Chemical Datasheet
SODIUM DITHIONITE |
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Chemical Identifiers
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The
Chemical Identifier fields
include common identification numbers, the
NFPA diamond
U.S. Department of Transportation hazard labels, and a general
description of the chemical. The information in CAMEO Chemicals comes
from a variety of
data sources.
| CAS Number | UN/NA Number | DOT Hazard Label | USCG CHRIS Code |
|---|---|---|---|
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none | |
| NIOSH Pocket Guide | International Chem Safety Card | ||
| none | |||
NFPA 704
| Diamond | Hazard | Value | Description | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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Health
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2 | Can cause temporary incapacitation or residual injury. | |||||||||
Flammability
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1 | Must be preheated before ignition can occur. | ||||||||||
Instability
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2 | Readily undergoes violent chemical changes at elevated temperatures and pressures. | ||||||||||
Special
|
(NFPA, 2010)
General Description
Sodium dithionite is a whitish to light yellow crystalline solid having a sulfur dioxide-like odor. It spontaneously heats on contact with air and moisture. This heat may be sufficient to ignite surrounding combustible materials. Under prolonged exposure to fire or intense heat containers of this material may violently rupture. It is used in dyeing and to bleach paper pulp.
Hazards
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The
Hazard fields
include
special hazard alerts
air and water
reactions, fire hazards, health hazards, a reactivity profile, and
details about
reactive groups assignments
and
potentially incompatible absorbents.
The information in CAMEO Chemicals comes from a variety of
data sources.
Reactivity Alerts
- Strong Reducing Agent
- Water-Reactive
- Pyrophoric
Air & Water Reactions
Sodium dithionite is a combustible solid which slowly decomposes when in contact with water or water vapor, forming thiosulfates and bisulfites. This reaction evolves heat, which can further accelerate the reaction or cause surrounding materials to burn. If the mixture is confined, the decomposition reaction can result in pressurization of the container which may then rupture forcefully. Upon standing in air it slowly oxidizes, generating toxic sulfur dioxide gas. (NFPA, 2010)
Fire Hazard
Excerpt from ERG Guide 135 [Substances - Spontaneously Combustible]:
Flammable/combustible material. May ignite on contact with moist air or moisture. May burn rapidly with flare-burning effect. Some react vigorously or explosively on contact with water. Some may decompose explosively when heated or involved in a fire. May re-ignite after fire is extinguished. Runoff may create fire or explosion hazard. Containers may explode when heated. (ERG, 2020)
Flammable/combustible material. May ignite on contact with moist air or moisture. May burn rapidly with flare-burning effect. Some react vigorously or explosively on contact with water. Some may decompose explosively when heated or involved in a fire. May re-ignite after fire is extinguished. Runoff may create fire or explosion hazard. Containers may explode when heated. (ERG, 2020)
Health Hazard
Excerpt from ERG Guide 135 [Substances - Spontaneously Combustible]:
Fire will produce irritating, corrosive and/or toxic gases. Inhalation of decomposition products may cause severe injury or death. Contact with substance may cause severe burns to skin and eyes. Runoff from fire control or dilution water may cause environmental contamination. CAUTION: Pentaborane (UN1380) is highly toxic and may be fatal if inhaled, ingested or absorbed through skin. (ERG, 2020)
Fire will produce irritating, corrosive and/or toxic gases. Inhalation of decomposition products may cause severe injury or death. Contact with substance may cause severe burns to skin and eyes. Runoff from fire control or dilution water may cause environmental contamination. CAUTION: Pentaborane (UN1380) is highly toxic and may be fatal if inhaled, ingested or absorbed through skin. (ERG, 2020)
Reactivity Profile
Sodium dithionite is a combustible solid which slowly decomposes when in contact with water or water vapor, forming thiosulfates and bisulfites. This reaction evolves heat, which can further accelerate the reaction or cause surrounding materials to burn. If the mixture is confined, the decomposition reaction can result in pressurization of the container which may then rupture forcefully. Upon standing in air it slowly oxidizes, generating toxic sulfur dioxide gas. (NFPA, 2010)
Belongs to the Following Reactive Group(s)
Potentially Incompatible Absorbents
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
- Mineral-Based & Clay-Based Absorbents
- Dirt/Earth
Response Recommendations
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The
Response Recommendation fields
include isolation and evacuation distances, as well as recommendations for
firefighting, non-fire response, protective clothing, and first aid. The
information in CAMEO Chemicals comes from a variety of
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Isolation and Evacuation
Excerpt from ERG Guide 135 [Substances - Spontaneously Combustible]:
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.
SPILL: See ERG Table 1 - Initial Isolation and Protective Action Distances on the UN/NA 1384 datasheet.
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. (ERG, 2020)
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.
SPILL: See ERG Table 1 - Initial Isolation and Protective Action Distances on the UN/NA 1384 datasheet.
