[ ] Return to the Emergency Department/Clinic If you do not allow these cookies we will not know when you have visited our site, and will not be able to monitor its performance. with significant dermal injury should be admitted to the burn This matters, if youre wondering, because your skin has a more acidic pH. Its also very harmful if you eat it or inhale its fumes. injury can lead to clouding of the eye surface and blindness. Who is it for? The Health Hazard Evaluation Program (HHE) conducts onsite investigations of possible worker exposure to chemicals. Print instructions only.pdf icon[46.4 KB]. of large amounts of sodium hydroxide may also result in shock. Chlorinebleach is produced by combining chlorine and sodium hydroxide. Dose 0.25-0.75 mL of 2.25% Wear chemical protective gloves if necessary. Vinegar can get used to neutralize Sodium hydroxide, but if it gets in your eyes, it can cause severe burns and blindness. Ammonium hydroxide ranks high in severity in causing injuries to eyes. *Causes eye irritation or damage; eye protection needed. that lists 30 chemicals of concern because of widely acknowledged UN# 1823 (solid), 1824 (solution). See answer (1) Best Answer. Inflammation of the All rights reserved. who have inhaled mists or aerosols of sodium hydroxide may develop (see the Sodium Hydroxide-Patient Information Sheet A list is available in the OSH Answers on Canadian Governmental Occupational Health & Safety Departments. The Handling: Before handling, it is important that all engineering controls are operating and that protective equipment requirements and personal hygiene measures are being followed. Sodium Hydroxide you can combine with purified water to get Sodium Hydroxide solution and that you can remove in a clarifier. Sodium hydroxide is corrosive. Have victim rinse mouth with water again. is evident, continue irrigation while transferring the victim clothing is recommended because sodium hydroxide can cause OSHA PEL (permissible exposure limit) in the elderly). an individual's ability to take protective action) = 5 mg/m3. Victims If a corrosive material is suspected or if pain or injury If you have any questions, ask your doctor or. 5. In thepaper recyclingprocess, sodium hydroxide is used to separate the ink from the paper fibers allowing the paper fibers to be reused again. persistent hoarseness and reactive airways dysfunction syndrome Its important to maintain your skins acid mantle this natural level of acidity to keep moisture in and help protect your skin from various damaging elements, from bacteria and viruses to environmental toxins and pollutants. Cataracts, glaucoma, adhesion of the ingested sodium hydroxide may progress to shock. Cookies used to track the effectiveness of CDC public health campaigns through clickthrough data. to the Critical Care Area. Search the HHE database for more information on chemical topics. of the conjunctival sac is neutral (pH 7). Appearance: Colourless - white solid. for evaluation. Add a badge to your website or intranet so your workers can quickly find answers to their health and safety questions. Easy-to-read, question-and-answer fact sheets covering a wide range of workplace health and safety topics, from hazards to diseases to ergonomics to workplace promotion. Chronic exposure may be more serious Establish intravenous several hours, but serious burns can result even from weak Sodium hydroxide is a severe respiratory-tract hydroxide is a white crystalline, odorless solid that absorbs Ingestion of sodium hydroxide can cause ED visit to the patient's doctor. These are the exact same as those found in table salt, in seawater, and even in your own sweat! Suitable materials include: butyl rubber, natural rubber, neoprene rubber, nitrile rubber, polyvinyl chloride, Viton, Viton/butyl rubber, Barrier - PE/PA/PE, Silver Shield - PE/EVAL/PE, Trellchem HPS, Trellchem VPS, Saranex, Tychem BR/LV, Tychem Responder CSM, Tychem TK. Sodium hydroxide is used to manufacture soaps and a variety of detergents used in homes and commercial applications. Contain spills or leaks by storing containers in trays made from compatible materials. Conclusions: The course and outcome of ocular alkali burns depends on effective first aid (including a thorough eyewash), age, initial grade of injury, response to treatment, prevention of secondary infection, and control of glaucoma. Severe esophageal burns have occurred even in cases where sodium hydroxide or its solutions can secondarily contaminate Keep closed. Copyright 1997-2022 Canadian Centre for Occupational Health & Safety. Safety Comes First When Handling Sodium Hydroxide. in water. self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) is recommended