SODIUM HYDROXIDE
CASRN: 1310-73-2
http://toxnet.nlm.nih.gov/cgi-bin/sis/search/f?./temp/~AAAUdayOU:1
Human Health Effects:
Human Toxicity Excerpts:
DAMAGE OF CORNEA, CONJUNCTIVA, &
EPISCLERAL TISSUES IS USUAL, BUT DAMAGE OF INTRAOCULAR STRUCTURES IS RELATIVELY
RARE. IN ONE UNUSUAL CASE LOCALIZED BURN OF RETINA ... NOTED ...
Caustic dusts are irritating to the upper respiratory system. ... prolonged
exposure to high concentrations may cause discomfort and ulceration of nasal
passages.
INTACT /CORNEAL/ EPITHELIUM PRESENTS ... BARRIER TO PENETRATION OF IONS ...
UNTIL ... RENDERED PERMEABLE BY INJURY. ... AT PH 10 NO INCR IN PERMEABILITY OF
/SODIUM HYDROXIDE/; @ PH 10.5 ... NO INCR FOR @ LEAST
AN HR ...; PH 10.8 ... RESISTANCE TO HALF ORIGINAL ... IN ABOUT 30 MIN ...; @ PH
11 TO ... 12 BREAKDOWN OF ... BARRIER ... MORE RAPID ... .
IN BIOPSY SPECIMENS FROM THE FOREARM VOLAR SURFACE SODIUM
HYDROXIDE PRODUCED INTRACELLULAR EDEMA & INCREASED NUMBERS OF
LAMELLAR GRANULES ON THE OUTER SURFACE OF THE UPPERMOST GRANULAR CELL LAYER.
SYMPTOMATOLOGY: 1. INGESTION OF LYE CAUSES SWALLOWING TO BECOME PAINFUL &
DIFFICULT ALMOST IMMEDIATELY. BURNING PAIN EXTENDS DOWN ESOPHAGUS TO STOMACH.
CONTAMINATED AREAS OF LIPS, CHIN, TONGUE, & PHARYNX BECOME EDEMATOUS &
COVERED WITH EXUDATE. PROFUSE SALIVATION. BECAUSE OF PHARYNGEAL AND ESOPHAGEAL
EDEMA, IT MAY BECOME IMPOSSIBLE AFTER A FEW HOURS TO SWALLOW EVEN SALIVA. MUCOUS
MEMBRANES ARE AT FIRST WHITE BUT LATER BROWN, EDEMATOUS, GELATINOUS, AND
NECROTIC. 2. VOMITUS IS THICK AND SLIMY DUE TO MUCUS; LATER IT MAY CONTAIN BLOOD
AND SHREDS OF MUCOUS MEMBRANE. /LYE/
SYMPTOMATOLOGY /AFTER INGESTION/: 3. PULSE ... RAPID & FEEBLE; RESPIRATIONS
... FAST & SHALLOW; SKIN IS COLD & CLAMMY; COLLAPSE ENSUES. 4. DEATH DUE
TO SHOCK, ASPHYXIA FROM GLOTTIC EDEMA OR INTERCURRENT INFECTION (PNEUMONIA)
COMMONLY OCCURS ON 2ND OR ... 3RD DAY. ASPIRATION PNEUMONITIS ... DESCRIBED. 5.
CONVALESCENCE MAY BE INTERRUPTED DURING FIRST WEEK BY ESOPHAGEAL PERFORATION OR
PERHAPS EVEN GASTRIC PERFORATION. MEDIASTINITIS MAY PRESENT AS SEVERE SUBSTERNAL
PAIN WITH FEVER. 6. IF COMPLICATIONS DO NOT APPEAR, LIQUID AND SOFT FOOD CAN BE
SWALLOWED WITH COMPARATIVE EASE WITHIN 5 TO 7 DAYS. WITHIN 5 TO 7 DAYS. ... IN
MOST CASES THIS ABSENCE OF DISTRESS MARKS LATENT PERIOD AND THAT ESOPHAGEAL
STRICTURES WILL DEVELOP WITHIN WEEKS OR MONTHS UNLESS EFFECTIVE TREATMENT IS
INSTITUTED.
