What Are the Effects of Sodium Silicate?

Sodium silicate does not have a definite crystalline form. It is not responsible for pulmonary silicosis, a lung disease caused by breathing silica particles.

Skin contact

Sodium silicate is caustic in powered form, but in solution it is a powerful irritant. Intense solution of sodium silicate can cause severe burns on skin, depending on the extent of exposure.

Inhalation

Liquid sodium silicate, a strong alkaline irritant, can inflict serious damage on the mucous membrane and upper respiratory tract if inhaled. Intentional or unintentional ingestion of sodium silicate solution could cause coughing, vomiting, nausea and headaches.

Eye contact

Sodium silicate can damage vision the same way a harmful caustic does. The tissues of the eyes are disrupted by severe irritation and inflammation, producing tears and considerable pain.

Aggravation of pre-existing conditions

People who have pre-existent skin disorders or defective respiratory systems are vulnerable to the harmful effects of sodium silicate.

Exfoliative dermatitis

According to the Journal of the American Medical Informatics Association, "Chronic sodium silicate exposure can lead to severe exfoliative dermatitis."

References

• Drinking water and health, Volume 4; Assembly of Life Sciences (U.S.), Safe Drinking Water Committee, National Research Council (U.S.), Commission on Life Sciences, Safe Drinking Water Committee - Medical, 1989
• Recognition of health hazards in industry: a review of materials and processes; William A. Burgess, 1995