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. (ERG, 2020)
Firefighting
Excerpt from ERG Guide 135 [Substances - Spontaneously Combustible]:
DO NOT USE WATER, CO2 OR FOAM ON MATERIAL ITSELF. Some of these materials may react violently with water. CAUTION: For Xanthates, UN3342 and for Dithionite (Hydrosulfite/Hydrosulphite) UN1384, UN1923 and UN1929, USE FLOODING AMOUNTS OF WATER for SMALL AND LARGE fires to stop the reaction. Smothering will not work for these materials, they do not need air to burn.
SMALL FIRE: Dry chemical, soda ash, lime or DRY sand, EXCEPT for UN1384, UN1923, UN1929 and UN3342.
LARGE FIRE: DRY sand, dry chemical, soda ash or lime EXCEPT for UN1384, UN1923, UN1929 and UN3342, or withdraw from area and let fire burn. CAUTION: UN3342 when flooded with water will continue to evolve flammable Carbon disulfide/Carbon disulphide vapors. 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. Do not get water inside containers or in contact with substance. Cool containers with flooding quantities of water until well after fire is out. Withdraw immediately in case of rising sound from venting safety devices or discoloration of tank. ALWAYS stay away from tanks engulfed in fire. (ERG, 2020)
DO NOT USE WATER, CO2 OR FOAM ON MATERIAL ITSELF. Some of these materials may react violently with water. CAUTION: For Xanthates, UN3342 and for Dithionite (Hydrosulfite/Hydrosulphite) UN1384, UN1923 and UN1929, USE FLOODING AMOUNTS OF WATER for SMALL AND LARGE fires to stop the reaction. Smothering will not work for these materials, they do not need air to burn.
SMALL FIRE: Dry chemical, soda ash, lime or DRY sand, EXCEPT for UN1384, UN1923, UN1929 and UN3342.
LARGE FIRE: DRY sand, dry chemical, soda ash or lime EXCEPT for UN1384, UN1923, UN1929 and UN3342, or withdraw from area and let fire burn. CAUTION: UN3342 when flooded with water will continue to evolve flammable Carbon disulfide/Carbon disulphide vapors. 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. Do not get water inside containers or in contact with substance. Cool containers with flooding quantities of water until well after fire is out. Withdraw immediately in case of rising sound from venting safety devices or discoloration of tank. ALWAYS stay away from tanks engulfed in fire. (ERG, 2020)
Non-Fire Response
Excerpt from ERG Guide 135 [Substances - Spontaneously Combustible]:
ELIMINATE all ignition sources (no smoking, flares, sparks or flames) from immediate area. Do not touch or walk through spilled material. Stop leak if you can do it without risk.
SMALL SPILL: CAUTION: For spills of Xanthates, UN3342 and for Dithionite (Hydrosulfite/Hydrosulphite), UN1384, UN1923 and UN1929, dissolve in 5 parts water and collect for proper disposal. CAUTION: UN3342 when flooded with water will continue to evolve flammable Carbon disulfide/Carbon disulphide vapors. Cover with DRY earth, DRY sand or other non-combustible material followed with plastic sheet to minimize spreading or contact with rain. Use clean, non-sparking tools to collect material and place it into loosely covered plastic containers for later disposal. Prevent entry into waterways, sewers, basements or confined areas. (ERG, 2020)
ELIMINATE all ignition sources (no smoking, flares, sparks or flames) from immediate area. Do not touch or walk through spilled material. Stop leak if you can do it without risk.
SMALL SPILL: CAUTION: For spills of Xanthates, UN3342 and for Dithionite (Hydrosulfite/Hydrosulphite), UN1384, UN1923 and UN1929, dissolve in 5 parts water and collect for proper disposal. CAUTION: UN3342 when flooded with water will continue to evolve flammable Carbon disulfide/Carbon disulphide vapors. Cover with DRY earth, DRY sand or other non-combustible material followed with plastic sheet to minimize spreading or contact with rain. Use clean, non-sparking tools to collect material and place it into loosely covered plastic containers for later disposal. Prevent entry into waterways, sewers, basements or confined areas. (ERG, 2020)
Protective Clothing
Excerpt from ERG Guide 135 [Substances - Spontaneously Combustible]:
Wear positive pressure self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA). Wear chemical protective clothing that is specifically recommended by the manufacturer when there is NO RISK OF FIRE. Structural firefighters' protective clothing provides thermal protection but only limited chemical protection. (ERG, 2020)
Wear positive pressure self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA). Wear chemical protective clothing that is specifically recommended by the manufacturer when there is NO RISK OF FIRE. Structural firefighters' protective clothing provides thermal protection but only limited chemical protection. (ERG, 2020)
DuPont Tychem® Suit Fabrics
No information available.