Contact with the eyes causes disintegration and sloughing of conjunctival and
corneal epithelium, corneal opacification, marked edema, and ulceration; After 7
to 13 days either gradual recovery begins, or there is progression of ulceration
and corneal opacification. Complications of severe eye burns are symblepharon
(adhesion of the lid to the eyeball) with overgrowth of the cornea by a
vascularized membrane, progressive or recurrent corneal ulceration, and
permanent corneal opacification.
On the skin, solutions of about 25 to 50% cause the sensation of irritation
within about 3 minutes; With solutions of 4% this does not occur until after
several hours. If not removed from the skin, severe burns with deep ulceration
will occur; Exposure to the dust or mist may cause multiple small burns, with
temporary loss of hair.
Cases of squamous cell carcinoma of the esophagus have occurred with latent
periods of 12 to 42 years after ingestion; These cancers may have been sequelae
of tissue destruction and possibly scar formation rather than from a direct
carcinogenic action of sodium hydroxide itself.
Skin contact; Levels of toxic effect: (1) There is not necessarily an immediate
sensation of irritation or pain. (2) Primary irritant dermatitis. (3) Multiple
small burns with temporary loss of hair. (4) Deterioration of keratin material.
(5) Intracellular edema. (6) Severe burns, corrosion of tissue, and deep
ulcerations.
Eye contact; Levels of toxic effect: (1) Irritation. (2) Conjunctivitis, corneal
burns. (3) Photophobia. (4) Disintegration and sloughing of conjunctival and
corneal epithelium. (5) Corneal edema, ulceration, and opacefication. (6)
Symlbepharon. (7) Overgrowth of the cornea by a vascularized membrane. (8)
Permanent corneal opacification.
A 28-year old member of an oil-well drilling crew sustained extensive splash
burns of the left eye from NaOH and received emergency care from a general
physician prior to being hospitalized. At the hospital, initial examination
showed vision limited to light perception, corneal clouding to such an extent
that iris markings were not discernable, necrosis of most of the bulbar
conjunctiva, some sloughing in the masal area of the cornea, blanched and
necrotic cul-de-sac, and some involvement of the lids and adjacent skin. The
treatment of the patient at the hospital consisted of daily debridement of
necrotic areas, local atropine, antibiotics, steroids, systematic ACTH,
vitamins, antacids, and proteolytic enzymes. The treatment produced some
improvement with time so that usual, late sequelae such as vascular invasion and
symblepharon did not occur, and the cornea cleared sufficiently within 7 weeks
that vision returned to near normal.
A micropolarographic system was used as a quantitative means of monitoring the
healing course of corneal epithelium following a 10 second exposure to 0.20 N sodium
hydroxide solution. Concn of less than that strength produced
inconsistent flux baselines due to incomplete damage to the epithelium, while
higher concn commonly involved the stroma as well. Virtually complete epithelial
destruction (down to the basement membrane) and reproducible flux baselines were
found, however, with the 0.20 N induced lesion studied in detail here. The
healing course following those exposures consisted of two well defined phases:
an initial period of hypoflux lasting some 48 hr before rising back up to the
pre-lesion baseline, followed then by a period of hyperflux lasting about 7 days
before decreasing once again down to the pre-lesion baseline.
An in-plant case-control study of 26 renal cancer deaths was conducted to
determine whether an occupational exposure may be related to an apparent
increase in mortality from this disease observed among a sample of employees at
a multiple process chemical production facility. None was found that explained
the excess. Elevated odds ratios were identified for employment in the cell
maintenance area of chlorine production and with those presumptive exposures
considered to occur in this job, asbestos and caustic, but not chlorine. While
an association between renal cancer and asbestos has been previously reported,
an association with caustic, per se, is not consistent with prior observations
made by others. ... Both the increased and decreased risks, while statistically
significant, are based on small numbers of exposed subjects and may be spurious
owing to the problem of multiple comparisons.
Ocular blood flow was determined using radioactive S 85 microspheres after an
alkali NaOH burn to the eye. With 20 ul NaOH, blood flow was significantly
increased in the iris, ciliary processes, and choroid from 2 through 4 hr. This
correlated well with the sustained increase in intraocular pressure (IOP) seen
after a 20 ul burn. A 50 ul burn increased blood flow 1 hr, but it returned
toward normal levels beyond 2 hr. ... There appeared to be a meaningful
correlation between IOP changes and altered blood flow following ocular alkali
burns. The blood flow changes paralleled those occurring after the topical
application of prostaglandins and supported the concept that ocular blood flow
dynamics are mediated by prostaglandins.
