At room temperature, sodium hydroxide is a white crystalline odorless solid that absorbs moisture from the air. It is a manufactured substance. When dissolved in water or neutralized with acid it liberates substantial heat, which may be sufficient to ignite combustible materials. Sodium hydroxide is very corrosive. It is generally used as a solid or a 50% solution. Other common names include caustic soda and lye.
Sodium hydroxide is used to manufacture soaps, rayon, paper, explosives, dyestuffs, and petroleum products. It is also used in processing cotton fabric, laundering and bleaching, metal cleaning and processing, oxide coating, electroplating, and electrolytic extracting. It is commonly present in commercial drain and oven cleaners.
Sodium hydroxide is a manufactured chemical. It is present in several domestic cleaning products. Very low levels can produce irritation of the
skin and
eyes. Exposure to the solid or concentrated liquid can cause severe
burns in the eyes, skin, and
gastrointestinal tract which may ultimately lead to
death. This substance has been found in at least 49 of the 1,585 National Priorities List
sites identified by the
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
See a doctor if you have been harmed by this substance. In addition, it
may be important to
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See Also
- Toxic & Hazardous Substances
- Anaphylactic Shock: Overview
- Blindness
- Burns: Overview
- Digestive Disorders: Overview
- Ear, Nose, & Throat Disorders
- Eye Disorders
- Intestinal Perforation: Overview
- Lung & Airway Disorders
- Skin Disorders: Overview
- Sodium Hydroxide: Frequently Asked Questions