Sodium carbonate, as an alkaline, can corrode and burn you if it touches your skin. If ingested, it can be toxic, and it can severely damage your eyes. Wear safety gloves at all times when working around this substance to prevent it getting on your hands. Goggles will prevent eye damage. Creighton University Medical Center states that the proper first aid procedure for eye contact as rinsing immediately with plenty of water. Seek medical attention as soon as possible. To prevent inhalation, waft any fumes away from you and never hold your face near dust or fumes. If dust spills, moisten it to prevent scattering.
According to the International Labor Organization, sodium carbonate transforms into a medium-strong base in water. Therefore, it will react violently with any acidic solution. Solvay Healthcare Inorganics gives the pH of aqueous (dissolved in water) sodium carbonate as 11.4. Acids and bases react by exchanging hydroxide or hydrogen ions to regain chemical equilibrium. Because of its high pH, sodium carbonate can react with most acids. Never combine it with fluorine or magnesium. These elements will create fire or an explosion. When neutralizing with acid, it releases carbon dioxide.