Sodium Metasilicate Fact Sheet

Sodium metasilicate, used mainly in cleaning compounds, is a highly alkaline (has high a pH level) substance that is usually white, odorless, granular and free flowing. It is not a combustible material when stored at normal temperatures. Sodium metasilicates are water soluble in granular form.

Production

Sodium metasilicate is produced by combining caustic soda ash with liquid sodium silicate in a furnace. The resulting solution is then dried, which leaves the metasilicate.

Uses

Sodium metasilicates are used in a wide variety of cleaning products. While not a cleaning agent in and of itself, it does improve the performance of other cleaning agents.

Health Risks

Due to the high alkalinity of the raw form, exposure to sodium metasilicate can have a range of effects from mild irritation to the skin, eyes and lungs (if inhaled) up to and including chemical burns.

Environmental Impact

If released into water sources there is the potential for toxicity to aquatic life, although the risks lessen with greater dilution of the metasilicates. Sodium metasilicates will break down into a harmless dissolved silica form.

Safety

In order to avoid potential harm, it is best to wear protective gear, including goggles and gloves, whenever handling sodium metasilicate.

References

• Product Stewardship Summary Sodium Metasilicate
• The OxyChem Sodium Silicates Handbook