Sodium metasilicate pentahydrate
Agent Name
Sodium metasilicate pentahydrate
CAS Number
10213-79-3
Formula
H2-O3-Si.5H2-O.2Na
Major Category
Other Classes
Synonyms
Silicic acid, disodium salt, pentahydrate; [ChemIDplus] Disodium metasilicate pentahydrate; [Sigma-Aldrich MSDS] Disodium trioxosilicate, pentahydrate; [ERG] UN3253
Category
Salts, Basic
Description
Crystalline powder; [Reference #1] White solid; [Sigma-Aldrich MSDS]
Sources/Uses
Permitted for use as an inert ingredient in non-food pesticide products; [EPA] Alkali metal silicates are used as starting materials for products like silicas and zeolites, in detergents and cleaners, and pulp and paper production; Also used to a lesser extent in soil stabilization and sealing, adhesives and binders (construction materials, paperboard and cardboard, ceramic binders, refractories, welding rods, and foundry molds and cores), surface coatings (titanium dioxide production, paints for masonry and glass, and spray coatings for tunnel construction and mining), water/wastewater treatment, enhanced oil recovery, and textile processing (bleach and dye stabilizing); [OECD SIDS: Soluble Silicates - 2004] Generally regarded as safe (GRAS) by the FDA for use in fruit and vegetable washes, sanitizers for food-contact surfaces, and other indirect food contact uses; [NTP]
Comments
Corrosive to moistened rabbit skin; Sodium metasilicate was not sensitizing in a local lymph node assay study of mice; Similar uses and adverse effects are expected from the hydrous and anhydrous forms (Sodium metasilicate pentahydrate, Sodium metasilicate nonahydrate, Sodium metasilicate, Sodium silicate, and Potassium silicate). One case of occupational contact urticaria reported from sodium silicate; [OECD SIDS: Soluble Silicates - 2004] Causes burns; Inhalation may cause corrosive injuries to upper respiratory tract and lungs; Harmful by ingestion; [Sigma-Aldrich MSDS] See "Sodium metasilicate."
Biomedical References
Adverse Effects
Toxic Pneumonitis
Yes
Dermatotoxin
Skin burns
Diseases, Processes, and Activities Linked to This Agent
Diseases
Occupational diseases associated with exposure to this agent:
Processes