Sodium dichromate
CAS 10588-01-9 · EC 234-190-3
Also known as sodium bichromate
Handle chemistry safely
Wear gloves and eye protection, work with good ventilation, and read the supplier’s safety data sheet before use. Hazard information here is a summary, not a replacement for it. Dispose of all photographic chemistry correctly, in line with local laws and your local authority’s guidance. Never mix waste solutions, and check the supplier’s safety data sheet before disposing of anything.
Hazards
Official EU classification (harmonised under CLP Annex VI).
Signal word: Danger
Oxidising · Serious health hazard · Acute toxicity · Corrosive · Hazardous to the environment
- H272 May intensify fire; oxidiser.
- H350 May cause cancer.
- H340 May cause genetic defects.
- H360FD May damage fertility. May damage the unborn child.
- H330 Fatal if inhaled.
- H312 Harmful in contact with skin.
- H301 Toxic if swallowed.
- H372 Causes damage to organs through prolonged or repeated exposure.
- H314 Causes severe skin burns and eye damage.
- H334 May cause allergy or asthma symptoms or breathing difficulties if inhaled.
- H317 May cause an allergic skin reaction.
- H410 Very toxic to aquatic life with long lasting effects.
UK and EU rules
- REACH Annex XIV entry 18
- REACH Annex XIV (Authorisation List) – sunset date 21-Sep-2017, latest application date 21-Mar-2016 – use in the EU requires an authorisation
- UK REACH Annex 14: retained (all EU Annex XIV entries at 31 Dec 2020 were carried over – HSE)
- REACH Candidate List (SVHC)
Photographic uses
- gum/carbon sensitiser (less common)
Sources
- ECHA CHEM substance record: Sodium dichromate (100.031.070)
- ECHA CHEM – C&L Inventory (harmonised CLP Annex VI and notified classifications) and legal obligations (chem.echa.europa.eu APIs: /api-cnl-inventory/harmonized|industry, /api-obligation-substance/v1)
- UK REACH Authorisation List (Annex 14) (hse.gov.uk/reach/authorisation-list.htm)
- REACH Annex XVII entries 28–30 (CMR substances – supply to general public) (Annex XVII entries 28, 29, 30; latest consolidated act CELEX 32025R1731)
Checked October 2026.