Objective. To evaluate the irritating properties and justify the maximum permissible concentration of sodium percarbonate in the air of the working area.
Object and methods of research. Sodium percarbonate. Research methods – toxicological hygienic, hematological, biochemical, statistical.
Research results and discussion. The results of the assessment of the irritating properties of sodium percarbonate, which is widely used as an environmentally friendly oxygen bleach, stain remover, disinfectant, and cleaner in everyday life, industry (textile, chemical, cosmetic), medicine, and agriculture, are presented. The study was conducted on female white rats, which were intranasally administered sodium percarbonate in doses corresponding to concentrations of 90 mg/m³, 30 mg/m³, and 10 mg/m³.
Determination of hematological and biochemical parameters, behavioral responses and cellular composition of bronchoalveolar lavage were performed on the first and third days after administration. It was determined that the threshold for a single inhalation of sodium in terms of general toxic effect is 90 mg/m3, as evidenced by changes in hematological parameters and behavioral responses of animals following intranasal administration of sodium percarbonate. A concentration of 30 mg/m3 can be considered the threshold for irritation, since the effect of sodium percarbonate at this level caused significant changes in the ratio of cellular elements in bronchoalveolar lavage and the weight coefficient of the lungs. Sodium percarbonate causes disturbances in the functional state of the respiratory system at concentrations below the threshold of inhalation action in terms of general toxic effect and is classified as a substance with a specific irritant effect. Taking into account the threshold and zone of irritant action of sodium percarbonate, the maximum permissible concentration in the air of the working area has been calculated.
Conclusions. Sodium percarbonate is classified as a substance with specific irritant effects. The maximum permissible concentration of sodium percarbonate in the air of the working area is recommended at 2 mg/m3, aerosol, hazard class 3, mark I – irritant effect.

Sodium percarbonate, irritant properties, maximum permissible concentration, air in the working area.

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Kuzminov BP, Zazulyak TS, Kuzminov OB, Lukashevich NF. [Evaluation of irritant properties and justification for the maximum permissible concentration of sodium percarbonate in the air of the working area]. Hygiene of Populated Places. 2025;75:11-6. Ukrainian. doi: https://doi.org/10.32402/hygiene2025.75.011