Sodium azide

RTECS #
VY8050000
CAS #
26628-22-8; 12136-89-9
See: NMAM or OSHA Methods
Updated
December 2018
Molecular Weight
65.02
Molecular Formula
N3Na
Synonyms
Azide, sodium
Azoture de sodium (French)
Azydek sodu (Polish)
Kazoe
Natriumazid (German)
Natriummazide (Dutch)
NCI-C06462
Nemazyd
NSC 3072
RCRA waste number P105
Smite
Sodium azide (ACGIH)
Sodium, azoture de (French)
Sodium, azoturo di (Italian)
U-3886

Mutation Data and Reference

System TestRoute/Organism/TissueDoseReference
DNA Damageleukocyte/human3 mmol/LMUREAV 468,93,2000
DNA Damagemammary gland/human5.2 mg/L/24H (-enzymatic activation step)MUREAV 588,47,2005
DNA inhibitionHeLa cell/human30 mmol/LCRNGDP 13,2389,1992
DNA inhibitionfibroblast/human50 mg/LSTBIBN 78,165,1980
DNA repair/Escherichia coli5 gm/LMUREAV 119,135,1983
Dominant Lethal Testoral/other insects100 mg/LEXPEAM 37,824,1981
heritable translocation testoral/other insects100 mg/LEXPEAM 37,824,1981
mutation in mammalian somatic cellsliver/rat1 mmol/LMUREAV 77,293,1980
mutation in mammalian somatic cellslymphocyte/mouse500 mg/L/2HMUREAV 59,61,1979
mutation in mammalian somatic cellslung/hamster1 mmol/LMUREAV 77,293,1980
mutation in microorganisms/Salmonella typhimurium1.5 µg/plate/44HFCTOD7 40,105,2002
mutation in microorganisms/Salmonella typhimurium1 µg/plate/3H (-enzymatic activation step)FCTOD7 40,1,2002
mutation in microorganisms/Salmonella typhimurium1 µg/plate/20M (-enzymatic activation step)MUREAV 494,41,2001
mutation in microorganisms/Salmonella typhimurium0.5 µg/plate/90M (-enzymatic activation step)MUREAV 490,45,2001
mutation in microorganisms/Salmonella typhimurium1 µg/plate/20M (+enzymatic activation step)EMMUEG 37,324,2001
mutation in microorganisms/Salmonella typhimurium1.5 µg/plate/24H (+/-enzymatic activation step)BECTA6 65,691,2000
mutation in microorganisms/Salmonella typhimurium1.5 µL/plate (-enzymatic activation step)VHTODE 42,77,2000
mutation in microorganisms/Salmonella typhimurium10 mg/L/48HMUREAV 520,161,2002
mutation in microorganisms/Escherichia coli10 µg/well/12HMUREAV 520,161,2002
mutation in microorganisms/Salmonella typhimurium1.5 µg/plate/2D (+/-enzymatic activation step)BECTA6 65,691,2000
mutation in microorganisms/Salmonella typhimurium20 mg/L/72H (-enzymatic activation step)EMMUEG 36,52,2000
mutation in microorganisms/Salmonella typhimurium0.01 mg/plate/3DMUREAV 521,19,2002
mutation in microorganisms/Salmonella typhimurium0.0025 mg/plate/45M (-enzymatic activation step)TCMUD8 22,285,2002
mutation in microorganismsmammary gland/Salmonella typhimurium5 µg/plate/48H (-enzymatic activation step)EMMUEG 41,43,2003
mutation in microorganisms/Salmonella typhimurium0.02 µmol/plate/72H (-enzymatic activation step)MUREAV 558,93,2004
mutation in microorganisms/Salmonella typhimurium1 µg/plate/24H (-enzymatic activation step)TCMUD8 23,137,2003
mutation in microorganismsembryo/Salmonella typhimurium0.5 µg/plate/72H (-enzymatic activation step)MUREAV 561,101,2004
mutation in microorganisms/Escherichia coli5 µg/plate/48HMUTAEX 15,317,2000
mutation in microorganisms/Salmonella typhimurium0.1 gm/L (+enzymatic activation step)DCTODJ 27,157,2004
