An odorless pale yellow to white crystalline solid. It is appreciably soluble in water and heavier, so may be expected to sink and dissolve at a rapid rate. Although it is not itself flammable, the solid product and even 30% solutions in water are powerful oxidizing agents. Contact with wood, organic matter, ammonium salts, sulfur, sulfuric acid, various metals, and other chemicals may result in fires or explosions, particularly if any solid materials are finely divided. Excessive heat, as in fires, may cause evolution of oxygen gas that may increase the intensity of fires and may also result in explosions. Mixtures with combustible materials are very flammable and may be ignited by friction. It is used for making herbicides, explosives, dyes, matches, inks, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, defoliants, paper, and leather.

• Explosive
• Strong Oxidizing Agent

Soluble in water.

Special Hazards of Combustion Products: In fire situations oxygen may be liberated and increase the intensity of the fire.

Behavior in Fire: Melts, then decomposes to give oxygen gas that increases the intensity of fire. Reacts explosively, either as a solid or a liquid, with all organic matter and some metals. (USCG, 1999)

Ingestion of a toxic dose (at least 1/2 oz.) leads to severe gastroenteric pain, vomiting, and diarrhea. Possible respiratory difficulties, including failure of respiration. Kidney and liver injury may also be produced. The lethal oral dose for an adult is approximately 15 gm. Contact with eyes causes irritation. (USCG, 1999)

SODIUM CHLORATE decomposes upon heating forming O2; reacts with strong acids forming toxic and explosive ClO2; reacts with many substances [Handling Chemicals Safely 1980 p. 833]; metal chlorates are oxidants in the presence of strong acid; liberates explosive chlorine dioxide gas; heating a moist metal chlorate and a dibasic organic acid liberates chlorine dioxide and carbon dioxide; mixtures of perchlorates with sulfur or phosphorus are explosives [Bretherick 1979 p. 100]; mixtures of the chlorate with ammonium salts (ammonium thiosulfate), powdered metals, silicon, sulfur, or sulfides are readily ignited and potentially explosive [Bretherick 1979 p. 806]. A combination of finely divided aluminum with finely divided bromates(also chlorates and iodates) of barium, calcium, magnesium, potassium, sodium or zinc can explode by heat, percussion, and friction [Mellor 2:310 1946-47]. Sodium chlorate and arsenic trioxide form a spontaneously flammable mixture [Ellern 1968 p. 51]. Mixtures of organic material and more than 10% sodium chlorate are sufficiently combustible to be hazardous at low relative humidity. Mixtures of organic material such as charcoal, sugar, flour, or shellac and sodium chlorate may be ignited by friction or shock [Chem. Safety Data Sheet SD-42 1951].

• Oxidizing Agents, Strong

Use caution: Liquids with this reactive group classification have been known to react with the absorbents listed below. More info about absorbents, including situations to watch out for...

• Cellulose-Based Absorbents
• Expanded Polymeric Absorbents

Excerpt from ERG Guide 140 [Oxidizers]:

IMMEDIATE PRECAUTIONARY MEASURE: Isolate spill or leak area in all directions for at least 50 meters (150 feet) for liquids and at least 25 meters (75 feet) for solids.

LARGE SPILL: Consider initial downwind evacuation for at least 100 meters (330 feet).

FIRE: If tank, rail car or tank truck is involved in a fire, ISOLATE for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions; also, consider initial evacuation for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions. If ammonium nitrate is in a tank, rail car or tank truck and involved in a fire, ISOLATE for 1600 meters (1 mile) in all directions; also, initiate evacuation including emergency responders for 1600 meters (1 mile) in all directions. (ERG, 2020)

Excerpt from ERG Guide 140 [Oxidizers]:

SMALL FIRE: Use water. Do not use dry chemicals or foams. CO2 or Halon® may provide limited control.

LARGE FIRE: Flood fire area with water from a distance. Do not move cargo or vehicle if cargo has been exposed to heat. If it can be done safely, move undamaged containers away from the area around the fire.

FIRE INVOLVING TANKS OR CAR/TRAILER LOADS: Fight fire from maximum distance or use unmanned master stream devices or monitor nozzles. Cool containers with flooding quantities of water until well after fire is out. ALWAYS stay away from tanks engulfed in fire. For massive fire, use unmanned master stream devices or monitor nozzles; if this is impossible, withdraw from area and let fire burn. (ERG, 2020)

Excerpt from ERG Guide 140 [Oxidizers]:

Keep combustibles (wood, paper, oil, etc.) away from spilled material. Do not touch damaged containers or spilled material unless wearing appropriate protective clothing. Stop leak if you can do it without risk. Do not get water inside containers.

SMALL DRY SPILL: With clean shovel, place material into clean, dry container and cover loosely; move containers from spill area.

SMALL LIQUID SPILL: Use a non-combustible material like vermiculite or sand to soak up the product and place into a container for later disposal.

LARGE SPILL: Dike far ahead of liquid spill for later disposal. (ERG, 2020)

Clean work clothing (must be washed well with water after each exposure); rubber gloves and shoes; where dusty, goggles and an approved dust respirator. Do NOT use oils, greases, or protective creams on skin. (USCG, 1999)

No information available.

INGESTION: induce vomiting and follow with gastric lavage, saline cathartics, fluid therapy, and oxygen.

EYES: wash thoroughly with water. (USCG, 1999)

• AGROSAN
• ASEX
• ATLACIDE
• B-HERBATOX
• CHLORATE OF SODA
• DESOLET
• EVAU-SUPER
• GRANEX O
• KUSA-TOHRU
• OXYCIL
• SHED-A-LEAF
• SODA CHLORIC ACID, SODIUM SALT
• SODAKEM
• SODIUM CHLORATE
• SODIUM CHLORATE (NACLO3)
• SODIUM CHLORATE SOLUTION
• TRAVEX
• VAL-DROP