Sodium Carbonate: Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS)
Identification
Substance: Sodium Carbonate
CAS Number: 497-19-8
Synonyms: Soda Ash, Washing Soda, Disodium Carbonate
Recommended Use: Cleaning agent, pH adjuster, water softener, glass manufacturing, textile processing
Manufacturer: Refer to relevant supplier documentation
Contact Details: Supply chain or safety manager contact required for emergencies
Hazard Identification
GHS Classification: Eye Irritation (Category 2A)
Signal Word: Warning
Hazard Statements: Causes serious eye irritation, may cause respiratory irritation if dusts are inhaled, prolonged exposure may dry or crack skin
Precautionary Statements: Avoid breathing dust, wear eye protection, wash hands thoroughly after handling, use only in well-ventilated areas
Routes of Exposure: Eyes, skin contact, inhalation
Composition / Information on Ingredients
Chemical Identity: Sodium Carbonate
Formula: Na2CO3
Concentration: ≥99% by weight
Impurities: Trace levels of sodium chloride, sodium sulfate, water
First Aid Measures
Inhalation: Move to fresh air, support breathing if necessary, seek medical attention if cough or irritation persists
Skin Contact: Wash with soap and water, remove contaminated clothing, consult medical care for persistent redness or irritation
Eye Contact: Rinse cautiously with water for at least 15 minutes, remove contact lenses if present and easy to do, immediate medical attention for pain or vision changes
Ingestion: Rinse mouth, do not induce vomiting, drink water to dilute, seek medical advice for large exposures or persistent symptoms
Fire-Fighting Measures
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Use water spray, carbon dioxide, dry chemical, or foam for surrounding fire
Specific Hazards: Sodium carbonate does not burn, may react with acids to release carbon dioxide
Protective Equipment: Firefighters should wear self-contained breathing apparatus, protective clothing, and gloves
Combustion Products: Carbon dioxide, sodium oxide vapors in high temperature fires
Accidental Release Measures
Personal Precautions: Wear dust mask, gloves, goggles, prevent dust formation
Spill Response: Sweep up and place in suitable container for disposal, avoid generating dust clouds, ventilate area
Environmental Precautions: Prevent runoff to water systems, recover spills to minimize soil contamination
Handling and Storage
Handling: Avoid contact with skin, eyes, and clothing, minimize airborne dust, use appropriate PPE, avoid eating or drinking in work areas
Storage Conditions: Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area, keep containers tightly closed, protect from moisture and acids
Incompatibilities: Acids, aluminum, ammonium salts, fluorine
Exposure Controls and Personal Protection
Occupational Limits: OSHA PEL: Not established, ACGIH TLV: Not established, workplace dust limit: 10 mg/m3 (total), 5 mg/m3 (respirable)
Engineering Controls: Use local exhaust or general ventilation to control dust levels
Personal Protection: Safety goggles, chemical-resistant gloves, dust mask or respirator (NIOSH approved for particulates), protective footwear and clothing as needed toward potential exposure
Physical and Chemical Properties
Appearance: White granular powder or crystalline solid
Odor: Odorless
Melting Point: 851 °C (decomposes)
Boiling Point: Not applicable
Solubility: Soluble in water (22 g/100 mL at 20 °C)
pH: 11.5 (1% solution at 20 °C)
Vapor Pressure: Negligible
Density: 2.54 g/cm3, bulk density varies
Flash Point: Not flammable
Stability and Reactivity
Chemical Stability: Stable under recommended storage conditions
Conditions to Avoid: Exposure to moisture, contact with acids, excessive heat
Incompatible Materials: Strong acids, aluminum, ammonium salts, fluorine gas
Decomposition Products: Carbon dioxide, sodium oxide released upon strong heating or contact with acids
Toxicological Information
Acute Toxicity: Low toxicity for oral, dermal, and inhalation routes, oral LD50 (rat) ~ 4090 mg/kg
Skin Irritation: May cause dryness, redness or cracking with repeated or prolonged exposure
Eye Damage/Irritation: Causes moderate to severe irritation, possible corneal injury
Inhalation Effects: Coughing or irritation of respiratory tract with dust exposure
Chronic Effects: No evidence of carcinogenicity, mutagenicity, or reproductive toxicity at typical exposure levels
Ecological Information
Ecotoxicity: Harmful to aquatic life in high concentrations; raising pH can affect aquatic organisms
Persistence and Degradability: Dissolves in water, breaks to naturally occurring ions; not expected to bioaccumulate
Mobility in Soil: Highly mobile due to solubility
Other Adverse Effects: Large releases can alter water body alkalinity, should avoid uncontrolled discharge to the environment
Disposal Considerations
Waste Disposal: Dispose of in accordance with local, state and national regulations; can be neutralized and diluted for safe sewer or landfill disposal if local standards allow
Packaging: Empty packaging should be cleaned before reuse or disposal; ensure waste containers are properly labeled
Transport Information
UN Number: Not regulated
Hazard Class: Non-hazardous for land, air, and sea transport
Packing Group: Not assigned
Special Precautions: Avoid container damage or contact with incompatible materials during shipping operations
Regulatory Information
OSHA: Listed as a hazardous chemical due to eye and respiratory irritation
TSCA: Listed
REACH Registration: Registered in the EU
Other: Not classified as carcinogenic, mutagenic, or reprotoxic, but users must follow workplace hazard communications and wear appropriate PPE at all times