mutation in microorganisms/Salmonella typhimurium0.1 gm/L (-enzymatic activation step)DCTODJ 27,157,2004
mutation in microorganisms/Salmonella typhimurium440 nmol/L/48H (-enzymatic activation step)ARTODN 77,298,2003
mutation in microorganisms/Salmonella typhimurium160 mg/L/2H (-enzymatic activation step)MUREAV 578,210,2005
mutation in microorganisms/Salmonella typhimurium90 mg/L/2H (+enzymatic activation step)MUREAV 578,210,2005
mutation in microorganisms/Salmonella typhimurium0.15 µmol/plate/73H (-enzymatic activation step)MUREAV 629,122,2007
mutation in microorganisms/Saccharomyes cerevisiae0.66 mg/L/16HMUTAEX 20,105,2004
mutation in microorganisms/Saccharomyes cerevisiae2.5 mg/L/18H (+/-enzymatic activation step)MUREAV 653,63,2008
mutation in microorganisms/Salmonella typhimurium1.25 µg/plate/30M (-enzymatic activation step)CPBTAL 55,1635,2007
mutation in microorganisms/Salmonella typhimurium0.25 µg/plate/2D (-enzymatic activation step)JTSCDR 33,621,2008
mutation in microorganisms/Salmonella typhimurium0.5 µg/plate/72H (-enzymatic activation step)FCTOD7 48,3481,2010
mutation in microorganisms/Salmonella typhimurium0.5 µg/plate/48H (-enzymatic activation step)FCTOD7 50,790,2012
mutation in microorganisms/Escherichia coli0.02 µg/plate (-enzymatic activation step)MUREAV 782,1,2015
mutation in microorganisms/Salmonella typhimurium0.1 µg/plate (-enzymatic activation step)MUREAV 782,1,2015
mutation in microorganisms/Salmonella typhimurium0.8 µg/plate/3D (-enzymatic activation step)MUREAV 782,9,2015
mutation in microorganisms/Salmonella typhimurium0.5 µg/plateJOETD7 148,99,2013
mutation in microorganisms/Salmonella typhimurium1.5 mg/L/48H (-enzymatic activation step)MUREAV 810,1,2016
mutation in microorganisms/Salmonella typhimurium5 µg/plate/66H (+enzymatic activation step)JOETD7 192,302,2016
mutation in microorganisms/Salmonella typhimurium5 µg/plate/66H (-enzymatic activation step)JOETD7 192,302,2016
mutation in microorganisms/Salmonella typhimurium0.38 mg/LFCTOD7 111,393,2018
mutation in microorganisms/Salmonella typhimurium0.5 µg/plate/48HFCTOD7 113,218,2018
mutation in microorganisms/Salmonella typhimurium1.6 mg/L/65H (-enzymatic activation step)EMMUEG 57,687,2016
mutation in microorganisms/Other microorganisms600 ppm (-enzymatic activation step)POASAD 34,114,1953
mutation in microorganisms/Salmonella typhimurium30 ng/plate (+enzymatic activation step)ENMUDM 9(Suppl 9),1,1987
mutation in microorganisms/Escherichia coli150 nmol/L (-enzymatic activation step)ENMUDM 3,11,1981
mutation in microorganisms/Escherichia coli33300 ng/plate (+enzymatic activation step)ENMUDM 6(Suppl 2),1,1984
mutation in microorganisms/Euglena gracilis5 mg/L (-enzymatic activation step)TCMUD8 5,329,1985
phage inhibition capacity/Escherichia coli1100 ng/wellMUREAV 260,349,1991
specific locus testoral/Drosophila melanogaster500 µmol/LMUREAV 389,157,1997

Reproductive Effects Data and References

Route/OrganismDoseEffectReference
oral/rat 177.5 mg/kg (6-19D pregnant)Reproductive: Effects on embryo or fetus: Fetotoxicity (except death, e.g., stunted fetus)RTOPDW 52,158,2008