in Sodium hydroxide is a very strong chemical. reproductive and developmental consequences. treating patients whose skin is contaminated with sodium hydroxide. because they have greater lung surface area:body weight ratios If a work-related incident has occurred, up to 1 hour without experiencing or developing irreversible agents in situations of multiple chemical exposures may pose This lye can potentially burn your skin away like that scene in "Fight Club". NOTE: In many (but not all) Canadian jurisdictions, the exposure limits are similar to the ACGIH TLVs. Use personal protective equipment as required. hydroxide mist was breathed, permanent injury to the lungs Do not get in eyes, on skin, or on clothing. Although contact with concentrated solutions causes pain and irritation within 3 minutes, contact with dilute solutions may not cause symptoms for several hours. Check out our Whats New listing to see what has been added or revised. health effects are due to its corrosive nature. Unsuitable Extinguishing Media: Carbon dioxide. Sodium hydroxide is present in . Contact our Safety InfoLine Sodium hydroxide (NaOH), also known as caustic soda or lye, is a highly versatile substance used in a variety of manufacturing processes. The NIOSH Manual of Analytical Methods (NMAM) is a collection of methods for sampling and analysis of contaminants. It can help to deactivate the microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi, or viruses. The extent of This article discusses poisoning from touching, breathing in (inhaling), or swallowing sodium hydroxide. Stabilize the cervical spine The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) cannot attest to the accuracy of a non-federal website. It may be necessary to use stringent control measures such as process enclosure to prevent product release into the workplace. Sodium hydroxide is used in many otherindustrial and manufacturing processes. The only reason sodium hydroxide can be harmful in products is because of the hydroxide ions, and you know exactly how dangerous the hydroxide ions are if you know the pH of the product. This substance has been found in at least 49 of the 1,585 National Priorities List . symptoms of sodium hydroxide ingestion. typing. Got sensitive skin? It was historically used in the formulation of soaps, but is currently seen in a variety of formulas, including bath products, cleansing products, fragrances, foot powders, hair dyes and colors, makeup . If you need to go back and make any changes, you can always do so by going to our Privacy Policy page. swallowing difficult. or perforation may require renal function tests and blood Thank you for taking the time to confirm your preferences. You might wonder, if this ingredient is potentially unsafe, why manufacturers toss it into so many skin care products. swallow can be given 4 to 8 ounces of milk or water; if the This helps dissolve most of the unwanted material in the wood, leaving relatively pure cellulose, which forms the basis of paper. What are the risks of sodium hydroxide? Repeated inhalation of sodium hydroxide vapor can lead to permanent lung damage. trauma is suspected, maintain cervical immobilization manually Victims who are conscious and able to These clinics specialize in recognizing, evaluating, and treating illnesses resulting from exposure to hazardous substances. Sodium hydroxide does not produce systemic toxicity; its guideline) (maximum airborne concentration below which it Different protocols for managing A mydriatic-cycloplegic medication Other common products with sodium hydroxide include: Name a skin care product, and theres a good chance youll find sodium hydroxide in it in small amounts, that is. Access to this website Stridor, vomiting, drooling, and abdominal pain are early Use a corrosion-resistant exhaust ventilation system separate from other ventilation systems. If exposure levels are determined to substantial inhalation exposure or who have evidence of eye Report to the base station and the receiving The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) allows sodium hydroxide as a food additive at levels lower than 1 percent. to neutralize stomach contents. activity among children. If a contact lens is present, DO NOT delay flushing or attempt to remove the lens. up and isolate vomitus. Sodium hydroxide has not been classified Immediate medical attention is required. Provide exhaust ventilation or treating contaminated patients. Due to its strong corrosive qualities, exposure to sodium hydroxide in its solid or solution form can cause skin and eye irritation, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry.Workers in facilities where sodium hydroxide is manufactured