Product Name: Sodium Metasilicate
Chemical Formula: Na2SiO3
Synonyms: Disodium metasilicate, Water glass
CAS Number: 6834-92-0
Recommended Use: Cleaner, degreaser, detergent builder, water treatment
Supplier: Refer to product label
Emergency Contact: Local emergency services or manufacturer’s emergency line
GHS Classification: Corrosive to metals (Category 1), Skin corrosion/irritation (Category 1B), Serious eye damage/eye irritation (Category 1)
Signal Word: Danger
Hazard Statements: Causes severe skin burns and eye damage; May be corrosive to metals
Pictograms: Corrosion
Symptoms of Exposure: Burning, redness, blistering on skin; Eye pain, watering, potential vision loss; Inhalation can irritate respiratory system
Precautionary Statements: Avoid breathing dust or mist, wash thoroughly after handling, use personal protection
Sodium Metasilicate: 95-100%
Water: May be present in formulations
Impurities: Trace metal oxides, not considered hazardous at reported concentrations
Skin Contact: Remove contaminated clothing, rinse immediately with copious amounts of water for at least 15 minutes; Seek medical attention for persistent irritation or burns
Eye Contact: Rinse cautiously with water for 15-20 minutes, lifting eyelids occasionally; Get immediate medical attention
Inhalation: Move person to fresh air, keep at rest in a position comfortable for breathing; If symptoms persist, contact physician
Ingestion: Rinse mouth with water, do not induce vomiting; Get medical attention
Notes to Physician: Treat symptomatically, monitor for respiratory distress and ocular injury
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Water spray, dry chemical, carbon dioxide, foam
Unsuitable Media: Not known to react violently with common extinguishing media
Hazardous Combustion Products: Sodium oxides, silicon oxides
Protective Equipment: Full protective clothing, self-contained breathing apparatus
Special Hazards: Product does not burn but reacts with some metals to release hydrogen gas
Personal Precautions: Wear chemical goggles, gloves, protective clothing; Prevent dust formation
Environmental Precautions: Avoid product entering drains, surface water, and soil
Methods for Cleaning Up: Collect spilled material in dry form with non-sparking tools, place in containers for disposal; Wash area with water, avoid creating dust; Ventilate area
Handling: Use only in well-ventilated areas; Avoid contact with skin, eyes, and clothing; Do not breathe dust
Storage Conditions: Store in tightly closed original containers; Keep away from acids and moisture; Store in a cool, dry place; Segregate from incompatible materials like strong acids and ammonium salts
Occupational Exposure Limits: No specific OEL; Use general dust limits (e.g., OSHA PEL for particulates not otherwise regulated: 15 mg/m3 total dust, 5 mg/m3 respirable)
Engineering Controls: Local exhaust ventilation, process enclosure, eyewash stations, safety showers
Personal Protection: Respiratory protection for dust (N95 or higher), chemical-resistant gloves (nitrile, PVC), safety goggles, face shield, long sleeves, closed shoes
Form: Solid, crystalline powder or granular
Color: White
Odor: Odorless
Melting Point: Approximately 1088°C (1989°F)
Boiling Point: Not applicable
Solubility: Soluble in water, forms alkaline solution
pH: 11-13 (1% solution)
Density: 2.4 g/cm3
Vapor Pressure: Negligible
Flash Point: Not flammable
Partition Coefficient: Not available
Chemical Stability: Stable under normal conditions of use and storage
Conditions to Avoid: Contact with acids releases heat, avoid moisture exposure
Incompatible Materials: Acids, ammonium salts, some metals (aluminum, zinc) which may react and produce hydrogen gas
Hazardous Decomposition Products: Sodium oxides, silicon oxides on decomposition
Polymerization: Not expected to occur
Acute Toxicity: LD50 Oral (rat): 1280 mg/kg (for anhydrous sodium metasilicate), can cause severe irritation or burns to mouth, throat, and stomach
Skin Corrosion/Irritation: Strongly corrosive, may cause deep burns
Serious Eye Damage/Irritation: Serious risk of permanent injury
Respiratory Effects: Inhalation of dust causes coughing, shortness of breath, and possible lung injury
Long-Term Effects: Repeated or prolonged exposure may aggravate dermatitis or respiratory conditions
Carcinogenicity: No classification as carcinogenic by OSHA, NTP, IARC
Mutagenicity/Reproductive Toxicity: No data indicating specific risk
Toxicity to Fish: LC50 (96h, fish): 210 mg/L
Persistence/Degradability: Inorganic substance, not readily biodegradable, persists in the environment
Bioaccumulation: Not expected to bioaccumulate
Mobility in Soil: High water solubility, likely to be mobile in aquatic systems
Other Harmful Effects: Raises pH of water, hazardous to aquatic organisms at high concentrations
Waste Disposal Methods: Dispose of through licensed waste management company, follow local, regional, and national regulations
Container Disposal: Empty containers may retain product residue; treat as hazardous waste
Avoid Release: Never discharge to environment or sewer systems without proper authorization
UN Number: 3253
UN Proper Shipping Name: Disodium trioxosilicate
Transport Hazard Class: 8 (Corrosive substances)
Packing Group: II
Labels: Corrosive
Marine Pollutant: Not classified as marine pollutant
Special Precautions: Ensure packaging is secure and labeled in accordance with transport regulations
OSHA: Hazardous chemical (per 29 CFR 1910.1200)
TSCA: Listed
DSL/NDSL (Canada): Listed
EU REACH: Registered
SARA Title III: Not listed as extremely hazardous, but subject to reporting for certain quantities
WHMIS Classification (Canada): E (Corrosive Material)
California Prop 65: Not listed
Other Regulations: Subject to community right-to-know and chemical inventory requirements in some jurisdictions