Tumorigenic Data and References

Route/OrganismDoseEffectReference
oral/rat lowest published toxic dose: 2730 mg/kg/78W- continuousTumorigenic: Equivocal tumorigenic agent by RTECS criteria

Endocrine: Tumors

Skin and Appendages: Tumors
JJIND8 67,75,1981
oral/rat toxic dose: 5460 mg/kg/78W- continuousTumorigenic: Equivocal tumorigenic agent by RTECS criteria

Endocrine: Tumors

Skin and Appendages: Tumors
JJIND8 67,75,1981

Acute Toxicity Data and References

Route/OrganismDoseEffectReference
In Vitro/jaxInhibitor Concentration Low: 10 mmol/L/24HIn Vitro Toxicity Studies: Other assaysNRTXDN 51,27,2015
In Vitro/Mouse, fibroblast Inhibitor Concentration (10 percent kill): 106 µmol/L/24HIn Vitro Toxicity Studies: Cell viability (lysosomal damage): neutral red assay etc.TIVIEQ 2,1,1988
In Vitro/Mouse, fibroblast Inhibitor Concentration (50 percent kill): 1538 µmol/L/24HIn Vitro Toxicity Studies: Cell viability (lysosomal damage): neutral red assay etc.TIVIEQ 2,1,1988
In Vitro/Mouse, fibroblast Inhibitor Concentration (10 percent kill): 85 µmol/L/24HIn Vitro Toxicity Studies: Cell viability (mitochondrial reductase assays): MTT, XTT, MTS, WSTs assays etc.TIVIEQ 2,1,1988
In Vitro/Mouse, fibroblast Inhibitor Concentration (50 percent kill): 1500 µmol/L/24HIn Vitro Toxicity Studies: Cell viability (mitochondrial reductase assays): MTT, XTT, MTS, WSTs assays etc.TIVIEQ 2,1,1988
In Vitro/nzxInhibitor Concentration Low: 0.4 pph/18HIn Vitro Toxicity Studies: Cell metabolic activity: Alamar Blue assay etc.TIVIEQ 25,1596,2011
In Vitro/paxInhibitor Concentration Low: 10 mmol/L/24HIn Vitro Toxicity Studies: Other assaysNRTXDN 51,27,2015
inhalation/mouse lethal concentration (50 percent kill): 32400 µg/m3Eye: Other eye effects

Behavioral: Convulsions or effect on seizure threshold

Lung, Thorax, or Respiration: Structural or functional change in trachea or bronchi
STGNBT -,173,1999
inhalation/rat lethal concentration (50 percent kill): 37 mg/m3Eye: Other eye effects

Behavioral: Convulsions or effect on seizure threshold

Lung, Thorax, or Respiration: Structural or functional change in trachea or bronchi
STGNBT -,173,1999
intraperitoneal/mouse lethal dose (50 percent kill): 28 mg/kgBehavioral: Convulsions or effect on seizure threshold

Behavioral: Change in motor activity (specific assay)

Lung, Thorax, or Respiration: Respiratory stimulation
JIHTAB 30,98,1948
intraperitoneal/rat lowest published lethal dose: 30 mg/kgPHRPA6 58,607,1943
intraperitoneal/rat lowest published lethal dose: 3 mg/kgBehavioral: Coma

Lung, Thorax, or Respiration: Respiratory depression

Nutritional and Gross Metabolic: Body temperature decrease
VCVN5* -,25,1993
intratracheal/rat lethal dose (50 percent kill): 47.5 mg/kgVCVN5* -,26,1993
intratracheal/rat lethal dose (50 percent kill): 47500 µg/kgPeripheral Nerve and Sensation: Spastic paralysis with/without sensory change

Lung, Thorax, or Respiration: Other changes
MEPAAX 12,427,1961
intravenous/monkey lowest published lethal dose: 12 mg/kgEye: Mydriasis (pupilliary dilation)

Behavioral: Convulsions or effect on seizure threshold

Vascular: BP lowering not characterized in autonomic section
BRAIAK 95,505,1972
intravenous/mouse lethal dose (50 percent kill): 19 mg/kgCLDND*
oral/human lowest published toxic dose: 710 µg/kgBehavioral: General anesthetic

