| GHS classification | DangerH318: Causes serious eye damage [Danger Serious eye damage/eye irritation]P264+P265, P273, P280, P305+P354+P338, P317, and P501 (click each P-code to see the statement)This chemical does not meet GHS hazard criteria for 89.2% (1840 of 2063) of all reports.WarningH319 (10.8%): Causes serious eye irritation [Warning Serious eye damage/eye irritation] |
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| Regulatory information | Chemical: Sodium chloride (NaCl)Chemical: Halite (NaCl)Regulation (EC) No 1935/2004 (amended)Sodium chloride (NaCl) is listed on the EPA's Chemical Data Reporting (CDR) system. Manufacturers and importers of Sodium chloride (NaCl) are required to report information about their production and use of this chemical to the EPA under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA). (40 eCFR Part 711)2004/129/EC, Reg. (EU) 2017/1529, Reg. (EU) 2021/556Status: Active Update: 29-03-2023 https://echa.europa.eu/registration-dossier/-/registered-dossier/15467 |
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| Other safety information | IMAP assessments - Sodium chloride (NaCl): Human health tier I assessmentIMAP assessments - Halite (NaCl): Human health tier I assessment |
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| Hazards summary | An eye irritantToxic after ingestion of large amounts[CAMEO] |
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| FDA requirements | The Approved Drug Products with Therapeutic Equivalence Evaluations identifies currently marketed prescription and over-the-counter drug products, including sodium chloride, approved on the basis of safety and effectiveness by FDA under sections 505 of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act.Drug products containing certain active ingredients offered over-the-counter (OTC) for certain uses. A number of active ingredients have been present in OTC drug products for various uses, as described below. However, based on evidence currently available, there are inadequate data to establish general recognition of the safety and effectiveness of these ingredients for the specified uses: sodium chloride is included in digestive aid drug products.Drug products containing certain active ingredients offered over-the-counter (OTC) for certain uses. A number of active ingredients have been present in OTC drug products for various uses, as described below. However, based on evidence currently available, there are inadequate data to establish general recognition of the safety and effectiveness of these ingredients for the specified uses: sodium chloride is included in weight control drug products. |
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| Special Reports | USEPA/Office of Prevention, Pesticides and Toxic SubstancesReregistration Eligibility Decision Document - Inorganic Halides (September 1993). The RED summarizes the risk assessment conclusions and outlines any risk reduction measures necessary for the pesticide to continue to be registered in the U.S.[Available from, as of February 18, 2014: http://www.epa.gov/pesticides/reregistration/status.htm]MacGregor GASalt and Hypertension. Br J Clin Pharmacol 21 (Suppl 2): 123S-8S (1986). The effectiveness of short term salt restriction in lowering blood pressure in adults appears to be related to the severity of the high blood pressure and, probably more directly, to the suppression of the renin system that occurs as blood pressure rises. |
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| EPA Safer Chemical | Chemical: Sodium chloride |
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| FIFRA requirements | Unless specifically excluded, residues resulting from the use of the following substances as either an inert or an active ingredient in a pesticide chemical formulation, including antimicrobial pesticide chemicals, are exempted from the requirement of a tolerance under FFDCA section 408, if such use is in accordance with good agricultural or manufacturing practices. Sodium chloride is included on this list.The Agency has determined that ... sodium chloride products, labeled and used as specified in this Reregistration Eligibility Decision document will not pose unreasonable risks or adverse effects to humans or the environment. Although the Agency has found that all uses of ... sodium chloride are eligible for reregistration, it should be understood that the Agency amy take appropriate regulatory action, and/or require the submission of additional data to support the registration of products containing sodium bromide and sodium chloride, if new information comes to the Agency's attention of if the data requirements for registration (or the guidelines for generating such data) change.As the federal pesticide law FIFRA directs, EPA is conducting a comprehensive review of older pesticides to consider their health and environmental effects and make decisions about their continued use. Under this pesticide reregistration program, EPA examines newer health and safety data for pesticide active ingredients initially registered before November 1, 1984, and determines whether the use of the pesticide does not pose unreasonable risk in accordance to newer saftey standards, such as those described in the Food Quality Protection Act of 1996. Pesticides for which EPA had not issued Registration Standards prior to the effective date of FIFRA '88 were divided into three lists based upon their potential for human exposure and other factors, with List B containing pesticides of greater concern than those on List C, and with List C containing pesticides of greater concern than those on List D. Sodium chloride is found on List D. Case No: 4051Pesticide type: Insecticide (molluscicide), fungicide, herbicide, and antimicrobiolCase Status: RED Approved 09/93OPP has made a decision that some/all uses of the pesticide are eligible for reregistration, as reflected in a Reregistration Eligibility Decision (RED) document.Active ingredient (AI): Sodium chlorideAI Status: OPP has completed a Reregistration Eligibility Decision (RED) document for the case/AI. |
