Description
Sodium bicarbonate, also known as baking soda, is a versatile, inorganic chemical compound. It was first used in Ancient Egypt for mummification purposes. It naturally occurs in oceans, soils, and in desert areas as a result of water body evaporation. It can be obtained either in laboratories by saturating sodium carbonate with carbon dioxide or using the Solvay method (industrial scale).
Sodium bicarbonate is biodegradable and safe for humans, absorbs odors and moisture, softens water and has antifungal properties. It is used in animal feed, as an ingredient in effervescent and anti-heartburn medicines, in cosmetics, in the kitchen as a substitute for baking powder, and in the household for cleaning and refreshing.
