sodium hydrogen phosphate is an inorganic compound with the formula NaHPO4. It appears as white, odorless powder and is hygroscopic. It is soluble in water and in alcohols like ethanol, methanol and n-octanol. It is used as an emulsifier and buffer in foods and pharmaceuticals, a dietary supplement, as an anti-caking additive in powdered products, as a scale inhibitor in water treatment and as a reagent and buffer in analytical chemistry.
It is also used as a catalyst in the manufacturing of chemicals, metals, and fabricated metal products; in pulp, paper and paperboard, textile, leather or fur products and in fertilizers. It can be released to the environment from industrial use and accidental releases from spills, leaks or mishandling.
Health Hazards:
sodium hydrogen phosphate may cause irritation when it comes into contact with the skin. It can be absorbed into the body through inhalation. If ingested it may cause stomach upset, diarrhea, nausea and vomiting. It can also cause hypocalcemia and in extreme cases hyperphosphatemia, which may result in ectopic calcification. It may also stimulate general liver activities, thus it should be avoided by patients with renal function impairment.