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| History and Incidents | Accidental substitution of sodium chloride for lactose in baby formulas has caused fatal poisoning. |
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| Toxic Combustion Products | Special hazards arising from the substance or mixture: Hydrogen chloride gas, Sodium oxides. |
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| Hazard Classes and Categories | Eye Irrit. 2 (10.8%)Eye Dam. 1 |
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| State drinking water guidelines | (CA) CALIFORNIA 250,000 ug/L (Recommended)500,000 ug/L (Upper)Short-term 600000 ug/l /Chloride ion/ |
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| Federal drinking water guidelines | EPA 250,000 ug/L /Chloride ion/ |
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| Firefighting Hazards | ... Explosion /occurs when/ ... molten salt /eg, sodium chloride/ at 1100 °C in accidental contact with water ... |
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| Fire fighting procedures | Suitable extinguishing media: Use water spray, alcohol-resistant foam, dry chemical or carbon dioxide. Advice for firefighters: Wear self contained breathing apparatus for fire fighting if necessary. |
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| Storage conditions | Bacteriostatic sodium chloride injections should be protected from freezing.Keep container tightly closed in a dry and well-ventilated place. |
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| Cleanup methods | Personal precautions, protective equipment and emergency procedures: Avoid dust formation. Avoid breathing vapors, mist or gas. Environmental precautions: Do not let product enter drains. Methods and materials for containment and cleaning up: Sweep up and shovel. Keep in suitable, closed containers for disposal. |
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| Disposal methods | SRP: The most favorable course of action is to use an alternative chemical product with less inherent propensity for occupational harm/injury/toxicity or environmental contamination. Recycle any unused portion of the material for its approved use or return it to the manufacturer or supplier. Ultimate disposal of the chemical must consider: the material's impact on air qualitypotential migration in soil or watereffects on animal and plant lifeand conformance with environmental and public health regulations.Product: Offer surplus and non-recyclable solutions to a licensed disposal company. Contaminated packaging: Dispose of as unused product. |
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| Preventive Measures | Provide appropriate exhaust ventilation at places where dust is formed.SRP: The scientific literature for the use of contact lenses by industrial workers is inconsistent. The benefits or detrimental effects of wearing contact lenses depend not only upon the substance, but also on factors including the form of the substance, characteristics and duration of the exposure, the uses of other eye protection equipment, and the hygiene of the lenses. However, there may be individual substances whose irritating or corrosive properties are such that the wearing of contact lenses would be harmful to the eye. In those specific cases, contact lenses should not be worn. In any event, the usual eye protection equipment should be worn even when contact lenses are in place.Gloves must be inspected prior to use. Use proper glove removal technique (without touching glove's outer surface) to avoid skin contact with this product. Dispose of contaminated gloves after use in accordance with applicable laws and good laboratory practices. Wash and dry hands.Control of environmental exposure: Do not let product enter drains. |
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| Allowable Tolerances | Unless specifically excluded, residues resulting from the use of the following substances as either an inert or an active ingredient in a pesticide chemical formulation, including antimicrobial pesticide chemicals, are exempted from the requirement of a tolerance under FFDCA section 408, if such use is in accordance with good agricultural or manufacturing practices. Sodium chloride is included on this list. |
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| Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) | Skin protection: Handle with gloves.Eye/face protection: Use equipment for eye protection tested and approved under appropriate government standards such as NIOSH (US) or EN 166(EU).Respiratory protection: Respiratory protection is not required. Where protection from nuisance levels of dusts are desired, use type N95 (US) or type P1 (EN 143) dust masks. Use respirators and components tested and approved under appropriate government standards such as NIOSH (US) or CEN (EU).Body Protection: Choose body protection in relation to its type, to the concentration and amount of dangerous substances, and to the specific work-place., The type of protective equipment must be selected according to the concentration and amount of the dangerous substance at the specific workplace. |
