Refined salt, also known as table salt, is a highly pure, fine-grained form of sodium chloride (NaCl). It’s an essential mineral for human and animal health. To prevent it from clumping, small quantities of anti-caking agents are often added, and it is frequently fortified with iodine to prevent goiter.

key properties

  • Common Name: Table salt, sodium chloride
  • Chemical Formula: NaCl
  • Appearance: White crystalline solid
  • Purity: Typically 99% or more sodium chloride
  • pH: Neutral when dissolved in water

Applications

  • Culinary: Used as a seasoning to enhance flavor, and as a food preservative to inhibit microbial growth.
  • Industrial: Utilized in meat-packing, fish-curing, and various food-processing industries.
  • Medical: Used in saline solutions to treat or prevent sodium loss and in intravenous infusions.

Safety Precautions

  • Over consumption: While safe in moderation, excessive intake can lead to high blood pressure and negatively impact kidney function.
  • Handling: Inhalation of refined salt dust can cause mild respiratory irritation. Prolonged or repeated skin contact may cause irritation.
  • Storage: Store in a cool, dry place to prevent it from absorbing moisture and clumping.