Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) – Baking Soda (Sodium Bicarbonate)

Identification

Product Name: Baking Soda
Chemical Name: Sodium Bicarbonate
Synonyms: Bicarbonate of Soda, Sodium Hydrogen Carbonate
CAS Number: 144-55-8
Recommended Use: Leavening agent, cleaning, antacid
Supplier: Manufacturer or distributor information should be listed on product packaging

Hazard Identification

GHS Classification: Not classified as hazardous according to OSHA Hazard Communication Standard (29 CFR 1910.1200)
Signal Word: None
Hazard Statements: Not expected to present significant hazards under normal conditions
Precautionary Statements: Avoid inhalation of dust, avoid contact with eyes, maintain good industrial hygiene

Composition / Information on Ingredients

Chemical Identity: Sodium Bicarbonate
Formula: NaHCO₃
Concentration: 100% (pure substance)
Impurities: No significant impurities affecting classification

First Aid Measures

General Advice: Remove to fresh air and consult a physician if discomfort occurs
Inhalation: Move to fresh air; if symptoms develop, get medical attention
Skin Contact: Wash skin with water and soap
Eye Contact: Rinse immediately with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes; seek medical advice if irritation persists
Ingestion: Rinse mouth; do not induce vomiting; seek medical attention if large amounts are swallowed or if you feel unwell

Fire-Fighting Measures

Suitable Extinguishing Media: Product is non-flammable; use water spray, foam, dry chemical, or carbon dioxide for surrounding fire
Special Hazards: Decomposes at high temperatures, releasing carbon dioxide
Protective Equipment: Firefighters should wear self-contained breathing apparatus when fighting fires in an enclosed area
Explosion Data: Not explosive, but can release CO₂ under extreme heat creating pressure in confined spaces

Accidental Release Measures

Personal Precautions: Avoid dust formation, use protective equipment such as dust masks and gloves
Environmental Precautions: Not considered environmentally hazardous but avoid large releases into water bodies
Methods for Clean-Up: Sweep or shovel material into containers for reuse or disposal; ventilate area if dust forms; wash area with water after removal

Handling and Storage

Handling: Avoid creating dust; handle with care to prevent spillage
Storage Conditions: Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated place; keep container tightly closed; protect from moisture and sources of contamination
Incompatible Materials: Acids (releases CO₂ upon contact), strong bases, ammonia, and moisture can cause caking

Exposure Controls and Personal Protection

Occupational Exposure Limits: No specific OSHA PEL or ACGIH TLV established, nuisance dust limit applies (15 mg/m³ total dust, 5 mg/m³ respirable fraction)
Engineering Controls: Use local exhaust ventilation to control dust exposure
Personal Protection: Use safety glasses or goggles for eye protection, dust masks or respirators for high concentrations, gloves for skin protection, standard work clothing recommended

Physical and Chemical Properties

Appearance: White crystalline powder
Odor: Odorless
pH: Around 8.3 at 1% solution
Melting Point: Decomposes above 50°C, does not melt
Boiling Point: Not applicable
Solubility: Soluble in water (7g/100mL at 20°C), insoluble in alcohol
Density: About 2.2 g/cm³
Vapor Pressure: Not applicable
Flash Point: Not flammable
Autoignition Temperature: Not applicable
Other Properties: Stable under normal conditions

Stability and Reactivity

Chemical Stability: Stable under recommended storage conditions
Conditions to Avoid: Excessive heat, moisture, and exposure to acids
Incompatible Materials: Acids, strong bases, ammonia compounds
Hazardous Decomposition Products: Carbon dioxide, sodium carbonate
Possibility of Hazardous Reactions: Reacts with acids releasing CO₂ gas, can cause pressure buildup if confined

Toxicological Information

Routes of Exposure: Inhalation, ingestion, skin and eye contact
Acute Toxicity: Low toxicity; LD₅₀ (oral, rat): 4220 mg/kg
Symptoms: Dust may cause mild respiratory tract irritation, eye or skin irritation
Chronic Effects: No evidence of long-term health effects under normal handling
Carcinogenicity: Not listed as a carcinogen by NTP, IARC, or OSHA

Ecological Information

Ecotoxicity: Not expected to be harmful to aquatic or terrestrial life at normal use levels
Persistence and Degradability: Material separates into naturally occurring ions
Bioaccumulation Potential: Little potential for bioaccumulation
Mobility in Soil: High solubility in water, moves readily through soil
Other Adverse Effects: Large releases can raise pH of water transiently

Disposal Considerations

Disposal Methods: Dispose of material in accordance with local, regional, and national laws; can be put in normal waste streams for small quantities
Contaminated Packaging: Rinse thoroughly before recycling or disposal
Special Precautions: Avoid disposal into sewage or natural watercourses in large amounts

Transport Information

UN Number: Not regulated as dangerous goods
Proper Shipping Name: Sodium Bicarbonate
Transport Hazard Class: Not classified
Packing Group: Not assigned
Environmental Hazards: None known
Special Precautions for User: Avoid packaging breakage and release of dust during loading and transport

Regulatory Information

US Regulations: Listed on TSCA Inventory, not subject to SARA 313 or CERCLA reporting
EU Regulations: Not classified as hazardous under Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 (CLP)
Other Regulations: Complies with food additive standards where relevant
Workplace Labeling: Follow good workplace labeling practices; ensure MIOSHA or OSHA requirements are met
Canadian Regulations: WHMIS classification: Not controlled
Other Information: No chemical safety assessment required for this substance under REACH