Sodium persulfate

Synonyms

Peroxydisulfuric acid, disodium salt; Sodium peroxydisulfate; Persulfate de sodium [French]; Sodium peroxydisulfate; Disodium peroxodisulphate; [ChemIDplus] UN1505

Category

Inorganic Oxidizing Agents

Description

White, solid; [Merck Index] Hygroscopic; [CHEMINFO] White odorless crystalline solid; [MSDSonline]

Sources/Uses

Used as a bleaching and oxidizing agent and polymerization catalyst; [Merck Index] Used in battery depolarizers; [Hawley] Used extensively for hair lightening and decolorizing; [eChemPortal: NICNAS]

Comments

Danger of sensitization of airways and skin; [MAK] Frequent skin rashes are reported in workers exposed to persulfates (S2O8). Rats inhaling 4-20 mg/m3 of ammonium persulfate 23.5 hours/day for 7 days show signs of lung inflammation and loss of body weight. The TLV is proposed to reduce irritation of skin, throat, and respiratory tract. [ACGIH] A skin, eye, and respiratory tract irritant; May cause skin sensitization, dermatitis, and asthma after prolonged contact; [ICSC] An irritant; May cause skin and respiratory sensitization after prolonged contact; [MSDSonline] See "Ammonium persulfate" and "Potassium persulfate."

Biomedical References

Insufficient data

0.1 mg/m3, as S2O8

LC50 (rat) > 5,100 mg/m3/4h

Yes

Yes

Diseases

Occupational diseases associated with exposure to this agent:

• Asthma, occupational
• Contact dermatitis, allergic

Processes

Industrial Processes with risk of exposure:

• Battery Manufacturing
• Dressing Hair