Sodium Bicarbonate Is, in General,

Sodium Bicarbonate is, in general, a non-hazardous substance found in a number of household and industrial applications. The formula for Sodium bicarbonate is NaHCO3. Its molecular weight is 81.01 (1). It is also known by the common names Sodium hydrogen carbonate; sodium acid carbonate; baking soda; and bicarbonate of soda (1). It appears as a white, solid crystalline form, but sometimes as a fine, white powder (1). It can be purchased from a number of scientific and general population sources.

Sodium bicarbonate is manufactured by a process called the Solvay Process (2). The Solvay process involves a reaction of sodium chloride, ammonia, and carbon dioxide in an aqueous atmosphere. Sodium is a mineral salt that contains the ion Na+ and a bicarbonate anion, HCO3- (3). Sodium bicarbonate decomposes into its original elements sodium carbonate, water, and carbon dioxide. The reaction occurs most efficiently at 200°C (3). As the reaction proceeds, the bicarbonates continue to convert carbonate into Sodium oxide. This decomposition results in its use as a reactant in some dry fire extinguishers (3).

Health and Safety Issues

Sodium bicarbonate is considered to be relatively safe. Only large quantities are considered to be harmful in humans (1). Common lab equipment such as goggles and a lab coat are sufficient to protect one from hazards. However, it might be noted that this compound can be purchased in grocery stores with no health warnings or precautions listed for home use. It requires no special storage when used either in the lab or in the home. It is relatively non-reactive, non-flammable, and only poses a slight health risk (1).

High concentrations of Sodium bicarbonate dust might cause coughing and sneezing. Extremely large ingested doses might cause gastrointestinal disturbances. It might cause irritation if it comes in contact with the eyes (1). No reactions are noted from dermal contact. In case of dust exposure, it is suggested that the person be removed to a fresh air source. Large ingested doses require the consumption of several glasses of water to dilute the compound in the stomach. If one gets Sodium bicarbonate in the eyes, they should flush them according to the MSDS sheet. Other than these actions, no other adverse reactions are reported from exposure.

Medical Uses

Sodium bicarbonate is prescribed as an antacid to relieve heartburn and acid indigestion in humans (4). It is also used under certain conditions to make the urine or blood less acidic. When used in this manner, the most common form or ingestion is in pill form, by mouth (4). Sodium bicarbonate can be dissolved in water and consumed as a liquid as well (4). As with any medicine, it is important to use Sodium bicarbonate exactly as prescribed by the physician.

Sodium bicarbonate should not be taken with certain nonprescription medication including other antacids. It should not be taken with aspirin or other aspirin-like compounds. It should not be taken with, "benzodiazepines, flecainide (Tambocor), iron, ketoconazole (Nizoral), lithium (Eskalith, Lithobid), methenamine (Hiprex, Urex), methotrexate, quinidine, sulfa-containing antibiotics, tetracycline (Sumycin), or vitamins" (4). It can exacerbate certain conditions such as high blood pressure, congestive heart failure, kidney disease, or ulcers (4). It should be consumed while pregnant or breastfeeding, only under the direction of a physician (4). Sodium is used to increase the effectiveness of sulfanomides (5).

Sodium bicarbonate increases the sodium level in the body (4). A physician might prescribe a low or reduced sodium diet while on Sodium bicarbonate. The individual needs of each patient must be addressed by their own personal physician. Sodium carbonate can produce certain side effects in some people. These side effects include increased thirst, stomach cramps, and extra gas (4). Several symptoms may indicate serious conditions for which a doctor should be consulted immediately. These include severe headache, upset stomach, vomit resembling coffee grounds, loss of appetite, irritability, weakness, a frequent urge to urinate, slow breathing, swelling of the feet or lower legs, abnormal stools, or bloody urine (4). The most common side effects are less severe and include irritability and upset stomach (5).