First Aid
Excerpt from ERG Guide 135 [Substances - Spontaneously Combustible]:
Call 911 or emergency medical service. Ensure that medical personnel are aware of the material(s) involved and take precautions to protect themselves. Move victim to fresh air if it can be done safely. Give artificial respiration if victim is not breathing. Administer oxygen if breathing is difficult. Remove and isolate contaminated clothing and shoes. In case of contact with substance, immediately flush skin or eyes with running water for at least 20 minutes. Keep victim calm and warm. (ERG, 2020)
Call 911 or emergency medical service. Ensure that medical personnel are aware of the material(s) involved and take precautions to protect themselves. Move victim to fresh air if it can be done safely. Give artificial respiration if victim is not breathing. Administer oxygen if breathing is difficult. Remove and isolate contaminated clothing and shoes. In case of contact with substance, immediately flush skin or eyes with running water for at least 20 minutes. Keep victim calm and warm. (ERG, 2020)
Physical Properties
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The
Physical Property fields
include properties such as vapor pressure and
boiling point, as well as explosive limits and
toxic exposure thresholds
The information in CAMEO Chemicals comes from a variety of
data sources.
Note: For Vapor Density and Specific Gravity, comparing the value to 1.0 can tell you if the chemical will likely sink/rise in air or sink/float in fresh water (respectively). Short phrases have been added to those values below as an aid. However, make sure to also consider the circumstances of a release. The Vapor Density comparisons are only valid when the gas escaping is at the same temperature as the surrounding air itself. If the chemical is escaping from a container where it was pressurized or refrigerated, it may first escape and behave as a heavy gas and sink in the air (even if it has a Vapor Density value less than 1). Also, the Specific Gravity comparisons are for fresh water (density 1.0 g/mL). If your spill is in salt water (density about 1.027 g/mL), you need to adjust the point of comparison. There are some chemicals that will sink in fresh water and float in salt water.
Note: For Vapor Density and Specific Gravity, comparing the value to 1.0 can tell you if the chemical will likely sink/rise in air or sink/float in fresh water (respectively). Short phrases have been added to those values below as an aid. However, make sure to also consider the circumstances of a release. The Vapor Density comparisons are only valid when the gas escaping is at the same temperature as the surrounding air itself. If the chemical is escaping from a container where it was pressurized or refrigerated, it may first escape and behave as a heavy gas and sink in the air (even if it has a Vapor Density value less than 1). Also, the Specific Gravity comparisons are for fresh water (density 1.0 g/mL). If your spill is in salt water (density about 1.027 g/mL), you need to adjust the point of comparison. There are some chemicals that will sink in fresh water and float in salt water.
| Chemical Formula: |
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Flash Point: data unavailable
Lower Explosive Limit (LEL): data unavailable
Upper Explosive Limit (UEL): data unavailable
Autoignition Temperature: data unavailable
Melting Point: data unavailable
Vapor Pressure: data unavailable
Vapor Density (Relative to Air): data unavailable
Specific Gravity: data unavailable
Boiling Point: data unavailable
Molecular Weight: data unavailable
Water Solubility: data unavailable
Ionization Energy/Potential: data unavailable
IDLH: data unavailable
AEGLs (Acute Exposure Guideline Levels)
No AEGL information available.ERPGs (Emergency Response Planning Guidelines)
No ERPG information available.PACs (Protective Action Criteria)
| Chemical | PAC-1 | PAC-2 | PAC-3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sodium hydrosulfite (7775-14-6) | 30 mg/m3 | 330 mg/m3 | 2000 mg/m3 |
(DOE, 2018)
Regulatory Information
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The
Regulatory Information fields
include information from
the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Title III Consolidated List of
Lists,
the U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency's Chemical Facility
Anti-Terrorism Standards,
and the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration's
Process Safety Management of Highly Hazardous Chemicals Standard List
(see more about these
data sources).
EPA Consolidated List of Lists
No regulatory information available.CISA Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards (CFATS)
| RELEASE | THEFT | SABOTAGE | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chemical of Interest | CAS Number | Min Conc | STQ | Security Issue |
Min Conc | STQ | Security Issue |
Min Conc | STQ | Security Issue |
| Sodium hydrosulfite; [Sodium dithionite] | 7775-14-6 | ACG | APA | sabotage/ contamination | ||||||
- ACG = a commercial grade.
- APA = a placarded amount.
(CISA, 2007)
OSHA Process Safety Management (PSM) Standard List
No regulatory information available.Alternate Chemical Names
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This section provides a listing of alternate names for this chemical,
including trade names and synonyms.
- BLANKIT
- BLANKIT IN
- BURMOL
- DISODIUM DITHIONITE
- DISODIUM HYDROSULFITE
- HYDROS
- HYDROSULFITE R CONC
- SODIUM DITHIONITE
- SODIUM DITHIONITE (NA2(S2O4))
- SODIUM DITHIONITE (NA2S2O4)
- SODIUM HYDROSULFITE
- SODIUM HYDROSULFITE (NA2S2O4)
- SODIUM HYDROSULPHITE
- V-BRITE B
- VATROLITE
Web site owner:
Office of Response and Restoration
,
National Ocean Service,
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
USA.gov.
CAMEO Chemicals version 3.0.0.