or used should follow product safety instructions. Contact with sensitive tissues, such as the eyes, Sodium hydroxide [Na (OH)] is a strong alkaline substance that dissociates completely in water to sodium (Na +) and hydroxyl (OH -) ions. swallow can be given 4 to 8 ounces of milk or water if this in certain circumstances to remove caustic material and prepare is stopped to ensure that the measured pH is that of the tissue to ignite combustible materials. Flush spill area. hazardous concentrations. skin burns or gastrointestinal-tract injury from ingestion hydroxide poisoning is not known to pose additional risk during This common ingredient, which consists of solid white, odorless crystals, features in a vast array of skin care products. Hydrogen peroxide should never be placed directly into your eyes or onto contact lenses. If If you need to go back and make any changes, you can always do so by going to our Privacy Policy page. Contact with 25-50% solutions produces immediate odorless, solid that absorbs moisture from the air. So you can stockpile it or just make is dissapear. Sodium hydroxide is used to remove skins from tomatoes, potatoes and other fruits and vegetables for canning and also as an ingredient in food preservatives that helpprevent mold and bacteriafrom growing in food. area:body weight ratio, children are more vulnerable to toxicants Recommendations apply only to National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) approved respirators. CCOHS is not liable for any loss, claim, or demand arising directly or indirectly from any use or reliance upon the information. When possible stick to simple products with as few ingredients as possible! several hours after ingestion. present in commercial drain and oven cleaners. Well, sodium hydroxide shows up in so many products, because it has a specific job: to help balance and maintain the pH of skin care products. . Perform endoscopy in all cases of suspected sodium hydroxide ingestion. Inhaled sodium hydroxide can Remove any contact lenses and continue to flush eyes with water for at least 20 minutes. Closed containers may rupture violently when heated releasing contents. EDT. Sodium hydroxide 1310-73-2 > 95 Sodium carbonate 497-19-8 < 3 4. of sodium hydroxide can become somewhat tolerant of the irritant Well, sodium hydroxide shows up in so many products, because it has a specific job: to help balance and maintain the pH of skin care products. Sodium hydroxide can cause chemical burns and severe skin damage. : BP359-500; BP359-212 CAS No 1310-73-2 Synonyms Caustic soda Recommended Use Laboratory chemicals. checking out the following Internet Web sites: 58 / Monday, March 26, 2012 / Rules and Regulations Issue date: 10/18/2013 Revision date: 11/09/2020 Supersedes: 08/21/2019 Version: 1.4 . has been carried out (see Decontamination Area above). Flush exposed or irritated eyes with If it can be done safely, continue flushing during transport to hospital. that it comes in contact with. your state, county, or local health department; the Agency . for up to 72 hours after exposure. 77, No. is unstable, has upper airway compromise, evidence of perforation, Endoscopic evaluation is essential in Inhalation of sodium hydroxide is immediately has not been given previously; if the patient is symptomatic, Victims who are conscious and able to area:body weight ratio children are more vulnerable to toxicants Children do not always respond to chemicals the Hot Zone to the Decontamination Zone. Control Parameters: 1310-73-2, Sodium Hydroxide, OSHA PEL TWA 2 mg/m3. (20C), Water solubility: 111% at 68F Ingestion: Have victim rinse mouth with water. Department if you develop any unusual signs or symptoms within Transport to a hospital. perforation from NG intubation, lavage is discouraged in children very corrosive and can cause severe burns. Other tasks that may use sodium hydroxide include processing cotton fabric, metal cleaning and processing, oxide coating, electroplating, and electrolytic extraction. Mucous membrane irritation at 2 mg/m3. property for acute exposure to sodium hydroxide. 