The Severe Dangers of Drinking Soda Ash (Sodium Carbonate)

January 11, 2026 •

2 min read

According to chemical safety data sheets, ingesting concentrated sodium carbonate, commonly known as soda ash, can cause severe internal burns and poisoning. Despite its name, this substance is a strong alkaline industrial chemical, and there are absolutely no legitimate health benefits of drinking soda ash.

Quick Summary

This article explores the significant health dangers associated with consuming sodium carbonate (soda ash), detailing its caustic nature, potential for severe injury, and proper industrial applications.

Key Points

Extremely Hazardous: Drinking soda ash (sodium carbonate) is highly dangerous and can cause severe internal burns and poisoning.
Industrial Chemical: Soda ash is used for manufacturing glass, detergents, and for water treatment, not for human consumption.
Not Baking Soda: Soda ash is a stronger, more caustic base than baking soda (sodium bicarbonate), despite their similar names.
Severe Symptoms: Ingestion can lead to severe pain, vomiting, diarrhea, breathing problems, and internal burns.
Medical Emergency: Accidental ingestion requires immediate medical attention; call poison control immediately.

Understanding the Hazards of Soda Ash

Soda ash, or sodium carbonate ($Na_2CO_3$), is a common inorganic chemical with extensive use in industries like glass manufacturing, water treatment, and detergent production. It is crucial to understand that it is distinct from baking soda (sodium bicarbonate, $NaHCO_3$). Ingestion of soda ash is extremely dangerous.

Acute Risks of Ingesting Sodium Carbonate

Soda ash is a potent base that causes caustic injuries upon ingestion, severely damaging the digestive tract.

Symptoms of swallowing soda ash include:

Severe pain (mouth, throat, chest, abdomen).
Throat swelling, potentially causing breathing problems.
Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
Chemical burns internally.
Low blood pressure, potentially leading to shock.

High doses can be lethal, requiring immediate medical help. Contact with stomach acid can also release gas, risking stomach rupture.

Immediate Actions for Accidental Ingestion

Immediate action is critical if soda ash is ingested:

Do NOT induce vomiting unless directed by a medical professional.
Call poison control or emergency services immediately.
If conscious and able to swallow, give water for dilution.
Provide emergency responders with details about the substance and amount.

Proper Industrial Applications of Sodium Carbonate

Soda ash is essential in industry due to its water-softening and alkalinity-regulating properties. It should never be consumed.

Common Industrial Uses:

Glass Manufacturing: Lowers silica's melting point.
Detergents: Acts as 'washing soda' to enhance cleaning.
Water Treatment: Adjusts water pH.
Chemical Synthesis: Raw material for other sodium compounds.
Food Additive: Used in minuscule, specific food-grade applications as a stabilizer, not for direct consumption.

Soda Ash vs. Baking Soda: A Critical Comparison

Confusing these chemicals is dangerous. The table highlights key differences.


Feature	Soda Ash (Sodium Carbonate)	Baking Soda (Sodium Bicarbonate)
Chemical Formula	$Na_2CO_3$	$NaHCO_3$
Common Name	Washing Soda, Soda Crystals	Baking Soda, Bicarbonate of Soda
Alkalinity	Stronger base (pH ~11.4)	Weaker base (pH ~8.3)
Human Ingestion	HIGHLY TOXIC; causes burns and poisoning	Safe in small, controlled doses
Common Use	Industrial (glass, detergents)	Culinary, cleaning, mild medicinal use
Health Risk	Severe internal burns, potential death	High doses can cause side effects

Conclusion: Safety First

There are no health benefits to drinking soda ash. It is a hazardous industrial chemical with caustic properties causing severe internal injury if ingested. Confusion with baking soda, a less alkaline substance with approved uses, is a risk. Always handle chemicals carefully, ensure proper labeling, and never consume anything not labeled for consumption. For poisoning, contact poison control or emergency services. For more on sodium carbonate poisoning, see MedlinePlus.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, soda ash (sodium carbonate) and baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) are not the same. While chemically related, soda ash is a much stronger and more caustic base, making it hazardous for ingestion.

If you accidentally drink soda ash, it can cause severe internal burns to your mouth, throat, esophagus, and stomach. Symptoms can include severe pain, vomiting, diarrhea, and breathing difficulties. You should call a poison control center immediately.

No, there are no health benefits to consuming sodium carbonate (soda ash). It is a dangerous industrial chemical that should not be ingested under any circumstances.

While small, controlled amounts of food-grade sodium carbonate may be used as a stabilizer or acidity regulator in certain processed foods, this is highly regulated and not for direct consumption as a beverage. It is added in minute quantities during manufacturing.

The only way to distinguish soda ash from similar-looking powders like baking soda is by checking the product label. It will clearly indicate 'sodium carbonate' or 'washing soda' and should include prominent hazard warnings and not be intended for consumption.

Yes, soda ash is safe for intended household uses like laundry and cleaning when proper safety precautions are followed. This includes avoiding direct contact with skin, eyes, and inhalation, and keeping the product away from children and pets.

For information on suspected soda ash poisoning, you should immediately contact your local emergency services or a poison control center. In the United States, the national toll-free Poison Help hotline is 1-800-222-1222.