what is sodium azide
1 Sodium azide is a rapidly acting, potentially deadly chemical that exists as an odorless white solid. 2  When it is mixed with water or an acid, sodium azide changes rapidly to a toxic gas with a pungent (sharp) odor. Breathing the gas that is formed from sodium azide causes the most harm, but ingesting (swallowing) sodium azide can be toxic as well. 2  The gas formed from sodium azide is most dangerous in enclosed places where the gas will be trapped. 3  The toxic gas quickly disperses in open spaces, making it less harmful outdoors.