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Administrative data

Description of key information

The substance will quickly dissociate to sodium and carbonate ions in biological systems. 
Local irritation to respiratory tract may be felt and ingestion of large quantities may result in production of CO2 in contact with stomach acids.
These are not considered to be toxic effects.

Key value for chemical safety assessment

Additional information

The human information on acute toxicity of sodium bicarbonate has been described already on page 14 and 15 of the OECD SIDS dossier (2002). Please find hereafter the text:

There have been a number of cases where excessive ingestion has caused moderate to severe toxic effects. The most prevalent symptoms are excessive carbon dioxide production, metabolic alkalosis, cyanosis, hypernatraemia and diuresis (Brown, 1981; AMA, 1994). Although absorption of unneutralised NaHCO3is known to cause alkalosis (Goodman and Gilman, 1995), this acid-base disturbance is usually transient in individuals with normal renal function, as the base excess will rapidly be excreted. The urinary pH can, however, be elevated by up to 1 unit, affecting tubular reabsorption and urinary elimination of weak acids and bases (Goodman and Gilman, 1995). The minimum dose causing adverse effects will vary strongly according to age and health condition, but for antacid use it is inadvisable to ingest more than 4 grams/dose (Gosselin, 1976).

Justification for classification or non-classification