200 patients with suspected caustic ingestation were examined. No steroids were
administered to the patients involved. Lesions in the esophagus were found in 93
patients. Thirty-two patients with deep circular burns had nasogastric tubes
inserted immediately. Of these patients, 2 developed esophageal strictures, but
subsequent dilatation was successful. No stricture formation was observed in the
group of patients with noncircular lesions. This low percentage of stricture
formation is due to the use of nasogastric tubes. Since neither the presence nor
the severity of esophageal burns is predictable, an endoscopy should be
performed in all suspected cases. In the absence of severe pharyngeal lesions,
the use of a flexible fiberoptic endoscope is preferable because it also allows
examination of the stomach and proximal part of the duodenum.
... has a marked corrosive action upon all body tissue. ... Dangerous.
IN TERMS OF TOTAL DOSE CAUSTIC ALKALIS HAVE KILLED ADULT HUMANS WHO INGESTED
LESS THAN 10 G.
Corrosive to all tissues upon contact, ingestion or inhalation.
The irritating nature of the aerosol on the mucous membranes is presumed to be
adequate warning to maintain air concn at tolerable levels.
Various climates and skin textures may influence the seriousness of skin injury.
There is a latent period between contact of NaOH with the skin and the sensation
of irritation.
"Button" batteries, which contain concentrated solutions of sodium or
potassium hydroxide, represent a serious risk for leakage, corrosion, and
perforation when lodged in the esophagus.
Malfunctioning automobile air-bag inflation systems may release sodium
hydroxide powder, a byproduct in the chemical conversion of sodium azide
to nitrogen gas that inflates the auto air bags. Chemical surface burns will
require symptomatic treatment.
Seventy-five percent of all caustic injury to the esophagus in chidren under 5
years results from sodium hydroxide. Eighty-three
percent of these victims are under 3 yr, and 62% are males. Gastric acid is not
sufficiently strong or present in sufficient quantity to neutralize even small
quantities of strong alkali.
Skin, Eye and Respiratory Irritations:
Liquid or solid sodium
hydroxide is a severe skin irritant. It causes second and third degree
burns on short contact and is very injurious to the eyes.
HAZARD WARNING: The irritating nature of the
aerosol on the mucous membranes is presumed to be adequate warning to maintain
air concn at tolerable levels.
A corrosive irritant to skin, eyes, and mucous membranes. ... Inhalation of the
dust or concentrated mist can cause damage to the upper respiratory tract and to
lung tissue, depending on the severity of the exposure.
Medical Surveillance:
The skin, eyes, and respiratory tract should
receive special attention in any placement or periodic examination. NIOSH
recommends that workers subject to sodium hydroxide exposure
have comprehensive preplacement medical examinations. Medical examinations shall
be made available promptly to all workers with signs or symptoms of skin, eye,
or upper respiratory tract irritation resulting from exposure to sodium hydoxide.
Probable Routes of Human Exposure:
Inhalation of dust or mist, ingestion, and
skin or eye contact.
536,498 employees (102,011 female employees) (est) have been exposed from actual
observed occupational use of sodium hydroxide.
Over a six-month period, the New Jersey Poison Information System received 61
calls related to exposures to alkaline corrosives. Seven of these calls related
to a new oven-cleaner product, oven-cleaner pads. These pads are sealed in a
protective plastic wrap and contain lye in excess of 5%. ... Five of the callers
sustained injuries from their exposure, and three of these sustained burns, one
in the oral cavity and one in the eye. None suffered permanent sequelae, but the
potential for such is considerable. The method of application, concn of base,
and prolonged exposure to a widely covered area may make this product
particularly hazardous. /Alkaline corrosives/
Non-Human Toxicity Values:
LD50 Mouse ip 40 mg/kg
Ecotoxicity Values:
LC100 CYPRINUS CARPIO 180 PPM/24 HR @ 25 DEG C
TLm mosquito fish 125 ppm/96 hr (fresh water)
TLm Bluegill 99 mg/L/48 hr (tap water)
Metabolism/Pharmacokinetics:
Absorption, Distribution & Excretion:
ALKALIS PENETRATE SKIN SLOWLY.
Ammonium hydroxide penetrates fastest, followed by sodium
hydroxide, potassium hydroxide, and finally calcium hydroxide.
Mechanism of Action:
Keratin material in the skin underwent rapid
decomposition in sodium hydroxide above pH 9.2.
