WASHING SODA SOLUTION

TM 9-1300-275/2

Commercial or household bleach is normally a solution

Slurry can be used to decontaminate blister agents.

and is more stable than the solid form. Commercial

Apply the solution or slurry to the contaminated surface

solutions usually contain a 10 to 14-percent

and, after a 5-minute wait, flush off with water and test

concentration and household brands, a 3- to 6-percent

for any remaining contamination.

concentration.

3-6

WASHING SODA SOLUTION.

(Sodium

3-7.2 Packaging and Storage.

Carbonate).

Commercial or household bleach solution is usually

3-6.1 Composition.

packed in 1-quart or 1-gallon airtight containers. It is

3-6.1.1 Washing soda is a white powder with alkaline

stable when stored in a cool, dry place.

properties. Common names include soda ash, sal soda,

and laundry soda.

3-7.3 Safety Precautions.

3-6.1.2 Commercial grades may contain large amounts

3-7.3.1 Detection. In solid form, sodium hypochlorite

of sodium bicarbonate (baking soda).

has a disagreeable, sweet odor.

3-7.3.2 Protection. Sodium hypochlorite solution may

3-6.2 Packaging and Storage.

be handled without danger. However, it is a strong

Normally, washing soda is packed in 100-pound paper

bleaching agent and will damage fabrics, if not

sacks. It is stable in dry storage.

removed.

3-7.3.3 Decontamination. Flush with large amounts of

3-6.3 Safety Precautions.

water.

3-6.3.1 Detection. Washing soda is a white powder.

3-7.3.4 First-Aid. If the solution gets into the eyes,

3-6.3.2 Protection. Washing soda has no serious effect

wash them out with water.

on the skin or eyes, or on clothing. Do not breathe its

dust as it is irritating to the respiratory tract. No special

3-7.4 Preparation and Use.

protection is required, except when the soda is in the air

3-7.4.1 Normally, the commercial or household bleach

in dust form.

can be used in a full-strength solution.

3-6.3.3 Decontamination. Flush with large quantities of

3-7.4.2

The full-strength solution is an effective

water.

decontaminant for V-agents and blister agents, reacting

3-6.3.4 First-Aid. If washing soda solution or dust gets

within 5 minutes after contact with either agent.

into the eyes, wash them with water.

NOTE

Pure bleach will burn on contact with

3-6.4 Preparation and Use.

liquid blister agent.

3-6.4.1 A 10-percent solution is recommended. Mix 10

3-8 SUMMARY

pounds of soda with 12 gallons of water.

The instructions on recommended mixing and

3-6.4.2 This washing soda solution is an effective

application of the chemical decontaminants are

decontaminant for G-agents. It reacts within 5 minutes

summarized in Table 3 of Appendix A. To assist in the

after contact with the agent.

preparation of the recommended concentrations of the

chemical decontaminating solutions, a graph indicating

3-7

COMMERCIAL OR HOUSEHOLD BLEACH

pounds of decontaminant vs. gallons of water is

(Sodium Hypochlorite).

included as Table 4 of Appendix A.

3-7.1 Composition.