Potassium chloride is a metal halide salt that is odorless in its pure state. It is a colorless or white crystal that is made up of chlorine and potassium, and has a wide variety of uses both in industrial settings and around the home.
Potassium Supplements
Potassium is a mineral that the body uses to help maintain good health. It is very important when it comes to maintaining a healthy-beating heart. According to Drugs.com, low levels of potassium can be caused from certain medications or prolonged sickness associated with diarrhea and vomiting. Potassium supplements are used to treat hypokalemia, a lower-than-normal amount of potassium in the blood.
Water Softening
Sodium chloride is frequently used to treat and soften water in both commercial and residential settings. Potassium chloride can be used in water softeners instead of sodium to reduce the amount of sodium that is being released into the drinking water, while raising potassium levels, which reduce the risk of hypokalemia. In agricultural settings, having potassium in the water, supplies an important food source for plants, while limiting the amount of sodium that animals take in through their drinking water.
Salt Substitute
Because salt can be very harmful when used in excess, potassium is frequently used as a sodium substitute. According to the Cleveland Clinic Miller Family Heart and Vascular Institute, salt advertised as being low in sodium is usually a mixture of potassium and sodium, while salt advertised as sodium-free, consists of potassium chloride. People who suffer from kidney problems should steer clear of salt substitutes as it can be difficult for the body to expel large quantities of potassium chloride.
Industrial Uses
Potassium chloride is a popular mineral with a variety of industrial uses. It is often used as a flux agent for metal casting, and as a flux ingredient for soldering and welding metals. Potassium chloride will often appear as an ingredient in antifreeze products. Potassium chloride's usefulness in growing healthy plants has made the mineral a popular ingredient in fertilizers.
Lethal Injection
Lethal injection is used as a form of capital punishment in many U.S. states. The lethal injection uses a combination of three chemicals that are administered in executions: potassium chloride, pancuronium and sodium thiopental. The sodium thiopental is administered first and acts as a fast-acting anesthetic. Next, pancuronium bromide is given, which causes the body and bodily functions to become paralyzed. Finally, potassium chloride is administered to stop the heart.
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