Aliquots of washed human hair and fingernails were mixed with various amounts of
sodium solution and the extent of keratin breakdown was measured by estimating
the cystine produced. The cystine portion of the keratin complex of human hair
or nails was readily cleaved by sodium hydroxide in the
S-S bond. After 20 hr of contact with 0.1N or 0.25N sodium
hydroxide, 61.4% and 97.6%, respectively, of the nail keratin were
decomposed. Thus, a high degree of destruction of tissue even by a dilute sodium
hydroxide solution can occur from prolonged contact.
Interactions:
SRP4: Interacts with acid salts to form bases.
Pharmacology:
Therapeutic Uses:
VET: DISINFECTANT
Vet: Dehorning of calves
MEDICATION (VET): Used to treat selenium deficient barley to induce vitamin E
and selenium deficiency in yearling cattle /resulting in degenerative myopathy/.
VET: A 2% solution of soda lye (contains 94% sodium
hydroxide) in hot water is used as a disinfectant against many common
pathogens, such as those causing fowl cholera and pullorum disease.
Interactions:
SRP4: Interacts with acid salts to form bases.
Environmental Fate & Exposure:
Probable Routes of Human Exposure:
Inhalation of dust or mist, ingestion, and
skin or eye contact.
536,498 employees (102,011 female employees) (est)
have been exposed from actual observed occupational use of sodium
hydroxide.
Over a six-month period, the New Jersey Poison Information System received 61
calls related to exposures to alkaline corrosives. Seven of these calls related
to a new oven-cleaner product, oven-cleaner pads. These pads are sealed in a
protective plastic wrap and contain lye in excess of 5%. ... Five of the callers
sustained injuries from their exposure, and three of these sustained burns, one
in the oral cavity and one in the eye. None suffered permanent sequelae, but the
potential for such is considerable. The method of application, concn of base,
and prolonged exposure to a widely covered area may make this product
particularly hazardous. /Alkaline corrosives/
Environmental Fate:
Aquatic: In the case of a solid, anhydrous sodium
hydroxide spill on soil, ground water pollution will occur if
precipitation occurs prior to clean up. Precipitation will dissolve some of the
solid (with much heat given off) and create an aqueous solution of sodium
hydroxide, which then would be able to infiltrate the soil. However,
prediction of the concn and properties of the solution produced would be
difficult.
Environmental Biodegradation:
BOD: none
Environmental Standards & Regulations:
FIFRA Requirements:
Residues of sodium hydroxide
are exempted from the requirement of a tolerance when used as a
neutralizer in accordance with good agricultural practices as inert (or
occasionally active) ingredients in pesticide formulations applied to growing
crops or to raw agricultural commodities after harvest.
Sodium hydroxide is
exempted from the requirement of a tolerance when used as a neutralizer in
accordance with good agricultural practice as inert (or occasionally active)
ingredients in pesticide formulations applied to animals.
As the federal pesticide law FIFRA directs, EPA is conducting a comprehensive
review of older pesticides to consider their health and environmental effects
and make decisions about their future use. Under this pesticide reregistration
program, EPA examines health and safety data for pesticide active ingredients
initially registered before November 1, 1984, and determines whether they are
eligible for reregistration. In addition, all pesticides must meet the new
safety standard of the Food Quality Protection Act of 1996. Pesticides for which
EPA had not issued Registration Standards prior to the effective date of FIFRA,
as amended in 1988, were divided into three lists based upon their potential for
human exposure and other factors, with List B containing pesticides of greater
concern and List D pesticides of less concern. Sodium
hydroxide is found on List D. Case No: 4065; Pesticide type: fungicide,
herbicide, antimicrobial; Case Status: RED Approved 09/92; OPP has made a
decision that some/all uses of the pesticide are eligible for reregistration, as
reflected in a Reregistration Eligibility Decision (RED) document .; Active
ingredient (AI): sodium hydroxide; Data Call-in (DCI)
Date(s): 09/30/92; AI Status: OPP has completed a Reregistration Eligibility
Decision (RED) document for the case/AI.
CERCLA Reportable Quantities:
Persons in charge of vessels or facilities are
required to notify the National Response Center (NRC) immediately, when there is
a release of this designated hazardous substance, in an amount equal to or
greater than its reportable quantity of 1000 lb or 454 kg. The toll free number
of the NRC is (800) 424-8802; In the Washington D.C. metropolitan area (202)
426-2675. The rule for determining when notification is required is stated in 40
CFR 302.4 (section IV. D.3.b).