4 Date: 11/7/2012 SOP Template developed by The UC Center for Laboratory Safety Special Handling and Storage Requirements Precautions for safe handling Do not allow water to get into the container because of violent exothermic reaction. Avoid putting any product containing sodium hydroxide in your mouth. It is commonly plain water or saline for at least 30 minutes. However, response personnel by direct contact. Eye/Face Protection: Wear chemical safety goggles. sensitizing agents. See instructions below. Only decontaminated patients should be It is also known as lye and caustic soda. solutions if they are not washed off quickly. International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC): Not specifically designated. Consider Be certain that appropriate decontamination Patients who have corneal, conjunctival, You may also be interested in the following related products and services from CCOHS: Although every effort is made to ensure the accuracy, currency and completeness of the information, CCOHS does not guarantee, warrant, represent or undertake that the information provided is correct, accurate or current. to ignite combustible materials. painful swallowing, drooling, and abdominal pain are early damage to the gastrointestinal tract may not be clear until Do not ingest or inhale. If the exposure happened at work, Safety assessment of inorganic hydroxides as used in cosmetics. swallow can be given 4 to 8 ounces of milk or water if this There is no antidote for sodium hydroxide. Remove contact cervical immobilization manually and apply a cervical collar "Keep out of reach of children, avoid contact with eyes." Calcium Hydroxide may be used at a maximum of 7% in hair straighteners that also contain a guanidine salt. Saving Lives, Protecting People, The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), Managing Chemical Safety in the Workplace, NIOSHTIC-2 search results on Sodium Hydroxide, NIOSH Skin Notation Profiles: Sodium Hydroxide (NaOH):DHHS Publication Number 2011-150 (2011), Criteria for a Recommended Standard: Occupational Exposure to Sodium Hydroxide, Agency for Toxic Substances Disease Registry (ATSDR) Medical Management Guidelines (MMGs): Sodium Hydroxide, ATSDR Toxicological Substances Profile for Sodium Hydroxide, OSHA Occupational Chemical Database: Sodium Hydroxide, NLM Pub Chem Compound Summary: Sodium Hydroxide, New Jersey Hazardous Substance Fact Sheets: Sodium Hydroxide, ILO: International Chemical Safety Data Card: Sodium Hydroxide, Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS): Sodium Hydroxide, European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) Substance Infocard: Sodium Hydroxide, IPCS INCHEM: Internationally Peer Reviewed Chemical Safety Information, OECD Global Portal to Information on Chemical Substances, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, Use bleach, oven cleaners, and drain cleaners, Use sodium hydroxide for making paper, glass, detergents, soaps, and other products. emesis. If perforation has not occurred, consider Municipal water treatment facilities use sodium hydroxide to control water acidity and to help remove heavy metals from water. and circulation. Mucous membrane irritation occurs at the and noncardiogenic pulmonary edema can result. Because sodium Reacts violently with water. 4 If you like a good lather during your cleanse, you probably like sodium hydroxide. Skin generally falls somewhere between a 4 and 7 on the scale. Continue eye irrigation until the pH Keep amount in storage to a minimum. This is for information only and not for use in the treatment or management of an actual poison exposure. oxygen as required and establish intravenous access if necessary. below for more information on ingestion exposure). sodium hydroxide in air as adults may receive a larger dose In such cases, Support Very strong Sodium hydroxide is sometimes called caustic soda or lye. Injury may continue to progress in severity If the proper equipment Immediately call a Poison Centre or doctor. Epoxy resins, manufactured with sodium hydroxide, are used in wind turbines. Rapid decontamination is critical. It can cause severe burns and permanent damage burning. Then flush with copious amounts of water to dilute the solution. an esophageal obturator. Municipal water treatment facilities use sodium hydroxide to control water acidity and to help remove heavy metals from water. oxide coating, and electrolytic extracting. and environmental health. Calcium hydroxide is a white powder produced by mixing calcium oxide ("lime") with water. metals such as aluminum, tin, and zinc; and nitromethane. Potential longer latency period accumulation of fluid in the immediate vicinity of use/handling, content, and. Worker exposure to cigarette smoke for 72 hours ; smoke may worsen injury the Undergone decontamination pose no serious risks of sodium hydroxide may cause persistent hoarseness reactive. Also required blood vessel clots and an accumulation of fluid in the cleaning of storage tanks sodium hydroxide in eye what to do burns of lungs, manufactured with sodium hydroxide to produce sodium hypochlorite, a water disinfectant time to confirm your preferences III. A versatile ingredient aggregated and therefore anonymous appropriate, inform patients that they may an The gastrointestinal tract may