Sodium bicarbonate is a solubilized white powder that is crystalline and sometimes appears as a fine powder (best known to the general public as baking soda). It is odorless, non – flammable and releases carbon dioxide gas and heat by reacting with acids.
Sodium Bicarbonate’s flexibility
Sodium bicarbonate continues to serve a range of purposes, from domestic uses such as cooking, baking, and cleaning to the treatment of small medical conditions such as sunburn and insect bites.
Sodium bicarbonate also has many application areas in the workplace, including being used as a strategy to fight the growth of fungus on agricultural land in fire extinguishers or in an agricultural setting.
Possible risks to Health from Sodium Bicarbonate
Even when sodium bicarbonate is usually not termed to be one of the most dangerous chemicals, some negative health effects may result from exposure to huge amounts, such as:
- Sneezing and coughing if you have inhaled a large proportion of dust.
- If large amounts are ingested, gastrointestinal irritation can usually happen.
- Moderate irritation may occur from eye contact, such as redness and minor pain.
- In dry form, undamaged skin is commonly non-irritating however, when exposed to moisture, it can lead to irritation to the damaged skin.
Safety Procedures while controlling Sodium Bicarbonate
Safety for Respiratory
On the off chance that an individual’s respiratory zone can not control sodium bicarbonate powder with ventilation or different methods, that individual should wear respirators or mask given for human wellbeing against this substance by an affirmation association, for example, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health
Safety for Skin
To protect the skin from the dust of sodium bicarbonate, one must wear hand gloves or any proper attire.
Safety for Eyes
Because sodium bicarbonate is quite often seen in a dust-like state, chemical safety glasses should be worn and there should be an area in the workspace for washing the eyes and skin. It may cause mild to moderate irritation if this chemical gets into the eyes of a working person.
Overseeing exposure to Sodium Bicarbonate
In spite of the fact that, contrasted with different chemical compounds, sodium bicarbonate is commonly sheltered and safe, likewise with any substance, it is needed to minimize all risk of exposure. The mentioned steps need to be taken in case exposure occurs:
1) Eye Contact
Wash the eyes thoroughly with water and, if itching happens, seek medical assistance.
2) Skin Contact
Rinse the skin with a lot of cleanser and water and, if itchiness occurs, visit a specialist.
3) Inhalation
It is best to leave people from exposure and migrate them immediately to an area with natural ventilation. If a breathing problem happens, seek medical assistance from a specialist.
4) Ingestion
If anxiety continues to exist, drink lots of fluids, and seek medical help.