Material Safety Data Sheet: Soda Ash Light

Identification

Product Name: Soda Ash Light
Chemical Name: Sodium Carbonate
Synonyms: Disodium Carbonate, Washing Soda
Molecular Formula: Na₂CO₃
CAS Number: 497-19-8
Recommended Use: Used in glass manufacture, water softening, chemical production, textile processing, detergent
Manufacturer Details: Provided by supplier or on packaging
Contact for Emergency: Refer to local supplier or emergency contact listed on label
Emergency Phone: Included on product label and supplier documentation

Hazard Identification

GHS Classification: Eye Irritation (Category 2A), Specific Target Organ Toxicity—Single Exposure (Category 3)
Signal Word: Warning
Hazard Statements: Causes serious eye irritation; May cause respiratory irritation; May irritate skin
Pictograms: Exclamation mark
Precautionary Statements: Wash hands thoroughly after handling; Avoid inhaling dust; Wear eye and face protection
Other Hazards: Moderate risk if inhaled in significant quantities; Not flammable, but dust may cause respiratory discomfort; Environmental impact mainly in large accidental discharges

Composition / Information on Ingredients

Component: Sodium Carbonate
Concentration: 99% or greater
Impurities: Typical trace levels of sodium bicarbonate and sodium chloride; Check certificate of analysis for precise breakdown
Additives: No intentional additives listed for food or industrial grade Soda Ash Light

First Aid Measures

Eye Contact: Hold eyelids apart and flush eyes continuously with water; Remove contact lenses if present and easy to do; Seek medical attention if irritation persists
Skin Contact: Brush off excess; Wash thoroughly with water and soap; Remove contaminated clothing and shoes as needed
Inhalation: Move person to fresh air; If symptoms like coughing or respiratory discomfort occur, seek medical advice
Ingestion: Rinse mouth; Drink water if person is conscious; Do not induce vomiting; Seek medical care for large ingestion or if discomfort persists
Symptoms and Effects: Can cause stinging or swelling in eyes, coughing or sore throat from dust, mild skin irritation in sensitive individuals
Note for Medical Professionals: Treat symptomatically; No specific antidote

Fire-Fighting Measures

Suitable Extinguishing Media: Alcohol-resistant foam, water spray, carbon dioxide, dry powder for surrounding fire; Soda Ash Light is not combustible
Unusual Hazards: Can release small amounts of hazardous gases if involved in an intense fire as a result of contact with acids
Fire-Fighter Protection: Wear self-contained breathing apparatus and full protective gear
Decomposition Products: Fumes of sodium oxide and carbon dioxide in extreme heat
Advice for Firefighters: Use methods suitable for surrounding materials; Cool containers with water as needed

Accidental Release Measures

Personal Precautions: Avoid breathing dust; Use a dust mask or respirator if ventilation is inadequate; Wear safety goggles and gloves
Environmental Precautions: Avoid release in large quantities to natural water systems; Soda Ash can raise the pH of water and harm aquatic organisms
Methods for Clean-Up: Sweep up carefully to minimize airborne dust; Clean spill area with plenty of water after collection; Dispose of waste according to local regulations
Spill Containment: Prevent spills from entering drains or watercourses in bulk scenarios

Handling and Storage

Handling: Avoid creating airborne dust; Use adequate ventilation; Avoid contact with eyes and skin; Wash hands after use
Storage Conditions: Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated place; Keep container tightly sealed; Use corrosion-resistant containers; Protect from moisture as product is hygroscopic
Incompatible Materials: Acids, aluminum, fluorine, strong oxidizing agents; May react with acids to produce carbon dioxide
Special Precautions: Prevent spillage onto floors as they can become slippery when wet

Exposure Controls and Personal Protection

Occupational Exposure Limits: ACGIH TLV: 10 mg/m³ (inhalable, nuisance dust); OSHA PEL: 15 mg/m³ (total dust), 5 mg/m³ (respirable fraction)
Engineering Controls: Use local exhaust ventilation to control dust; Keep handling systems closed if possible
Personal Protective Equipment: Dust mask or respirator for airborne dust; Chemical goggles or safety glasses; Gloves (PVC, rubber, or nitrile); Protective clothing if necessary
Hygiene Measures: Wash hands before eating, drinking, or smoking; Remove contaminated clothing and launder before reuse

Physical and Chemical Properties

Appearance: White crystalline powder or granular solid
Odor: Odorless
pH (1% solution): About 11.5
Melting Point: 851°C
Boiling Point: Decomposes before boiling
Solubility in Water: 215 g/L at 20°C
Density: 2.53 g/cm³
Vapor Pressure: Not applicable
Other Properties: Hygroscopic (absorbs moisture from air); Not combustible; Produces a slippery surface when wet

Stability and Reactivity

Chemical Stability: Stable under normal ambient and anticipated storage and handling conditions
Reactivity: Reacts with strong acids to form carbon dioxide gas
Possibility of Hazardous Reactions: Can react with aluminum to produce hydrogen; In contact with acids, releases carbon dioxide
Conditions to Avoid: Excessive moisture/humidity; Contact with acids; Prolonged exposure to air
Hazardous Decomposition Products: Sodium oxide, carbon dioxide

Toxicological Information

Acute Toxicity Data: LD₅₀ (oral, rat): 4090 mg/kg
Inhalation: Irritation to respiratory tract possible in dusty environments; Prolonged exposure can lead to mild cough and throat discomfort
Skin: Mild irritation on prolonged or repeated contact
Eyes: Irritation, redness, tearing, stinging sensation
Chronic Effects: No long-term adverse effects known for normal workplace exposure; No evidence for carcinogenicity or genetic toxicity
Sensitization: Not reported to cause allergic reactions

Ecological Information

Toxicity to Aquatic Life: High concentrations can raise pH of water, causing harm to aquatic organisms
Persistence and Degradability: Chemically stable; Dissociates in water
Bioaccumulation: Low potential for bioaccumulation
Mobility in Soil: Highly mobile in water; Leaches easily, can reach groundwater
Other Adverse Effects: Large releases may alter water chemistry and upset ecosystems

Disposal Considerations

Waste Treatment Methods: Collect and reuse if uncontaminated; Dispose of in accordance with local, regional, national, and international regulations
Container Disposal: Decontaminate containers before recycling or disposal
Special Precautions for Landfill or Incineration: Avoid direct discharge to surface water; No special incineration method required, but must comply with regulatory authority requirements
Hazardous Waste Status: Not classified as hazardous waste under most regulations

Transport Information

UN Number: Not regulated for transport
Proper Shipping Name: Sodium Carbonate
Transport Hazard Class: Not hazardous
Packing Group: Not regulated
Special Precautions: Prevent material loss from damaged packaging; Avoid releasing dust when loading and unloading
Environmental Hazards: None expected during normal transport

Regulatory Information

Workplace Safety Compliance: OSHA-compliant; Listed under TSCA (US), EINECS/ELINCS (EU), DSL (Canada)
Labeling Requirements: GHS labeling required for bulk and workplace use
U.S. EPA Regulations: Not listed as a hazardous substance; Not subject to SARA Title III reporting
International Regulations: Compliant with EU REACH, Canadian WHMIS, Australian NICNAS
Other Requirements: Observe any specific workplace, transportation, and environmental rules for sodium carbonate in local jurisdiction