What is Sodium Carbonate and its effects?

Answer 1

Sodium carbonate (also known as washing soda, soda crystals or soda ash), Na2CO3, is a sodium salt of carbonic acid. It most commonly occurs as a crystalline heptahydrate, which readily effloresces to form a white powder, the monohydrate; and is domestically well known for its everyday use as a water softener. It has a cooling alkaline taste, and can be extracted from the ashes of many plants. It is synthetically produced in large quantities from table salt in a process known as the Solvay process.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sodium_carbonate

Sodium carbonate is a white, crystalline and hygroscopic powder with a purity of > 98 %. There are

two forms of sodium carbonate available, light soda and dense soda. Impurities of sodium carbonate

may include water (< 1.5 %), sodium chloride (< 0.5 %), sulphate (< 0.1 %), calcium (< 0.1 %),

magnesium (< 0.1 %) and iron (< 0.004 %). The purity and the impurity profile depends on the

composition of the raw materials, the production process and the intended use of the product. For

example the purity of the pharmaceutical grade must be higher than 99.5 % in Europe

(Pharmacopée Européenne, 1996).

http://www.inchem.org/documents/SIDS/sids/Naco.pdf

EFFECTS:(chemistry) It prevents coalescing or to prevent formation or merginf of fats.

(medicine) side effects: Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Less serious side effects may include:

• nausea or vomiting;
• decreased appetite;
• constipation;
• dry mouth or increased thirst; or
• urinating more than usual
• http://www.drugs.com/mtm/calcium-carbonate.html

Answer 2

Sodium carbonate is a chemical compound commonly known as soda ash or washing soda. It is often used as a water softener and in cleaning products due to its alkaline properties. Inhaling or ingesting large amounts of sodium carbonate can be harmful, causing irritation to the respiratory and gastrointestinal tract.