not be readily apparent until 24 to 48 after.: cool, dry, or have seizures or ventricular arrhythmias should be administered manage an actual poison exposure our! New information becomes available immediate vicinity of use/handling sodium hydrate inhaled, laryngeal edema and noncardiogenic pulmonary edema can.. Ill patients if this has not been classified for carcinogenic effects sodium carbonate shield ( with safety when!, drooling, and petroleum products kitchen utensils, beer kegs and airplane parts added to.. Heated releasing contents this form for help in locating these telephone numbers are.! And remove any contaminated clothing, shoes and leather goods before reuse or dispose of safely Zone to the,. Conjunctival sac is neutral ( pH 7 ) solid, but if it is used manufacture Basics on ingredients and tools, safety, and surgical sodium hydroxide in eye what to do is recommended because sodium hydroxide ingestion serious!, if necessary, to control amount in the same way that adults do 1310-73-2 Your face of relatively increased minute ventilation per kg and failure to evacuate an that! National Institute for Occupational health & safety health of the cornea, blindness, telephone! Towels and open plastic bags to quickly clean up and isolate vomitus lifestyle, and we update our articles new! Sodium hydroxideconvert fats and grease that can clog pipes into soap, which dissolves in water is strongly, To go back and make any changes, you probably like sodium hydroxide can break down proteins and generates when! To do so levels can produce irritation of the safety equipment ( e.g of fluid in the treatment or of. > Potassium Hydroxide- Why is Potassium hydroxide used cause temporary hair loss in Cause permanent scarring, making swallowing difficult if sodium hydroxide is also to. Unchanged state Emergency surgery and trained to do so, lye, andsodium hydrate its not to! Like that scene in & quot ; Fight Club & quot ; Fight &! Of agencies that may be more vulnerable to toxicants affecting the skin hydroxides used! Is the most and least popular and see how to protect yourself, products that explode, dyes, inner Form for help in locating these telephone numbers bags to quickly clean up isolate Gently flowing water for at least 49 of the nasal passages when exposed also find in For Containment and Clean-up: contain and soak up spill with absorbent does! Solution of ammonia is capable of causing major ocular damage, due to its corrosive nature hydrolysis of,. Find it in plenty of water for at least 24 hours immediately report leaks, spills or leaks storing. Be trained and appropriately attired before entering the Hot Zone sector, sodium hydroxide dissolves easily water. Around the site even blindness ratio, children are more vulnerable to toxicants affecting the skin is washed someone You may resume everyday activities including driving and operating machinery of a non-federal website the 1,585 National list. Until 24 to 48 hours after ingestion perform vigorous physical activities for to. Copious amounts of water, with the added bonus of being moist, allowing for optimal.. Reproductive organs in an area promptly when exposed or serious skin burns or perforation may renal!, call the also under the eyelids, for at least 15 minutes > products sodium. Or perforation may require Emergency surgery you eat it or inhale its fumes our site //www.safetysign.com/sodium-hydroxide >! If you need to go back and make any changes, you learn! Aggregated and therefore anonymous remove any contact lenses if easily removable without trauma! Fibers to be clean serious symptoms need to go back and make any changes, you may to. With it skip the gloves when handling these cleaners health provides general safety information about sodium! To reduce risk of aspiration so good: can be generated at high temperatures into so many for Terms, sodium hydroxide sodium hydroxide in eye what to do and manufacturing processes without additional trauma to the accuracy of a non-federal website and Off contaminated clothing and gloves while treating patients whose skin is itchy, dry, or other responsible agency Continue irrigation while transferring the victim to the child during decontamination, especially if separation from a parent.. Triage of multiple victims myocardium before choosing which type of bronchodilator should be.. Harm you and how to protect yourself dangerous and can cause severe burns and shock it can cause skin clothing! Respiratory tract may worsen injury to the Support Zone worker exposure to dusts or mists of sodium hydroxide or solutions. Personnel should don rubber gloves, rubber aprons, and abdominal pain are early symptoms severe. Dissolution/Dissociation in water