Behavioral: Somnolence (general depressed activity)

Kidney, Ureter, and Bladder: Other changes
JCPAAK 28,350,1975
oral/man lowest published lethal dose: 143 mg/kgEye: Mydriasis (pupilliary dilation)

Behavioral: Somnolence (general depressed activity)

Behavioral: Irritability
JTCTDW 24,339,1986
oral/man lowest published toxic dose: 129 µg/kgCardiac: Pulse rate increased without fall in BP

Vascular: BP lowering not characterized in autonomic section

Blood: Changes in spleen
YAKUD5 40,1407,1998
oral/man lowest published toxic dose: 1143 µg/kgCardiac: Cardiomyopathy including infarction

Lung, Thorax, or Respiration: Other changes

Musculoskeletal: Other changes
BJIMAG 39,308,1982
oral/man lowest published lethal dose: 29 mg/kgBrain and Coverings: Increased intracranial pressure

Cardiac: Pulse rate decreased with fall in BP

Lung, Thorax, or Respiration: Acute pulmonary edema
MTAEEB 4,219,1989
oral/man lowest published lethal dose: 129 mg/kgBehavioral: Coma

Cardiac: Pulse rate decreased with fall in BP

Cardiac: Other changes
JATOD3 20,134,1996
oral/mouse lethal dose (50 percent kill): 27 mg/kgUSXXAM #6365129
oral/rat lethal dose (50 percent kill): 27 mg/kgFMCHA2 -,C32,1991
oral/wild bird lethal dose (50 percent kill): 23700 µg/kgAECTCV 12,355,1983
oral/woman lowest published toxic dose: 20 mg/kgBehavioral: Convulsions or effect on seizure threshold

Cardiac: EKG changes not diagnostic of above

Vascular: BP lowering not characterized in autonomic section
JTCTDW 45,810,2007
oral/woman lowest published lethal dose: 14 mg/kgBehavioral: Convulsions or effect on seizure threshold

Cardiac: Arrythmias (indlucing changes in conduction)

Cardiac: Change in force of contraction
JFSCAS 35,193,1990
oral/woman lowest published toxic dose: 3 mg/kgBehavioral: Headache

Lung, Thorax, or Respiration: Dyspnea

Gastrointestinal: Hypermotility, diarrhea
ATXKA8 20,279,1965
oral/woman lowest published lethal dose: 786 mg/kgBehavioral: Convulsions or effect on seizure threshold

Behavioral: Coma

Cardiac: Arrythmias (indlucing changes in conduction)
MTAEEB 4,219,1989
skin/rabbit lethal dose (50 percent kill): 20 mg/kgFMCHA2 -,C32,1991
skin/rat lethal dose (50 percent kill): 50 mg/kgSTGNBT -,173,1999
subcutaneous/mouse lethal dose (50 percent kill): 23060 µg/kgPeripheral Nerve and Sensation: Spastic paralysis with/without sensory change

Lung, Thorax, or Respiration: Other changes
MEPAAX 12,427,1961
subcutaneous/mouse lethal dose (50 percent kill): 23 mg/kgVCVN5* -,26,1993
subcutaneous/rabbit lowest published lethal dose: 17 mg/kgATXKA8 22,160,1966
subcutaneous/rat lethal dose (50 percent kill): 45 mg/kgVCVN5* -,26,1993
subcutaneous/rat lethal dose (50 percent kill): 45100 µg/kgPeripheral Nerve and Sensation: Spastic paralysis with/without sensory change

Lung, Thorax, or Respiration: Other changes
MEPAAX 12,427,1961
unreported route/mouse lethal dose (50 percent kill): 27 mg/kgBJCAAI 6,160,1952

Other Multiple Dose Data and References

Route/OrganismDoseEffectReference
intraperitoneal/rat lowest published toxic dose: 15 mg/kg/5D- intermittentLung, Thorax, or Respiration: Respiratory depression

Nutritional and Gross Metabolic: Body temperature decrease

Related to Chronic Data: Death in the "MULTIPLE DOSE" data type field
VCVN5* -,25,1989
oral/mammal (species unspecified) lowest published toxic dose: 240 mg/kg/30D- intermittentCardiac: EKG changes not diagnostic of above

