Material Safety Data Sheet: Sodium Hypochlorite

Identification

Chemical Name: Sodium Hypochlorite
Synonyms: Liquid bleach, Hypochlorous acid, sodium salt solution
CAS Number: 7681-52-9
Recommended Use: Disinfectant, bleaching agent, water treatment
Supplier Information: Typically available from chemical distributors and cleaning supply wholesalers
Emergency Contact: Local Poison Control Center or regional chemical emergency hotline

Hazard Identification

Classification: Corrosive to skin, serious eye damage, harmful if swallowed or inhaled
GHS Label Elements: Corrosive symbol, exclamation mark, environment hazard
Signal Word: Danger
Hazard Statements: Causes severe skin burns and eye damage, toxic to aquatic life
Precautionary Statements: Wear protective gear, avoid all contact with skin and eyes, avoid release to environment

Composition / Information on Ingredients

Chemical Ingredient: Sodium Hypochlorite
Concentration: Common household bleach contains about 5-6%; industrial grades reach up to 15%
Impurities: Small amounts of sodium chloride and sodium hydroxide
Stabilizers: May include sodium hydroxide to slow decomposition

First Aid Measures

Inhalation: Move to fresh air immediately, provide respiratory support if breathing becomes difficult, seek medical help
Skin Contact: Remove contaminated clothing, rinse skin thoroughly with water for at least fifteen minutes, seek medical attention for persistent irritation
Eye Contact: Rinse cautiously with water for at least fifteen minutes, remove contact lenses if present, get medical care immediately
Ingestion: Rinse mouth, do not induce vomiting, drink a small amount of water if conscious, pursue immediate medical attention for further treatment advice

Fire-Fighting Measures

Suitable Extinguishing Media: Water spray, alcohol-resistant foam, dry chemical, carbon dioxide for small fires
Specific Hazards: Releases chlorine gas and oxides of sodium on heating or contact with acids, strong oxidizer, intensifies other combustibles
Protective Equipment: Firefighters should use self-contained breathing apparatus and full protective gear
Firefighting Instructions: Contain run-off to prevent environmental contamination, avoid breathing vapors

Accidental Release Measures

Personal Precautions: Isolate area, ventilate, wear appropriate PPE including gloves, goggles, and chemical-resistant clothing
Environmental Precautions: Prevent entry into sewers, waterways, or soil
Spill Cleanup Methods: Absorb with inert material like sand or earth, scoop up and containerize for proper disposal, wash area thoroughly with plenty of water

Handling and Storage

Handling: Use only in well-ventilated areas, avoid formation of aerosols, do not mix with ammonia, acids, or other cleaning chemicals
Hygiene Measures: Wash hands and exposed skin thoroughly after handling, never eat, drink, or smoke in work areas
Storage: Keep only in original containers made from compatible materials (HDPE or glass), store at temperatures below 25°C, protect from sunlight and heat, keep container tightly closed

Exposure Controls and Personal Protection

Engineering Controls: Use local exhaust ventilation to minimize exposure, handle in closed system where possible
Protective Equipment: Gloves made of nitrile or rubber, safety goggles or face shield, full-length protective clothing
Respiratory Protection: Use NIOSH-approved respirator with chlorine cartridge for high concentrations or spills
Exposure Limits: OSHA PEL for chlorine 0.5 ppm (averaged over 8 hours)

Physical and Chemical Properties

Appearance: Clear, pale greenish-yellow liquid
Odor: Strong chlorine smell
pH: Typically 11-13 for product as supplied
Melting / Freezing Point: Decomposes before freezing
Boiling Point: Decomposes above 101°C, releasing chlorine gas
Solubility: Completely soluble in water
Density: About 1.1 g/cm³ (10% solution)
Decomposition Products: Chlorine gas, sodium chlorate, oxygen

Stability and Reactivity

Chemical Stability: Gradually decomposes even in absence of light, accelerated by heat and exposure to metals
Reactivity: Violent reaction with acids, ammonia, reducing agents, and organic matter
Hazardous Decomposition: Chlorine gas, oxygen, sodium chlorate
Conditions to Avoid: High temperatures, direct sunlight, contact with metals or acids

Toxicological Information

Acute Effects: Skin and eye burns, respiratory irritation, gastrointestinal damage if swallowed
Chronic Effects: Asthma-like symptoms, dermatitis, potential long-term effects on lung function in poorly ventilated spaces
Routes of Exposure: Inhalation, skin and eye contact, ingestion
Carcinogenicity: Not classified as a carcinogen by IARC, NTP, or OSHA
Other Health Data: Prolonged exposure heightens risk for respiratory or skin sensitivity

Ecological Information

Aquatic Toxicity: Very toxic to aquatic organisms, causes long-term changes to aquatic habitats
Degradation: Breaks down to sodium chloride and oxygen after use and dilution, but initial release can harm wildlife
Bioaccumulation: Not bioaccumulative, but breakdown products accumulate chloride in water bodies

Disposal Considerations

Waste Disposal Methods: Slowly dilute with large volumes of water and neutralize using sodium thiosulfate, then dispose of as non-hazardous waste if local rules allow
Container Disposal: Triple rinse, remove labels, puncture, and recycle or dispose according to local hazardous waste authority
Regulatory Controls: Must follow local, regional, and national disposal regulations for both solutions and containers

Transport Information

Proper Shipping Name: Hypochlorite solution
UN Number: 1791
Hazard Class: 8 (Corrosive liquid)
Packing Group: III
Transport Labels: Corrosive symbol required on packages
Special Precautions: Transport only in containers designed for corrosives, avoid transporting with acids, food, or feedstuffs

Regulatory Information

OSHA: Regulated as corrosive, hazardous substance
EPA: Listed as active ingredient in registered disinfectants, subject to strict disposal and reporting requirements
SARA Title III: Requires reporting for significant spills or releases
TSCA: Listed on Toxic Substances Control Act inventory
EU Regulation: Classified under CLP Regulation (EC 1272/2008) as corrosive and hazardous to the aquatic environment
Labeling Requirements: Clear hazard symbols, precautionary text, and first aid guidance required on all containers