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| Interactions | The excretion of lithium appears to be proportional to the intake of sodium chloride. Patients on salt-restricted diets who receive lithium carbonate are prone to the development of lithium toxicity. Increasing sodium intake has been associated with reduced therapeutic response to lithium as well as a decrease in side effects. Large doses of sodium chloride increase lithium excretion and have been recommended by some for the treatment of lithium intoxication./LABORATORY ANIMALS: Chronic Exposure or Carcinogenicity/ Effects were studied of sodium chloride on production of gastric carcinomas by 4-nitroquinoline-1-oxide in male Wistar rats. NaCl given alone had no apparent carcinogenicity but when admin with 4-nitroquinoline-1-oxide it enhanced carcinogenic effects in stomach.Effects were studied of sodium chloride on production of gastric carcinomas by 4-nitroquinoline-1-oxide in male Wistar rats. NaCl given alone had no apparent carcinogenicity but when admin with 4-nitroquinoline-1-oxide it enhanced carcinogenic effects in stomach.IV administration of terbutaline at a rate of 5-20 microgram/minute (ug/min) has been reported to inhibit uterine activity initiated by intra-amniotic instillation of 20% sodium chloride. Indomethacin, in doses of 25 mg orally every 6 hours for 8 doses beginning 4-6 hours after intra-amniotic instillation of sodium chloride, has been reported to increase the time interval between intra-amniotic administration of hypertonic sodium chloride and abortion.For more Interactions (Complete) data for SODIUM CHLORIDE (6 total), please visit the HSDB record page. |
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| Health effects | Too much or too little salt in the diet can lead to muscle cramps, dizziness, or electrolyte disturbance, which can cause neurological problems, or eveb death. Death can occur by ingestion of large amounts of salt in a short time (about 1 g per kg of body weight). Deaths have also resulted from attempted use of salt solutions as emetics, forced salt intake, and accidental confusion of salt with sugar in child food. Long term or chronically excessive intake of salt can lead to stroke, high blood pressure, left ventricular hypertrophy and stomach cancer. |
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| Ecotoxicity values | LC50Species: Ceriodaphnia dubia (Water flea)Conditions: freshwater, renewal, temp 25.6-26.8 °C, pH 8.4 (8.3-8.5), hardness 102 mg/L CaCO3 (94-104 mg/L), salinity <1 ppt, alkalinity 80 mg/L CaCO3 (75-87 mg/L), conductivity 493 umhos/cm (460-550 umhos/cm), dissolved oxygen 8.6 mg/L (8.3-9.6 mg/L)Concentration: ~ 2000 mg/L for 192 hr /total/EC50Conditions: freshwaterConcentration: 2122.55 mg/L (95% confidence limit: 1493 to 2644 mg/L) for 48 hrEffect: intoxication, immobilization /total/Conditions: freshwater, renewalConcentration: 280000 ug/L for 7 day /total/Conditions: freshwater, staticConcentration: 1960000 ug/L (95% confidence limit: 1770000 to 2330000 ug/L) for 48 hr /total/For more Ecotoxicity Values (Complete) data for SODIUM CHLORIDE (45 total), please visit the HSDB record page. |
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| Adverse effects | The use of normal saline can contribute to iatrogenic fluid overload. This complication is particularly concerning in patients with impaired kidney function, such as acute kidney injury and chronic kidney disease. In these populations, IV fluids should be administered judiciously. |
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| Toxicity summary | Signs and Symptoms of OverdoseA high salt diet disrupts the natural sodium balance in the body. This causes fluid retention which increases the pressure exerted by the blood against blood vessel walls leading to high blood pressure or hypertension. It has been estimated that a reduction in salt intake from 10g a day to 6g could reduce blood pressure sufficiently that it would lead to a 16% reduction in deaths from strokes and a 12% reduction in deaths from coronary heart disease. |
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| Average Daily Intake | Most of the world's population chooses to consume approximately 6,000 to 11,000 mg of sodium chloride a day. The average daily sodium intake form all sources is 3,450 mg (8,770 mg sodium chloride). The GRAS review of the FDA publishes the amount of naturally occurring sodium in the American diet as 1,000 to 1,500 mg/day, equivalent to the amount of sodium in approximately 2,500 to 3,800 mg sodium chloride. The average daily intake of sodium chloride from food-grade salt used in food processing and from salt added to cooking and at the table is from 4,960 to 6,230 mg sodium chloride. Salt is a requirement in the diet. The safe and adequate intake for adults is reported as 1,875 to 5,625 mg. The National Academies recommends that Americans consume a minimum of 500 mg/day of sodium to maintain good health(1). |
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| Ecotoxicity excerpts | /BIRDS and MAMMALS/ In the field the possibility of birds dying from salt intoxication depends to a large extent on the form in which the salt has been ingested ... Birds appear to be susceptible to relatively small doses in their drinking water, concentrations as low as 0.54% causing serious mortality in day old chicks. The maximum safe level is of the order of 0.25%./BIRDS and MAMMALS/ The use of sodium chloride as a deicing agent on roads is believed to intoxicate passerine birds./AQUATIC SPECIES/ This study presents a preliminary evaluation of the use of the Brazilian fish Cynopoecilus melanotaenia as a test organism in toxicity tests. The cryptobiotic stage presented by the eggs of fish C. melanotaenia can overcome the difficulty of continuously keeping cultures and recruiting healthy animals in sufficient numbers to be used in toxicity tests. In order to determine the applicability of this