|  | Public Health Safety | Work Safety

Sodium Silicate Hazards

Sodium silicate (water glass or soluble glass) may be any one of several compounds containing sodium oxide and silica. Sodium silicates are colorless, glass-like substances commercially available as powder or liquid. Sodium silicates are used in detergents, cement, glass and pottery, and for fireproofing paper and other substances. It is also used to fix pigments in painting and cloth printing. Sodium silicate can be hazardous if spilled, inhaled or ingested. Personal protection equipment should be used when handling sodium silicate.

  1. Skin Hazards

    • Sodium silicate is a corrosive that will irritate the skin. Contact can result in burns, itching, scaling, reddening, or, occasionally, blistering. If you have had skin contact with sodium silicate or it has got onto your clothing, you should immediately remove contaminated clothes, but protect your hands and body as you do so. For direct skin contact, wash or shower exposed skin with clean water and a mild soap. Make sure to get all folds and creases in your skin and if irritation results and persists after washing, seek medical attention. Remember to wash clothing before wearing again.

    Inhalation Hazards

    • Inhalation of sodium silicate, whether in liquid, mist or powder form can irritate and damage tissues in the lungs and respiratory system. This can result in coughing, choking and shortness of breath. Repeated exposure of sodium silicate to the lungs can lead to frequent bronchial infections and chronic respiratory issues. If you have inhaled sodium silicate vapors or powder, seek medical attention.

    Contact With Eyes

    • Contact of sodium silicate with the eyes can result in tissue damage. Symptoms include redness, watery eyes and itching. If you get sodium silicate into your eyes, flush immediately with clean water for at least 15 minutes, keeping your eyelids open. Do not use ointment and seek medical care immediately.

    Ingestion Hazards

    • Sodium silicate is corrosive and can cause serious damage to mucous membranes if ingested. If you do ingest it, do not induce vomiting and loosen tight clothing such as a collar, tie or belt. If someone with you has ingested sodium silicate and is not breathing, perform mouth-to-mouth resuscitation. Whether the victim is conscious or not, if you or someone you know has ingested sodium silicate in any form, you should seek immediate medical attention.

Work Safety - Related Articles