Sodium Carbonate Toxicology
By Edouard Bastarache
Identification and Uses
:
CAS Number : 497-19-8
Molecular Formula: Na2CO3
Uses and sources of
emission :
- Manufacture of soap, softening
agents,
- Ceramics.
Toxicology
:
This product is absorbed by the
respiratory and digestive tracts.
Acute effects :
I-Ocular Contact :
Irritation of the eyes.
II-Inhalation :
Irritation of the higher respiratory
tract, pulmonary irritation.
III-Ingestion :
- Irritation and corrosion of the mucous
membranes of the gastro-intestinal tract,
- vomiting (may contain blood),
- diarrhoea,
- abdominal pain,
- collapse,
- death.
IV-Skin Contact :
It can cause redness, oedema.
V-Aggravation of Preexistent Medical
Conditions :
The inhalation of the product can worsen
preexistent respiratory problems such as asthma, emphysema and
bronchitis.
Skin contact can worsen a preexistent
dermatitis.
Effects on development
:
A study on several animal species
suggests the absence of effects on antenatal development.
Effects on reproduction
:
No data concerning the effects on
reproduction has been found in the consulted documentary sources.
Data on mother's milk
:
No data concerning its excretion or
detection in mother's milk has been found in the consulted
documentary sources.
Carcinogenic effects
:
No data concerning a carcinogenic effect
has been found in the consulted documentary sources.
Mutagenic effects
:
No data concerning a mutagenic effect
has been found in the consulted documentary sources.
First aid
:
I-Ocular Contact :
Rinse the eyes with water for at least
15 minutes. Seek medical help immediately.
II-Inhalation :
Bring the individual into a ventilated
place and make sure he is still breathing. If there are
respiratory problems, give oxygen if there is any available. If
the victim does not breathe, give him artificial respiration. Call
a physician.
III-Ingestion :
If the individual is conscious, make him
drink water. Do not give anything by mouth to an unconscious
person. Do not induce vomiting, call a doctor.
IV-Skin Contact :
Quickly withdraw contaminated clothing.
It is necessary to wash skin with water and soap during 5 minutes.
Seek medical help if irritation develops.
Stability
:
This product is unstable under the
following conditions: it absorbs humidity from air (hygroscopic).
Moreover, there is formation of hydrates from contact with
humidity.
Handling
:
Wear ocular protection. Avoid any skin
contact. Ventilate adequately, if not carry a suitable breathing
apparatus.
Storage :
Store in an airtight container placed in
a dry place. Do not store in a container made of aluminium or
zinc.
References :
1-Occupational Medicine,Carl Zenz,
last edition.
2-Clinical Environmental Health and
Toxic Exposures, Sullivan & Krieger; last edition.
3-Sax's Dangerous Properties of
Industrial Materials, Lewis C., last edition.
4-Toxicologie Industrielle et
Intoxications Professionnelles, Lauwerys R.R. last
edition.
5-Chemical Hazards of the Workplace,
Proctor & Hughes, 4th edition
Edouard Bastarache M.D.
Occupational & Environmental Medicine
Author of "Substitutions for Raw Ceramic Materials"
Tracy, Québec, CANADA
edouardb@sorel-tracy.qc.ca
http://www.sorel-tracy.qc.ca/~edouardb/
Out Bound Links
In Bound Links
- (Materials - General)
Sodium Carbonate Decahydrate - Na2CO3.10H2O
Washing Soda, Hydrous Sodium Carbonate
- (Materials - General)
Sodium Carbonate Heptahydrate - Na2CO3.7H2O - A source of sodium in the glass industry
- (Materials - General)
Sodium Carbonate - Na2CO3 or Na2O.CO2 - The most common form of sodium carbonate
Soda Ash, Calcined Soda, Anhydrous Sodium Carb, Na2CO3
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