Material Safety Data Sheet: Soda Ash Dense

Identification

Product Name: Soda Ash Dense
Chemical Name: Sodium Carbonate
Synonyms: Washing Soda, Sal Soda, Soda Crystal
CAS Number: 497-19-8
Recommended Use: Manufacturing of glass, detergents, chemicals, water treatment, pulp and paper, textile processing
Supplier Information: Manufacturer’s name, street address, city, country, emergency phone number

Hazard Identification

Classification: Eye Irritant, Skin Irritant, Inhalation Irritant
Signal Word: WARNING
Hazard Statements: Causes serious eye irritation, causes skin irritation, may cause respiratory tract irritation
Pictograms: Exclamation mark
Precautionary Statements: Avoid breathing dust, wash hands and face after handling, wear protective gloves and eye protection, in case of inadequate ventilation, wear respiratory protection
Other Hazards: Can react with acids to release carbon dioxide gas

Composition / Information on Ingredients

Chemical Identity: Sodium Carbonate
Concentration: 99–100%
Impurities: Small amounts of sodium chloride, sodium bicarbonate, moisture
Molecular Formula: Na₂CO₃
EC Number: 207-838-8

First Aid Measures

Inhalation: Remove to fresh air, if breathing discomfort occurs seek medical attention, loosen tight clothing
Skin Contact: Wash skin thoroughly with water, remove contaminated clothing, if skin irritation persists get medical attention
Eye Contact: Rinse cautiously with water for at least 15 minutes, lift eyelids occasionally, seek immediate medical attention if irritation persists
Ingestion: Rinse mouth with water, do not induce vomiting, drink water to dilute, seek medical advice if symptoms occur
Most Important Symptoms: Redness, itching, burns to skin or eyes, coughing, throat irritation
Immediate Medical Attention Required: Yes, in case of persistent irritation or ingestion of large quantities

Fire-Fighting Measures

Suitable Extinguishing Media: Product is not flammable, use extinguishing media suitable for surroundings such as water spray, carbon dioxide, dry chemical, or foam
Unsuitable Extinguishing Media: None known for this product
Specific Hazards: If involved in fire, may produce irritating or toxic fumes
Protective Equipment: Firefighters should wear self-contained breathing apparatus and full protective gear
Special Procedures: Move containers from fire area if safe, prevent runoff from entering drains or waterways

Accidental Release Measures

Personal Precautions: Wear appropriate personal protective equipment such as gloves, goggles, and a dust mask, avoid breathing dust, ensure adequate ventilation
Environmental Precautions: Prevent entry into sewers, surface waters, or soil, contain and absorb spills with dry inert material, minimize dust generation
Spill Containment and Cleanup Methods: Sweep up substance, transfer to suitable, labeled container for proper disposal, rinse area with water after material pickup is complete, avoid creating airborne dust during cleanup

Handling and Storage

Handling Procedures: Use in a well-ventilated area, avoid dust formation, handle with care to avoid spills, wash hands after use, do not eat, drink, or smoke during handling
Storage Conditions: Store in a dry, cool, well-ventilated area away from acids and moisture, keep containers tightly closed and labeled, avoid storing with incompatible substances, store away from food, beverages, and animal feed
Incompatible Materials: Acids, aluminum, moisture

Exposure Controls and Personal Protection

Exposure Limits: Occupational exposure limit for sodium carbonate dust varies by region (ACGIH TLV for nuisance particulate: 10 mg/m³ for total dust, 3 mg/m³ for respirable fraction)
Engineering Controls: Use local exhaust ventilation, process enclosure, or other engineering controls to keep airborne dust as low as possible
Personal Protection:
Respiratory Protection: Dust mask or respirator (NIOSH-approved) if dust generation is probable
Eye Protection: Safety goggles or face shield
Skin Protection: Chemical-resistant gloves, protective clothing
Hygiene Measures: Wash thoroughly after handling, remove contaminated clothing, avoid contact with skin, eyes, and clothing

Physical and Chemical Properties

Appearance: White, odorless, granular or powdery solid
Odor: Odorless
pH: 11.4 (1% solution)
Melting Point: 851°C
Boiling Point: Decomposes before boiling
Flash Point: Not combustible
Vapor Pressure: Not applicable
Solubility in Water: 217 g/L (20°C)
Density: 2.53 g/cm³
Partition Coefficient: Not available
Decomposition Temperature: Above 400°C
Other Data: Hygroscopic, absorbs moisture from air

Stability and Reactivity

Chemical Stability: Stable under normal conditions, absorbs moisture from air
Conditions to Avoid: Contact with acids, exposure to moisture and humidity, excessive heat
Incompatible Materials: Strong acids, aluminum, fluorine compounds
Hazardous Decomposition Products: Carbon dioxide, sodium oxide fumes upon thermal decomposition
Hazardous Reactions: Reacts vigorously with acids releasing large amounts of carbon dioxide, may react with aluminum producing hydrogen gas

Toxicological Information

Likely Routes of Exposure: Inhalation, skin contact, eye contact, ingestion
Acute Toxicity: Oral LD50 (rat): 4090 mg/kg; skin irritation and eye irritation likely at higher exposures
Effects of Overexposure: Irritation to eyes, skin, respiratory tract, coughing, sore throat, abdominal pain, vomiting
Chronic Toxicity: No known chronic health effects reported at normal exposure levels
Carcinogenicity: Not listed as a carcinogen by IARC, NTP, OSHA
Sensitization: Not expected to cause skin sensitization
Mutagenicity: No data indicating mutagenic effects
Other Information: People with respiratory conditions may experience increased risk of symptoms

Ecological Information

Ecotoxicity: Harmful to aquatic organisms due to high pH (alkalinity), raises pH in water, can disrupt aquatic ecosystems
Persistence and Degradability: Inorganic compound, does not undergo biodegradation, persists in the environment
Bioaccumulative Potential: Low, does not bioaccumulate
Mobility in Soil: Highly mobile, dissolves and moves with water
Other Adverse Effects: In large spills, may alter local water chemistry and damage aquatic life

Disposal Considerations

Waste Treatment Methods: Collect and place spilled material in properly labeled, tightly closed containers for disposal
Disposal of Product: Dispose of in accordance with local, regional, and national regulations, material considered non-hazardous but avoid uncontrolled releases into the environment
Disposal of Packaging: Empty containers may contain residue, should be rinsed and can be recycled if appropriate, otherwise dispose of as solid waste
Other Information: Do not dispose of with acid waste streams, avoid contact with incompatible materials

Transport Information

UN Number: Not regulated under UN transport regulations
Proper Shipping Name: Sodium Carbonate
Transport Hazard Class: Not classified as hazardous for transport
Packing Group: Not applicable
Environmental Hazards: Not classified as a marine pollutant
Special Precautions: Keep containers tightly sealed, protect from moisture during transport, avoid rough handling that may cause container breakage

Regulatory Information

OSHA Status: Not classified as hazardous under OSHA Hazard Communication Standard
TSCA Status: Listed in the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) Inventory
SARA Title III: Not subject to reporting under Sections 302, 304, 313
WHMIS Classification: D2B - Toxic Material Causing Other Toxic Effects (Eye Irritant)
EU Regulation: Classified as Eye Irritant Category 2 under Regulation (EC) No. 1272/2008
Other Compliance: Product labeling, packaging, and worker training must align with applicable workplace health and safety laws