Chemical Name: Sodium Dihydrogen Phosphate Dihydrate
Synonyms: Monosodium Phosphate Dihydrate
Chemical Formula: NaH2PO4·2H2O
CAS Number: 13472-35-0
Appearance: White crystals or crystalline powder
Odor: Odorless
Classification: Not classified as hazardous under standard chemical safety regulations
Main Hazards: May cause slight irritation to eyes, skin, and respiratory system upon prolonged or repeated exposure
Critical Symptoms: Itching, redness, coughing after inhalation of dust
Notable Risks: Dustiness can lead to mechanical irritation, especially for workers handling large quantities often without proper controls
Main Component: Sodium Dihydrogen Phosphate Dihydrate
Purity: Commonly found above 98% in laboratory and industrial settings
Impurities: Usually minimal, such as phosphoric acid traces or sodium salts from manufacturing residue
Eye Contact: Rinse carefully with plenty of water for several minutes; remove contact lenses if present; keep eye open
Skin Contact: Wash skin gently with soap and water; no aggressive scrubbing needed
Inhalation: Move to fresh air, stay calm, and breathe normally; dust masks offer extra protection
Ingestion: Rinse mouth; if feeling unwell seek medical advice; do not induce vomiting
Flammability: Not flammable; does not support combustion
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Use any suitable for surrounding materials: water spray, foam, dry chemical, carbon dioxide
Specific Hazards: Heating can release toxic sodium and phosphorus oxides; avoid breathing smoke
Protective Equipment: Wear self-contained breathing apparatus and protective clothing if fighting large fires
Personal Precautions: Wear gloves, goggles, and dust mask to avoid direct contact
Spill Cleanup: Sweep up gently; avoid raising dust; collect in containers for disposal
Environmental Precautions: Prevent runoff into drains, surface water, and soil to minimize phosphate loading
Handling: Use with adequate ventilation; handle powders gently to prevent dust clouds
Storage: Keep container tightly closed in a dry, cool, well-ventilated place; protect from excess moisture
Incompatibilities: Store away from strong acids and bases; mixing with reactive chemicals can release heat or hazardous fumes
Engineering Controls: Reliable local ventilation reduces inhalation risks during bulk handling
Personal Protection: Gloves, dust mask, and safety goggles deliver good defense for chemical workers, limiting risk from dust or accidental splashes
Hygiene Measures: Washing hands before eating or drinking is basic yet effective; don’t eat, drink, or smoke in work areas
Physical State: Crystalline solid
Color: White
Odor: Odorless
Melting Point: Decomposes above 60°C; loses water of crystallization
Solubility: Highly soluble in water
pH (1% solution): Typically ranges from mildly to moderately acidic
Stability: Stable under recommended storage conditions
Reactivity: Avoid mixing with strong acids; contact releases heat and may generate phosphoric acid
Hazardous Decomposition: Thermal decomposition leads to phosphorous oxides, sodium oxides, and steam
Possible Health Effects: Short-term exposure may cause irritation to eyes and skin; excessive inhalation of dust irritates the respiratory tract
Acute Toxicity: Low toxicity; documentations show little hazard to healthy adults in controlled environments
Chronic Exposure: No strong evidence of system-wide toxicity; focus stays on irritation and direct exposure hotspots
Aquatic Impact: Discharging large amounts into rivers or lakes prompts algal blooms due to phosphate enrichment; disrupts natural ecosystems
Biodegradability: Not biodegradable but dilutes easily; persistent phosphate ions remain a concern for public water quality
Soil Impact: Phosphates can accumulate in soils with continued exposure, influencing plant growth and soil balance
Small Quantities: Dilute and dispose in accordance with local sewage regulations where permitted; avoid dumping in storm drains
Large Amounts: Disposal through licensed chemical waste contractors reduces risk of improper environmental release
Recycling/Reuse: Laboratories and industries often recover phosphate salts for use in fertilizers or water treatment
Road and Rail Transport: Not regulated as a hazardous material; basic care in packaging ensures safety
Shipping Precautions: Use high-quality, moisture-proof containers; spills cause slipping risk in transit facilities
Container Recommendations: Prefer non-corrosive materials such as polyethylene or glass
Workplace Regulations: Compliant with general chemical handling standards for non-hazardous substances; regular workplace assessments recommended
Environmental Laws: Limits exist for phosphates in wastewater; overuse or accidental release faces ongoing regulatory scrutiny for surface water protection
Labeling and Documentation: Health and safety rules endorse clear hazard communication, supporting transparency from manufacturer to end user