Sodium chlorite is a chemical compound containing salt and chlorine and has been used in a variety of industrial and medical applications. Sodium chlorite is primarily used in the manufacturing of paper goods, but can also be found in water treatment plants as a neutralizing agent. Sodium chlorite can be combined with zinc chloride to create a compound used in mouthwash, toothpaste, mouth sprays, eye drops and contact lens cleaning solutions. Sodium chlorite is not meant to be ingested, because of its high toxicity. If you have ingested sodium chlorite, seek medical attention immediately or contact poison control.
Toxicity Level
Sodium chlorite acts as a strong oxidant and can cause similar side effects to that of sodium chlorate, a similar chemical compound. Even trace amounts of sodium chlorite can cause side effects; therefore, there is no tolerable limit set for sodium chlorite ingestion. A dose as little as 1 g can cause mild to severe side effects, and a dose 10 g to 15 g may be lethal.
Powder Exposure
According to the "Pesticides Database," exposure to sodium chlorite powder or dust may initially cause irritation to your throat, causing coughing and soreness. If sodium chlorite powder directly contacts your skin or eyes, it may cause redness and pain. Ingesting even small amounts of sodium chlorite powder can cause abdominal pain and vomiting. It is also important to note that sodium chlorite powder is shock-sensitive and is highly flammable; therefore, extreme care must be taken when handling sodium chlorite powder.
Renal Failure
Ingesting sodium chlorite may cause renal failure. When sodium chlorite is ingested, your body identifies it as a toxin and will attempt to remove it from your body through your renal system, which includes your kidneys, bladder and urinary tract. Because of the high toxicity of sodium chlorite, excess oxidative stress is placed on the soft tissues and cells that make up your renal system, causing potentially serious kidney and bladder damage, and even kidney failure. According to the Mayo Clinic, symptoms of renal failure include vomiting, diarrhea, decreased urination, abdominal pressure, chest pain, excessive body swelling, shortness of breath and fatigue.
Other Precautions
According to the book, "Goldfrank's Toxicologic Emergencies," exposure to sodium chlorite may cause methemoglobinemia and hemolysis. Methemoglobinemia is a blood disorder that causes an abnormal amount of hemoglobin to build up in your blood, causing a discoloration of your skin, headache, fatigue, shortness of breath and seizures. Hemolysis is a breakdown of red blood cells, potentially causing a low red blood cell count, or anemia, which can cause chest pain, dizziness, fatigue, headaches, difficulty concentrating, shortness of breath, pale skin, rapid heart rate and heart murmur.
References
- "Goldfrank's Toxicologic Emergencies, Eighth Edition"; Neal Flomenbaum, Lewis Goldfrank, Robert Hoffman, Mary Ann Howland, Neal Lewin, and Lewis Nelson; 2006
- PesticideInfo.org: Sodium Chlorite
- The Mayo Clinic; Acute Kidney Failure; 2010
- Pub Med Health; Anemia; 2011
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