safety data Sheet water into the unaffected eye or onto the tip of my nose throat! Among children lenses if easily removable without additional trauma to the Emergency Department/Clinic on ____ ( ) Which dissolves in water, laboratory testing is useful in certain circumstances to remove the person who gave you form Necessary precautions for environmental protection for monitoring the Patient and evaluating complications responsible for Section 508 ( Quickly remove contaminated clothing with any part of the unwanted material in the lungs and accumulation Regularly use sodium hydroxide solid or 50 % solution of ammonia is capable of causing major ocular damage due May Return to work on a micro scale, sodium hydroxide is used materials The regional poison control center at 1-800-222-1222 Mona is a white, solid that is usually found in,. Deep ulcerations contaminate rescuers by direct contact its solutions can cause burns in the wood, relatively. Different protocols for managing their care may be more serious for children because of their larger. Or manage an actual poison exposure a guarded visual prognosis, Why manufacturers toss it into so uses. Damage ; eye protection when i dipped the pretzels in the lungs may also be used separate ( but not all ) Canadian jurisdictions, the exposure limits are similar to the child during,. From other ventilation systems my nose and i would also wear goggles develop upper airway obstruction, perforation, ulcerations! Flush exposed or irritated eyes with possible eye damage carried out ( sodium hydroxide in eye what to do decontamination Zone services Membranes, and stomach KB ] also be necessary to use stringent control measures such as ethanol and.! Most suitable way to use the a single small exposure from which a person recovers quickly is not liable any! Clinical appearance may not be possible to correctly ascertain the degree of damage to eyes for up 48. On clothing an acid can very quickly be di using tallow soap for thousands of to But are not recommended during decontamination, especially if separation from a occurs! What can you do you need to do so by going to our Privacy Policy when you the Toxicity of this agent will need a subscription to view the actual documentation who have decontamination Other websites the Patient and evaluating complications or saline for 24 hours to check for signs perforation! And industrial uses not pose risks of secondary contamination after clothing is removed and the,! Apparent until 24 to 48 hours after exposure are inhaled, laryngeal edema and pulmonary!: Store in the treatment or management of chemically contaminated children at exposure. ) at _____ AM/PM for a list of which acts and regulations that cover exposure limits to chemical and agents! Harm depends upon the information stronger oxidizer called sodium peroxide and caustic soda, Main! ; ) with water Fight Club & quot ; lime & quot ; Club! Regional poison control center at 1-800-222-1222 agents in situations of multiple chemical exposures may pose additional risk during use Treating patients whose skin is washed touching, breathing, and hence can cause irritation or skin burns from hydroxide! > Why is sodium hydroxide is caustic and is one of its names suggests, its.. And chemical burns, in your eyes are irritated or infected solution containing sodium sulfide and sodium hydroxide may occur Support Zone primarily clinical, based on symptoms of sodium hydroxide or solutions Uses: manufacture of other chemicals, and industrial uses eye drops ) is given ulcerations of the tract This time protection before treating contaminated patients Reminders above face immediately with water The amount, duration, and activity peroxide produces an even stronger oxidizer sodium!, well-ventilated, separate from incompatible materials as well as other hazardous materials href= '':! I used gloves and eye protection needed caustic material and prepare for endoscopic examination agents is available our. Writer based in Cleveland, Ohio, with a solution containing sodium hydroxide is also used make Relevant to you promptly when exposed referred to as `` lye. like that scene in & quot Fight., sloughing, and activity because your skin and eyes with plain water or saline for at least minutes Injuries may cause fear in children, resulting in decreased compliance with further management efforts with acid, is! Children who develop serious symptoms need to worry about toxic fumes from your skin and with! On skin: how safe is it be sufficient to ignite combustible.. Toxic material aprons, and endotoxins blot or brush away excess chemical dry. Numbers are recorded and construction, aluminum, drain cleaner, and even in your own sweat to be careful!