Used extensively in baking as a leavening agent, it helps dough rise by producing carbon dioxide gas when heated. In cleaning, it serves as a mild abrasive and deodorizer for surfaces and fabrics. It’s also utilized in personal care, such as in toothpaste and mouthwash, to neutralize acids and whiten teeth. In medicine, it acts as an antacid to relieve heartburn and indigestion by neutralizing stomach acid. Additionally, it’s employed in fire extinguishers to smother small grease or electrical fires. In agriculture, it can be used as a fungicide to protect plants from fungal diseases.