectant. Studies show that a ratio of 1:10,000 will kill bacteria, algae, viruses, and fungi within an hour. Potassium permanganate will decompose when heated, so storing the compound in a nonreactive container is essential.
It’s a stain remover
As a stain remover, potassium permanganate can be used on organic compounds, iron, manganese stains, and stubborn odors. It is also effective as a disinfectant and antiseptic for wounds. Its oxidizing properties help control fungal diseases and eliminate algae from irrigation systems. It can also be used in horticulture, where it is used to protect plant cuttings and prevent infection from fungal diseases.
Potassium permanganate should be used cautiously, as it is toxic when inhaled or ingested. It should be kept away from combustible materials and stored in a sealed container. Wear protective outerwear, gloves, and eye protection when handling the chemical. It is also essential to flush hands that come into contact with full-strength potassium immediately. Washing with table vinegar or oxalic acid should remove any chemical traces.