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Sodium Carbonate

  • Bases
  • CAS 497-19-8
  • IUPAC: Disodium carbonate

Causes eye irritation (H319) at concentrate strength; mild skin irritation possible with prolonged contact. Not a sensitizer, not a carcinogen, not a developmental toxicant. Low inhalation toxicity but dust can irritate respiratory tract — relevant for industrial bulk handling, not for finished consumer products where the salt is dissolved in water. pH approximately 11.5 in 1% solution — moderately alkaline but milder than sodium metasilicate (pH 12–13) or sodium hydroxide (pH 13+).

Sodium carbonate (washing soda, soda ash) is a mild alkaline builder used in cleaners, detergents, and water softeners. It supplies hydroxide and carbonate ions that lift fatty acid soils and assist surfactants. The chemistry is gentler than sodium metasilicate or sodium hydroxide and is the preferred alkaline builder in EPA Safer Choice formulations. **Why it matters in detailing**: When a bug & tar remover or wash concentrate uses sodium carbonate as its primary alkaline source instead of sodium metasilicate, the resulting working-solution chemistry is meaningfully milder — pH 9–11 instead of 11–13, no H314 corrosion concern even at concentrate strength, and the formula tends to score better on health and environment for the same cleaning performance category. Common in mild aqueous bug & smudge removers (Griot's Bug & Smudge Remover) and EPA Safer Choice cleaners. ## Regulatory status - Not CA Prop 65 listed - Listed on TSCA inventory; GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe) for food-contact applications - EU CLP classification: H319 (eye irritation Cat 2) only at concentrate

Health & environment profile

VOC
no
Prop 65 listed
no
Asthmagen
no
EPA Safer Choice
no
Aquatic toxicity
no
Biodegradable
yes
Bioaccumulative
no
Persistent
no
Ozone depleting
no
Microplastic
no
PFAS
no
Env. score
5/5
Purpose: Mild alkaline builder used in cleaners and detergents; raises pH and assists surfactants in lifting organic residue from surfaces

1 product contain this

Health summaries are editorial — we synthesize from SDSs, peer-reviewed sources, and regulatory listings. Not medical advice.