species as a test organism, three different reference substances were evaluated in 96-hr acute toxicity tests: Copper sulfate (CuSO4 x 5H2O), sodium dodecil sulfate (C12H25NaO4S), and sodium chloride (NaCl). Sensitivity ranged as follows: copper sulfate (0.05-0.13 mg/L), sodium dodecil sulfate (10.7-19.0 mg/L), and sodium chloride (1.44-1.96 g/L) .../AQUATIC SPECIES/ Field and laboratory experiments were conducted to examine the effects of road salt (NaCI) on stream macroinvertebrates. Field studies investigated leaf litter processing rates and functional feeding group composition at locations upstream and downstream from point source salt inputs in two Michigan, USA streams. Laboratory studies determined the effects of increasing NaCl concentrations on aquatic invertebrate drift, behavior, and survival. Field studies revealed that leaves were processed faster at upstream reference sites than at locations downstream from road salt point source inputs. However, it was sediment loading that resulted in partial or complete burial of leaf packs, that affected invertebrate activity and confounded normal leaf pack colonization. There were no significant differences that could be attributed to road salt between upstream and downstream locations in the diversity and composition of invertebrate functional feeding groups. Laboratory drift and acute exposure studies demonstrated that drift of Gammarus (Amphipoda) may be affected by NaCl at concentrations greater than 5000 mg/L for a 24-hr period. This amphipod and two species of limnephilid caddisflies exhibited a dose response to salt treatments with 96-hr LC50 values of 7700 and 3526 mg NaCl/L, respectively. Most other invertebrate species and individuals were unaffected by NaCl concentrations up to 10,000 mg/L for 24 and 96 hr, respectively. |
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| Signs and Symptoms | Acute salt overdoses can lead to muscle cramps, dizziness or neurological conditions. |
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| Ongoing Test Status | The following link will take the user to the National Toxicology Program (NTP) Test Agent Search Results page, which tabulates all of the "Standard Toxicology & Carcinogenesis Studies", "Developmental Studies", and "Genetic Toxicity Studies" performed with this chemical. Clicking on the "Testing Status" link will take the user to the status (i.e., in review, in progress, in preparation, on test, completed, etc.) and results of all the studies that the NTP has done on this chemical.[Available from, as of February 18, 2014: http://ntp-apps.niehs.nih.gov/ntp_tox/index.cfm?fuseaction=ntpsearch.searchresults&searchterm=7647-14-5] |
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| Natural Pollution Sources | Sodium chloride, commonly known as salt, table salt, and sea salt, is abundant in nature(1).Ocean water: 2.6% concentrationdeposits in central New York, southern Michigan, Gulf Coast, Great Salt Lake, Newfoundland.Sodium chloride occurs in nature as the mineral halite.In the Western hemisphere, there are 10 principal salt beds: (1) the Maritime provinces of eastern Canada(2) Appalachian (New York, Ohio, and Ontario)(3) Michigan (Michigan and Ontario)(4) Williston (North and South Dakota, Montana, and Saskatchewan)(5) Alberta (northern and eastern Alberta)(6) Mackenzie (Northwest Territories)(7) Permian (west Texas, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Kansas)(8) Paradox (southeast Utah and southwest Colorado)(9) Supai (New Mexico and Arizona)and (10) the Gulf region (southern United States, eastern Mexico, and Cuba... These bedded deposits are found with layers of halite separated by layers of anhydrite (calcium sulfate). Other mineral impurities that have been identified in salt formations include shale, iron pyrites, and silica. |
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| Human Toxicity Excerpts | /SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS/ The oral ingestion of larger quantities of sodium chloride, eg 1000 g in 600 mL of water, is harmful and can induce irritation of the gastrointestinal tract, vomiting, hypernatremia, respiratory distress, convulsions, and death./SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS/ The GI effects of oral salt administration include swollen tongue, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and thirst. Neurologic effects include thirst, irritability,weakness, headache, convulsions, and coma. Cerebral edema may occur, and muscle tremors may be noted. Cardiovascular manifestations of acute hypernatremia include both hypertension and hypotension. Tachycardia, cardiac failure, and peripheral edema may develop. Pulmonary edema and respiratory arrest may occur./SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS/ Sodium chloride at concentrations much above that in tears causes a stinging sensation on contact with the eye. Solutions up to 10% do not alter the permeability of the corneal epithelium, but solutions more dilute than 0.9% sodium chloride cause increased permeability./SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS/ Hypertonic salt solutions can produce ... a distinctive microscopic lesion of the kidney ... parenchymatous dehydration produces a shrinking which is most conspicuous in the convoluted tubules of the renal cortex. Some experimental evidence suggests that similar hypernatremic syndromes may be produced with normal salt diets if water intake is restricted.For more Human Toxicity Excerpts (Complete) data for SODIUM CHLORIDE (19 total), please visit the HSDB record page. |
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| Carcinogen Classification | Not listed by IARC. |
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