Vascular: BP lowering not characterized in autonomic section

Biochemical: Enzyme inhibition, induction, or change in blood or tissue levels: True cholinesterase
STGNBT -,173,1999
oral/mammal (species unspecified) lowest published toxic dose: 45500 µg/kg/26W- intermittentCardiac: EKG changes not diagnostic of above

Liver: Liver function tests impaired

Kidney, Ureter, and Bladder: Other changes in urine composition
STGNBT -,173,1999
oral/mouse lowest published toxic dose: 81250 µg/kg/13W- intermittentLiver: Changes in liver weightTOXID9 5,195,1985
oral/rat lowest published toxic dose: 87.5 mg/kg/5D- intermittentBehavioral: Ataxia

Lung, Thorax, or Respiration: Respiratory depression

Related to Chronic Data: Death in the "MULTIPLE DOSE" data type field
RTOPDW 52,158,2008
oral/rat lowest published toxic dose: 5150 mg/kg/103W- intermittentBlood: Leukemia

Endocrine: Adrenal cortex tumors

Tumorigenic: Active as anti-cancer agent
NTIS** PB92-135615
oral/rat lowest published toxic dose: 2575 mg/kg/103W- intermittentSkin and Appendages: Tumors

Tumorigenic: Active as anti-cancer agent
NTIS** PB92-135615
oral/rat lowest published toxic dose: 5206 mg/kg/39D- continuousNutritional and Gross Metabolic: Weight loss or decreased weight gain

Related to Chronic Data: Death in the "MULTIPLE DOSE" data type field
PHRPA6 58,607,1943
oral/rat lowest published toxic dose: 81250 µg/kg/13W- intermittentLiver: Changes in liver weightNTPTR* NTP-TR-389,1991
oral/rat lowest published toxic dose: 240 mg/kg/14D- intermittentCardiac: Changes in heart weight

Liver: Changes in liver weight

Related to Chronic Data: Death in the "MULTIPLE DOSE" data type field
NTPTR* NTP-TR-389,1991
subcutaneous/rat lowest published toxic dose: 740 mg/kg/74D- intermittentRelated to Chronic Data: Death in the "MULTIPLE DOSE" data type fieldMEPAAX 12,427,1961

Reviews

OrganizationStandardReference
American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH)Threshold Limit Value-ceiling concentration 0.29 ppm;ceiling concentration 0.11 ppm (N3H vapor)DTLVS* TLV/BEI,2013
American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH)Threshold Limit Value-Not classifiable as a human carcinogenDTLVS* TLV/BEI,2013
TOXICOLOGY REVIEWFNSCA6 2,67,1973
TOXICOLOGY REVIEWMUREAV 567,347,2004
TOXICOLOGY REVIEWMUREAV 613,17,2006
TOXICOLOGY REVIEWMUREAV 635,90,2007
TOXICOLOGY REVIEWIJTOFN 22,175,2003
TOXICOLOGY REVIEWENTOX* -,60,2005
TOXICOLOGY REVIEWMUREAV 658,28,2008
TOXICOLOGY REVIEWMUTAEX 22,161,2007
TOXICOLOGY REVIEWMUTAEX 21,225,2006
TOXICOLOGY REVIEWNTAPM* -,671,1995
TOXICOLOGY REVIEWMUREAV 752,99,2013
TOXICOLOGY REVIEWNRTXDN 33,1473,2012

