Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) of Low Salt Soda Ash

Identification

Product Name: Low Salt Soda Ash
SYNONYMS: Sodium carbonate, Soda
Molecular Formula: Na2CO3
CAS Number: 497-19-8
Manufacturer: Listed on packaging or invoice
Emergency Contacts: Local fire department, poison control centers, supplier's emergency phone
Intended Use: Detergents, water treatment, glass manufacturing, pH regulation in pools, chemical processing

Hazard Identification

Physical State: Granular or powder
Color: White
Warning: Causes serious eye irritation, can irritate skin or mucous membranes
Hazard Statements: Contact with moisture releases mild heat, ingestion or inhalation can irritate respiratory system
Pictograms: Exclamation mark (GHS07)
Signal Word: Warning
Precautionary Statements: Keep away from eyes, avoid breathing dust, wash hands thoroughly after use
Environmental Impact: No chronic hazards, but large releases can alter soil or water pH

Composition / Information on Ingredients

Sodium Carbonate: 99% or greater
Impurities: Sodium chloride (trace), sodium sulfate (trace), insoluble silicates (trace)
Hazardous Components: None above threshold reporting limits
Region-Restricted Content: Variations possible depending on mining or production method
Other Names: Soda, soda crystals, washing soda

First Aid Measures

Eye Contact: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes, remove contact lenses if possible, keep eyelid open to flush, seek medical attention if irritation or pain persists
Skin Contact: Remove contaminated clothing, wash affected skin with soap and plenty of water, seek medical care if redness or discomfort remains
Inhalation: Move to fresh air, support breathing, loosen tight clothing, seek medical help if cough or discomfort continues
Ingestion: Rinse mouth, drink water in small sips, avoid vomiting, seek medical advice without delay
Other Supportive Actions: Show physician packaging or label information

Fire-Fighting Measures

Flammability: Non-combustible, cannot sustain fire
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Water spray, dry powder, foam, or CO2 for surrounding fire
Special Hazards: Heating above 400°C may release carbon dioxide, avoid breathing dust or fumes
Protective Equipment for Firefighters: Full protective gear, self-contained breathing apparatus if necessary
Special Procedures: Prevent contaminated water runoff, cool exposed containers with water spray

Accidental Release Measures

Personal Precautions: Wear protective gloves, eye protection, dust mask or respirator
Environmental Precautions: Avoid large discharges into sewers or waterways, soda ash shifts pH rapidly
Spill Cleanup: Sweep up with minimal dust, place in labeled container for disposal, wash spill area after cleanup
Emergency Procedures: Evacuate unnecessary personnel, ventilate affected area, restrict access until cleanup is complete

Handling and Storage

Safe Handling Practices: Avoid raising dust, handle in well-ventilated space, wear eye protection and gloves
Hygiene Measures: Wash hands and exposed skin thoroughly after handling, remove contaminated clothing after spill
Storage Conditions: Store in cool, dry area away from acids and moisture, use sealed containers to prevent clumping
Incompatibilities: Keep away from strong acids, aluminum metals, ammonium compounds
Fire Separation: No specific requirements, separate from strong oxidizers

Exposure Controls and Personal Protection

Occupational Exposure Limits: OSHA PEL (Particulates Not Otherwise Regulated) TWA 15 mg/m³ (total dust), 5 mg/m³ (respirable fraction)
Engineering Controls: Use local exhaust ventilation or general room ventilation, maintain dust levels below exposure limits
Personal Protection: Safety goggles, chemical-resistant gloves, NIOSH-approved respirator for dusty conditions
Skin Protection: Work clothes with long sleeves, closed shoes
Hygiene Precautions: No eating, drinking, or smoking in work area, wash thoroughly after handling

Physical and Chemical Properties

Appearance: Powder or granular solid, white
Odor: None
pH: 11.5 (1% aqueous solution)
Melting Point: 851°C
Boiling Point: Decomposes before boiling
Solubility: Freely soluble in water, insoluble in alcohol
Vapor Pressure: Not applicable
Density: About 2.53 g/cm³
Other Properties: Hygroscopic (absorbs moisture from air), forms lumps in high humidity

Stability and Reactivity

Chemical Stability: Stable under recommended storage and normal conditions
Reactivity: Reacts vigorously with acids, releases large amounts of heat and carbon dioxide
Hazardous Reactions: Mixing with ammonium salts produces ammonia gas, avoid contact with aluminum and magnesium
Decomposition Products: Carbon dioxide, sodium oxide if heated excessively
Conditions to Avoid: Excessive heat, moisture, contact with strong acids

Toxicological Information

Routes of Exposure: Eyes, skin, inhalation, ingestion
Symptoms: Redness, irritation, coughing, sore throat, gastric upset if ingested
Acute Toxicity: Oral LD50 (rat) 4090 mg/kg
Chronic Effects: Repeat exposure can dry out or irritate skin, no known significant carcinogenic, mutagenic, or reproductive effects
Sensitization: No reported sensitizing effects in occupational uses
Aspiration Hazard: Not classified as an aspiration hazard

Ecological Information

Environmental Impact: Soda ash increases pH in aquatic environments, can harm aquatic organisms if undissolved material reaches water
Degradability: Breaks down to sodium ions and carbonate in water, both widely present in nature
Bioaccumulation: Not expected, sodium and carbonate readily disperse
Mobility: Highly mobile in soil and water, will migrate to low points
Toxicity to Organisms: Fish: LC50 (96 hrs, Gambusia affinis) 740 mg/L

Disposal Considerations

Waste Treatment Methods: Sweep up unused or spilled product, reclaim or recycle where possible
Disposal Routes: Dispose as non-hazardous alkaline solid, according to local, regional, and national regulations
Packaging: Rinse and reuse or recycle empty bags, avoid release to environment
Special Instructions: Neutralize with dilute acid before sewer disposal if allowed
EPA Regulations: Not listed as RCRA hazardous waste

Transport Information

UN Number: Not regulated
Proper Shipping Name: Sodium carbonate
Hazard Class: Not classified as dangerous
Packaging Group: No restrictions
Labeling Requirements: Ordinary goods, no hazard marking required
Transport Precautions: Prevent package breakage, keep dry during transit, avoid mixing loads with strong acids

Regulatory Information

OSHA: Covered under particulate standards
TSCA: Listed on US Toxic Substances Control Act inventory
EU REACH: Registered, exempted from authorization
Canada WHMIS: Not controlled
California Prop 65: Not listed
Other Regulations: Check local regulations on handling, labeling, and air pollution control