Sodium hypochloriteformula

Prepared by an international group of experts on behalf of ILO and WHO, with the financial assistance of the European Commission. © ILO and WHO 2021

Sodium hypochloritevs bleach

Formula: NaClO Molecular mass: 74.4 Melting point: -30 - -20°C Relative density (water = 1): 1.21 (14% aqueous solution)Density (at 20°C): 1.20 - 1.25 g/mlVapour pressure, kPa at 20°C: 2 - 2.5 Solubility in water, g/l at 20°C: 293 (good)

Physical State; Appearance CLEAR SLIGHTLY YELLOW SOLUTION WITH CHARACTERISTIC ODOUR.  Physical dangers   Chemical dangers Decomposes on heating and on contact with acids. Decomposes under the influence of light. This produces toxic and corrosive gases including chlorine (see ICSC 0126). The substance is a strong oxidant. It reacts violently with combustible and reducing materials. This generates fire and explosion hazard. The solution in water is a strong base. It reacts violently with acid and is corrosive. Attacks copper and its compounds and light metals.

Effects of short-term exposure The substance is corrosive to the eyes, skin, respiratory tract and digestive tract. Inhalation may cause lung oedema, but only after initial corrosive effects on eyes and/or airways have become manifest. The effects may be delayed. Medical observation is indicated. See Notes.

Sodium Hypochloritepowder

Physical dangers   Chemical dangers Decomposes on heating and on contact with acids. Decomposes under the influence of light. This produces toxic and corrosive gases including chlorine (see ICSC 0126). The substance is a strong oxidant. It reacts violently with combustible and reducing materials. This generates fire and explosion hazard. The solution in water is a strong base. It reacts violently with acid and is corrosive. Attacks copper and its compounds and light metals.

Sodium hypochloriteuses

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Routes of exposure Serious local effects by all routes of exposure.  Effects of short-term exposure The substance is corrosive to the eyes, skin, respiratory tract and digestive tract. Inhalation may cause lung oedema, but only after initial corrosive effects on eyes and/or airways have become manifest. The effects may be delayed. Medical observation is indicated. See Notes.

Chemical dangers Decomposes on heating and on contact with acids. Decomposes under the influence of light. This produces toxic and corrosive gases including chlorine (see ICSC 0126). The substance is a strong oxidant. It reacts violently with combustible and reducing materials. This generates fire and explosion hazard. The solution in water is a strong base. It reacts violently with acid and is corrosive. Attacks copper and its compounds and light metals.

Inhalation risk No indication can be given about the rate at which a harmful concentration of this substance in the air is reached on evaporation at 20°C.  Effects of long-term or repeated exposure Repeated or prolonged contact with skin may cause dermatitis.