Standards and Regulations

OrganizationStandardReference
Occupational Exposure Limit IN ARGENTINA, BULGARIA, COLOMBIA, JORDAN check ACGIH TLV;
Occupational Exposure Limit IN SINGAPORE, VIETNAM check ACGIH TLV
Occupational Exposure Limit-AUSTRALIAceiling concentration 0.11 ppm (0.3 mg/m3), JUL2008
Occupational Exposure Limit-AUSTRIAMAK-TMW 0.1 mg/m3;KZW 0.3 mg/m3, skin, 2007
Occupational Exposure Limit-BELGIUMtime-weighted average 0.1 mg/m3, short term exposure limit 0.3 mg/m3, Skin, MAR2002
Occupational Exposure Limit-DENMARKtime-weighted average 0.1 mg/m3, skin, MAY2011
Occupational Exposure Limit-ECtime-weighted average 0.1 mg/m3;short term exposure limit 0.3 mg/m3, skin, JUN2000
Occupational Exposure Limit-FINLANDtime-weighted average 0.1 mg/m3, short term exposure limit 0.3 mg/m3, skin, NOV2011
Occupational Exposure Limit-FRANCEVME 0.1 mg/m3, VLE 0.3 mg/m3, Skin, FEB2006
Occupational Exposure Limit-GERMANYMAK 0.2 mg/m3, inhal, 2011
Occupational Exposure Limit-HUNGARYtime-weighted average 0.1 mg/m3, short term exposure limit 0.3 mg/m3, SEP2000
Occupational Exposure Limit-ICELANDtime-weighted average 0.1 mg/m3, short term exposure limit 0.3 mg/m3, skin, NOV2011
Occupational Exposure Limit-KOREAceiling concentration 0.1 ppm (0.3 mg/m3), 2006
Occupational Exposure Limit-NEW ZEALANDceiling concentration 0.11 ppm (0.29 mg/m3), JAN2002
Occupational Exposure Limit-PERUtime-weighted average 0.1 mg/m3; short term exposure limit 0.29 mg/m3, JUL2005
Occupational Exposure Limit-SWEDENtime-weighted average 0.1 mg/m3;short term exposure limit 0.3 mg/m3, Skin, JUN2005
Occupational Exposure Limit-SWITZERLANDMAK-week 0.2 mg/m3, KZG-week 0.4 mg/m3, inhal, JAN2011
Occupational Exposure Limit-THE NETHERLANDSMAC-TGG 0.1 mg/m3, Skin, 2003
Occupational Exposure Limit-UNITED KINGDOMtime-weighted average 0.1 mg/m3;short term exposure limit 0.3 mg/m3, skin, OCT2007

NIOSH Documentation and Surveillance

OrganizationStandardReference
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) Recommended Exposure Level TO SODIUM AZIDE, as HN3-airceiling concentration 0.1 ppm (Sk)NIOSH* DHHS #92-100,1992
National Occupational Exposure Survey 1983Hazard Code 68820; Number of Industries 19; Total Number of Facilities 3640; Number of Occupations 27; Total Number of Employees Exposed 54959; Total Number of Female Employees Exposed 38370
National Occupational Hazard Survey 1974Hazard Code 68820; Number of Industries 13; Total Number of Facilities 877; Number of Occupations 10; Total Number of Employees Exposed 5953

Status in Federal Agencies

OrganizationReference
EPA GENETOX PROGRAM 1988, Inconclusive: Carcinogenicity-mouse/rat; TRP reversion
EPA GENETOX PROGRAM 1988, Negative: In vitro cytogenetics-human lymphocyte
EPA GENETOX PROGRAM 1988, Negative: Sperm morphology-mouse; In vitro UDS-human fibroblast
EPA GENETOX PROGRAM 1988, Negative: TRP reversion
EPA GENETOX PROGRAM 1988, Positive: D melanogaster Sex-linked lethal
EPA GENETOX PROGRAM 1988, Positive: L5178Y cells in vitro-TK test
EPA GENETOX PROGRAM 1988, Positive: S cerevisiae gene conversion
EPA GENETOX PROGRAM 1988, Positive: S cerevisiae-forward mutation; S cerevisiae-reversion
EPA TSCA Section 8(b) CHEMICAL INVENTORY
EPA TSCA Section 8(d) unpublished health/safety studies
EPA TSCA TEST SUBMISSION (TSCATS) DATA BASE, JANUARY 2001
NCI Carcinogenesis Studies (gavage);no evidence:rat
NIOSH CURRENT INTELLIGENCE BULLETIN 13, 1976
On EPA IRIS database
OSHA ANALYTICAL METHOD #ID211
Page last reviewed: November 16, 2018