Chemical of the Week Part 2 - Sodium Bicarbonate

Hazard Profile

Chemical Name and Pseudonyms

Sodium Bicarbonate, Sodium Hydrogen Carbonate, Bicarbonate of Soda, Baking Soda

UN Number

-

Chemical Formula

NaHCO₃

Hazards

Forms mildly caustic solutions with water, powder hazard (respiratory), eye irritant

PPE Considerations

SFPC or dust protective garment with filter respirator or SCBA

Fire Fighting Considerations

Non-flammable

Decontamination

Water, soap and water

Detection and Monitoring

Colormetric, Chemical reactivity testing, GCMS

Chemical and Physical Properties

Physical State

White powder

Vapor Pressure

-

Boiling Point

-

Vapor Density

-

Specific Gravity

-

Miscibility

Soluble in water

Flash Point

-

LEL/UEL

-

Autoignition Temp

-

pH

8-9 in solution

Toxicity

IDLH

~10 ppm

PEL/REL/STEL

-/- /-

LD50

>4000 mg/kg

LC50

>4.74 mg/l

Radioactive (Yes/No)

No

Medical

Toxicological Considerations

Caustic solutions forms in water

Signs/Symptoms of Exposure

Respiratory symptoms, skin irritant, eye irritation

Medical Treatment

Fresh air and treat symptomatically, flush areas of contact with water

Other Information

Reacts with strong oxidizers and acids, heating may produce toxic or corrosive vapors

Chemical Structure