Chemical Name: Sodium Aluminate
Common Synonyms: Sodium alumina, Sodium aluminum oxide
Chemical Formula: NaAlO2
Form: Usually found as a white, odorless solid or powder
Main Uses: Water treatment, paper production, ceramics, soap manufacturing, and textile processing
Typical Appearance: Fine, pale dust or sometimes crystalline clumps
Physical Hazards: Reacts with acids and water, generates heat, may cause splattering
Health Hazards: Irritates skin, eyes, and upper respiratory tract; dust inhalation leads to coughing, sore throat, shortness of breath; ingestion can cause gastrointestinal upset
Environmental Hazards: Harms aquatic life by raising water pH; spills change soil and water chemistry
GHS Classification: Skin Corr. 1B; Eye Dam. 1; STOT SE 3 (respiratory); Aquatic Acute 3
Warning Symbols: Corrosive, exclamation mark
Main Ingredient: Sodium aluminate (over 90%)
CAS Number: 1302-42-7
Possible Impurities: Small amounts of sodium hydroxide and aluminum oxide
Inhalation: Leave area, breathe fresh air, rinse mouth; seek medical attention for breathing trouble
Eye Contact: Flush with running water for many minutes, lift eyelids, avoid rubbing; get medical help if pain or redness lingers
Skin Contact: Remove contaminated clothing, wash skin thoroughly with soap and water
Ingestion: Rinse mouth, drink water, never try to induce vomiting unless told by doctor; seek urgent care if feeling unwell
Symptoms to Watch: Burns, severe pain, redness, swelling, or trouble breathing after exposure
Flammability: Sodium aluminate does not catch fire, but its reaction with water releases heat
Extinguishing Media: Use water spray, foam, or dry chemical for fires nearby
Fire Hazards: Contact with water creates slippery surfaces, chemical reaction may splatter
Protective Gear: Emergency crews wear full gear and self-contained breathing apparatus
Combustion Products: Toxic fumes (sodium oxides, aluminum oxides) released if nearby materials burn
Personal Precautions: Wear gloves, goggles, dust mask or respirator
Environmental Precautions: Prevent runoff from entering drains, soil, or waterways
Cleanup Methods: Moisten spill to control dust, sweep up, collect in containers for safe disposal, wash area to neutralize residues
Advice Against: Avoid using strong acids for cleanup, as violent reaction can occur
Safe Handling Tips: Avoid breathing dust or touching face during use; wash hands after handling; transfer material carefully to avoid spills
Storage Conditions: Store in tightly sealed containers, in dry and well-ventilated spaces
Storage Compatibility: Keep away from acids, moisture, and sources of water
Restrictions: Never store with food, animal feed, or incompatible chemicals
Occupational Limits: No specific exposure limits for sodium aluminate, but watch for nuisance dust limits (ACGIH TLV: 10 mg/m³ for inhalable particulate
Engineering Controls: Local exhaust and good room ventilation
Personal Protective Equipment: Dust-resistant goggles, impervious gloves, long sleeves, dust mask or respirator for heavy exposure
Hygiene Practice: Wash exposed skin and launder clothes regularly; do not eat, drink, or smoke in work area
Form: White to off-white powder, some grades appear granular or in solution
Odor: Odorless
Melting Point: Decomposes above 1650°C
Solubility in Water: Readily soluble, releases heat
pH (1% solution): Strongly alkaline, typically over 11
Density: Around 1.5–1.6 g/cm³ for solid powder
Reactivity: Reacts vigorously with acids and moist air
Chemical Stability: Stable if kept dry and away from incompatible materials
Hazardous Reactions: Emits heat and possibly caustic fumes if mixed with acids or moisture
Incompatible Materials: Strong acids, oxidizers, water sources
Hazardous Decomposition Products: May emit sodium oxide, aluminum oxide, and steam during rapid decomposition or fire
Routes of Exposure: Inhalation, skin, eyes, ingestion
Short-Term Hazards: Severe skin and eye burns; persistent coughing or respiratory discomfort; corrosive effects
Long-Term Risks: Prolonged contact may cause deeper tissue damage, persistent respiratory irritation
Carcinogenicity: Not listed as a cancer risk by OSHA, IARC, NTP
Acute Risks: Spills can sharply increase water pH, killing aquatic life, altering habitat chemistry
Persistence: Highly soluble, disperses quickly in water
Bioaccumulation: Unlikely to build up in living organisms, but risks still come from immediate pH shifts
Soil Impact: Alkalinizes soil, may harm plants and soil organisms if not neutralized
Waste Handling: Collect in clearly labeled containers
Disposal Methods: Bring to facility with permits for hazardous or corrosive waste; do not pour into drains, stormwater, or store with household trash
Advice for Neutralization: Treat residues with acid under expert supervision to yield a neutral salt before disposal, watch for heat and fumes
Transport Class: Classified as a corrosive solid for most forms
Labeling: Requires corrosive warning labels on containers during transport
Packaging: Non-reactive drums or bags, sealed to prevent leaks and dust escape
Special Precautions: Keep dry; keep away from acids and flammable materials in transit
Workplace Rules: Workers must get hazard information, training, and proper personal protective equipment
Community Right-to-Know: Hazardous chemical lists often require reporting and tracking by companies
Environmental Laws: Strict rules for accidental releases, waterway discharges, and hazardous waste disposal
Labeling Standards: GHS labeling, safety statements, and signal words usually apply