Trisodium phosphate

Synonyms

Antisal 4; Dri-Tri; Emulsiphos 440/660; Nutrifos STP; Oakite; Phosphoric acid trisodium salt; Sodium orthophosphate; Sodium orthophosphate, tertiary; Sodium orthophosphate, tribasic; Sodium phosphate; Sodium phosphate (Na3PO4); Sodium phosphate (VAN); Sodium phosphate, anhydrous; Sodium phosphate, tribasic; Sodium tertiary phosphate; TSP; Tertiary sodium phosphate; Tribasic sodium orthophosphate; Tribasic sodium phosphate; Trinatriumphosphat [German]; Trisodium orthophosphate; Tromete; [ChemIDplus]

Category

Phosphates, Metallic Salts

Description

Colorless to white solid; [ICSC] White odorless powder; [MSDSonline]

Sources/Uses

Used in photographic developers and detergents ; Also used to clarify sugar, remove boiler scale, soften water, make paper, and tan leather; [Merck Index] Used in dairy substitutes, to remove insecticides from fruit, and to inhibit mold; [HSDB] Used mainly in the dodecahydrate form as an alkaline source, e.g., heavy-duty cleaner and scouring agent; [AIHA]

Comments

A corrosive substance that can cause injury to the skin, eyes, and respiratory tract; Inhalation of dust may cause pulmonary edema; [ICSC] An irritant; [MSDSonline] The human fatal dose by mouth is about 50 grams. [AIHA]

Biomedical References

5 mg/m3 Ceiling = 5 mg/m3 (15-min)

Yes

Skin burns

Processes

Industrial Processes with risk of exposure:

• Leather Tanning and Processing
• Photographic Processing
• Pulp and Paper Processing