Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) – Sodium Carbonate

Identification

Product Name: Sodium Carbonate
Synonyms: Soda Ash, Washing Soda
Chemical Formula: Na₂CO₃
CAS Number: 497-19-8
Application: Water softening, detergents, glass manufacturing, chemical synthesis
Manufacturer/Supplier: Noted chemical producers, distribution via industrial supply channels
Emergency Number: Poison control centers, local emergency medical assistance

Hazard Identification

Classification: Irritant
Risk Phrases: Product may cause eye irritation, skin dryness, respiratory discomfort if dust is inhaled in large amounts
Signal Word: Warning
Hazard Statements: Causes serious eye irritation, may dry skin, dust inhalation may lead to coughing or sneezing
Pictogram: Exclamation mark (GHS07)

Composition / Information on Ingredients

Chemical Name: Sodium Carbonate
Concentration: 99-100%
Impurities: Small traces of sodium bicarbonate, sodium chloride, or water as moisture
Molecular Weight: 105.99 g/mol

First Aid Measures

Eye Contact: Rinse eyes gently with water for at least fifteen minutes, remove contact lenses if present, seek medical help if irritation persists
Skin Contact: Wash thoroughly with soap and plenty of water, take off contaminated clothing, consult physician for significant irritation
Inhalation: Move to fresh air, keep at rest, get medical attention if symptoms develop, wash out nose and mouth if needed
Ingestion: Rinse mouth, drink water to dilute, avoid inducing vomiting, call emergency medical provider for large amounts

Fire-Fighting Measures

Suitable Extinguishing Media: Water spray, dry chemical powder, foam, carbon dioxide
Inappropriate Media: None identified for sodium carbonate itself
Hazardous Decomposition: Sodium oxide fumes may form at very high temperatures
Firefighters Protection: Wear self-contained breathing apparatus and full protective gear
Special Procedures: Prevent runoff from entering drains or waterways

Accidental Release Measures

Personal Protection: Put on chemical safety goggles, gloves, dust mask or appropriate respirator
Environmental Precautions: Keep spills out of sewers, drains, waterways
Clean-up Methods: Sweep up dry powder, place in proper waste containers, dampen with water to minimize dust if necessary, ventilate the area well

Handling and Storage

Handling: Avoid skin and eye contact, prevent creation of dust, keep workplace ventilated, wash hands before eating or after use
Storage Conditions: Store in tightly sealed containers, keep in cool, dry, well-ventilated space, avoid moisture, store away from acids
Incompatible Materials: Acids, ammonium compounds

Exposure Controls and Personal Protection

Occupational Exposure Limits: No strict OSHA or ACGIH exposure limits, minimize dust exposure
Engineering Controls: Use local exhaust ventilation to reduce exposure
Personal Protective Equipment: Safety glasses, gloves, dust mask or NIOSH-approved respirator when airborne dust becomes significant
Hygiene Measures: Wash hands thoroughly after handling, avoid eating or drinking in work area

Physical and Chemical Properties

Appearance: White crystalline or powdery solid
Odor: No odor
Melting Point: 851 °C
Boiling Point: Decomposes
Solubility: Very soluble in water
Density: 2.53 g/cm³
pH: Strongly alkaline in water solution (pH around 11)
Vapor Pressure: Not applicable
Flash Point: Not flammable

Stability and Reactivity

Chemical Stability: Remains stable under normal conditions
Conditions to Avoid: High humidity or moisture, contact with acids
Incompatible Materials: Strong acids produce carbon dioxide gas and heat
Decomposition Products: Sodium oxide and carbon dioxide at high temperatures

Toxicological Information

Likely Routes of Exposure: Inhalation, skin and eye contact, ingestion
Acute Effects: Irritation to eyes, dry or chapped skin, coughing or throat soreness from inhaling dust, mild discomfort if ingested in quantity
Chronic Effects: Continuous exposure can worsen irritation, especially for respiratory system or sensitive skin
Toxicity Data: LD50 (oral, rat) 4090 mg/kg

Ecological Information

Ecotoxicity: Moderate toxicity to aquatic life at high concentrations, may raise pH of water bodies
Persistence: Dissolves easily, does not bioaccumulate
Degradability: Separates into sodium and carbonate ions readily in water
Mobility in Soil: Moves easily with water runoff, may impact soil and water pH

Disposal Considerations

Methods: Dispose of spilled or unwanted sodium carbonate in accordance with national and local regulations, prefer landfill if not mixed with hazardous materials
Packaging Disposal: Rinse empty packaging before recycling or disposal
Contaminated Waste: Treat as chemical waste, avoid unauthorized discharges to drains or environment

Transport Information

UN Number: Not regulated for transport by land, sea, or air
Proper Shipping Name: Sodium Carbonate
Hazard Class: Not classified as hazardous
Packing Group: Not applicable
Transport Precautions: Secure containers to prevent breakage or dispersal during transport

Regulatory Information

Labeling Requirements: GHS compliant label with signal word, hazard information
Regulatory Status: Not subject to strict control under most chemical regulations globally; included on TSCA, EINECS/ELINCS inventories
Worker Safety: OSHA Hazard Communication Standard requires workplace safety data access and hazard communication
Environmental Legislation: Dispose in accordance with local, state, federal, or international regulations to avoid environmental harm