Commonly Asked Questions on Sodium Hydroxide

There are a lot of chemicals used in industries today and one of them is sodium hydroxide, one of the strongest chemicals known, one of the most hazardous and one of the chemicals that need proper handling. The following are the frequently asked questions about the substance.

What is sodium hydroxide?

Sodium hydroxide is one of the strongest base known in chemistry and is also called caustic soda. It has a chemical formula of NaOH. In its pure form, it is a white crystalline solid at room temperature. It dissolves in water in a heat-evolving dissolution process which can be enough to result in ignition. This strong base is very corrosive, but is found as an industrial chemical used to manufacture soaps, rayon, paper, explosives and petroleum products. Processing of cotton fabric, manufacturing laundry and bleaching agents, processing of metals, and electroplating also use sodium hydroxide.

How does it affect the environment?

The chemical may not last long in the environment because it is a very reactive substance and it quickly reacts with other substances. When it enters a body of water, it dissociates into sodium cations and hydroxide anions forming electrolyte solution. Since it is a base, it neutralizes acids. Hence, it decreases the acidity of water or increases its alkalinity. Because of its reactive ability, it never accumulates in the environment.

How does a person run the risk of exposure?

Since this basic compound is found in house cleaning liquids, a person may come in contact with it when using cleaning products containing the chemical. A more obvious exposure is when one works in a factory where the compound is used or a part of manufacturing processes.

What are the health risks?

Upon initial contact with the base, it will certainly corrode the skin, burning tissues severely. Upon inhaling the fumes or mist of the substance, respiratory tract irritation may ensue. Prolonged inhalation or inhalation of higher concentrations may lead to swelling and spasms of the upper respiratory tract lining, the nose and the throat, which may be severe enough to cause obstruction of air flow. Pulmonary edema or accumulation of fluid in the lungs can also occur.

Ingestion of the substance can result to serious burning of the mouth, throat, esophagus and stomach. This injury may be severe enough to cause perforation and bleeding. Sudden vomiting and pain in the abdomen and chest accompanied by difficulty in swallowing are also symptoms.

Upon contact with the skin, it corrodes the skin. Severe burns and ulcerations may result. The compound may cause corneal damage and clouding and may lead to blindness. Of course these accidents are mainly the results of mishandling.

How is it linked to cancer?

There were studies showing that exposure to the chemical has lead to esophageal cancer which as believed by other experts were due to tissue damage rather than direct effect of the substance. The cancer might have occurred in areas where the lining has thinned due to sodium hydroxide exposure. The disease happened several years after the exposure. Health and chemical experts have never linked the substance to cancer and it has never been considered as a carcinogen. A speculation was made stating that cancer occurred as a repercussion of the body’s repair process.

Does exposure to sodium hydroxide cause birth defects?

There is no study yet linking this chemical to birth defects or any reproductive health problem.

How would people lessen hazardous exposure to this chemical?

Sodium hydroxide must be stored properly and ensure that the chemical is never accessible to children. Cleaning agents containing the strong alkaline substance should be kept well. Use these chemicals with caution and follow instructions upon usage.

Companies generally have rules and policies with regards to working with this chemical. Follow these rules. Wear proper uniform and safety gear. This should come as an initiative.