Sodium azide is a fast acting fatal chemical that exists as an odorless white solid. When mixed with water or solid metals, it can be a toxic gas with a sharp odor. This chemical is found in a vehicle’s airbags. CDC has not received any reports of sodium azide exposure following a vehicle airbag deployment. This chemical is also used in hospitals and laboratories as a preservative.

You can be exposed through drinking water, eating food and breathing air contaminated by sodium azide.

The symptoms will depend on the route, amount and length of time of exposure to sodium azide.

If you are exposed to a small amount of sodium azide, you may exhibit symptoms of a fast heart rate, weakness, headache, nausea, vomiting, red eyes, nose drainage, skin burns and blisters. If exposed to a large amount of sodium azide, you may exhibit symptoms of seizures, low blood pressure, slow heart rate, loss of consciousness, lung injury and breathing problems leading to death.

If you think you have been exposed to sodium azide, leave the area quickly and get to fresh air. Remove your clothing and quickly wash your entire body with soap and water. If your eyes are burning or your vision is blurred, rinse them with plain water for 10 to 15 minutes. If you wear contact lenses, remove them before rinsing your eyes. Place your contaminated clothes and contact lenses into a plastic bag and seal. Place the bag into a second plastic bag and seal. If you have swallowed the sodium azide, do not induce vomiting or drink fluids. Call 911 for medical attention right away and removal of the contaminated items. Do not drive yourself to the hospital as you may become very ill on your way.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)