<P> In histology, potassium permanganate was used as a bleaching agent . </P> <P> Ethylene absorbents extend storage time of bananas even at high temperatures . This effect can be exploited by packing bananas in polyethylene together with potassium permanganate . By removing ethylene by oxidation, the permanganate delays the ripening, increasing the fruit's shelf life up to 4 weeks without the need for refrigeration . </P> <P> Potassium permanganate is typically included in survival kits: as a fire starter (mixed with antifreeze from a car radiator or glycerol), water sterilizer, and for creating distress signals on snow . </P> <P> Potassium permanganate is used in the "plastic sphere dispensers" used to set backfires, burnouts, and prescribed fires . Polymer spheres resembling ping - pong balls containing small amounts of permanganate are injected with ethylene glycol and projected towards the area where ignition is desired, where they spontaneously ignite seconds later . Both handheld and helicopter - or boat - mounted plastic sphere dispensers are used . </P>

Oxidation reaction of potassium permanganate in alkaline media