Clean Water Act Requirements:
Designated as a hazardous substance under
section 311(b)(2)(A) of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act and further
regulated by the Clean Water Act Amendments of 1977 and 1978. These regulations
apply to discharges of sodium hydroxide.
FDA Requirements:
Sodium hydroxide used
as a general purpose food additive in animal drugs, feeds, and related products
is generally recognized as safe when used in accordance with good manufacturing
or feeding practice.
Substance added directly to human food affirmed as generally recognized as safe
(GRAS) ... when used in food at levels not to exceed current good manufacturing
practice.
Sodium hydroxide (not to exceed 1%) is a food additive permitted for
direct addition to food for human consumption, as long as 1) the quantity of the
substance added to food does not exceed the amount reasonably required to
accomplish its intended physical, nutritive, or other technical effect in food,
and 2) any substance intended for use in or on food is of appropriate food grade
and is prepared and handled as a food ingredient.
Allowable Tolerances:
Residues of sodium hydroxide
are exempted from the requirement of a tolerance when used as a
neutralizer in accordance with good agricultural practices as inert (or
occasionally active) ingredients in pesticide formulations applied to growing
crops or to raw agricultural commodities after harvest.
Sodium hydroxide is exempted from the requirement of a tolerance when
used as a neutralizer in accordance with good agricultural practice as inert (or
occasionally active) ingredients in pesticide formulations applied to animals.
Chemical/Physical Properties:
Molecular Formula:
H-Na-O
Molecular Weight:
40.00
Color/Form:
White, othogonal crystals
Colorless to white ... solid (flakes, beads, granular form).
Odor:
... Odorless ...
Taste:
Detection - the minimum physical intensity
detection by a subject where he or she is not required to identify the stimulus
but just detect the existence of the stimulus - in water: 8.00x10-3 mol/l.
Boiling Point:
1388 DEG C
Melting Point:
323 DEG C
Corrosivity:
Very corrosive (caustic) to aluminum metal in
presence of moisture.
Density/Specific Gravity:
2.13 @ 25 deg C
Dissociation Constants:
SRP4: Completely dissociated
Heat of Combustion:
SRP4: Non-combustible
Heat of Vaporization:
175 kJ/mol @ 1388 deg C
Octanol/Water Partition Coefficient:
SRP4: Too low to be measured (or possibly
virtually 0)
pH:
0.05% WT/WT SOLN ABOUT 12; 0.5% SOLN ABOUT 13;
5% SOLN ABOUT 14
Solubilities:
1 g dissolves in 0.9 ml water, 0.3 ml boiling
water; 1 g dissolves in 7.2 ml absolute alcohol, 4.2 ml methanol; also sol in
glycerol
Spectral Properties:
INDEX OF REFRACTION: 1.3576
Surface Tension:
At 18 deg C: 74.35 dynes/cm (2.72 wt%), 75.85
dynes/cm (5.66 wt%), 83.05 dynes/cm (16.66 wt%), 96.05 dynes/cm (30.56 wt%),
101.05 dynes/cm (35.90 wt%)
Vapor Pressure:
1 mm Hg @ 739 deg C
Viscosity:
4.0 cP at 350 deg C.
Other Chemical/Physical Properties:
5% SOLN (WT/WT): DENSITY: 1.056, FP: -4 DEG C,
BP: 102 DEG C. 10% SOLN (WT/WT): DENSITY: 1.111, FP: -10 DEG C, BP: 105 DEG C.
20% SOLN (WT/WT): DENSITY: 1.222, FP: -26 DEG C, BP: 110 DEG C. 30% SOLN
(WT/WT): DENSITY: 1.333, FP: 1 DEG C, BP: 115 DEG C. 40% SOLN (WT/WT): DENSITY:
1.434, FP: 15 DEG C, BP: 125 DEG C. 50% SOLN (WT/WT): DENSITY: 1.530, FP: 12 DEG
C, BP: 140 DEG C
RAPIDLY ABSORBS CARBON DIOXIDE & WATER FROM AIR
DELIQUESCENT
Heat of Formation: -101.723 kcal/mol @ 25 deg C (solid)
Heat of transition, alpha to beta, J/g = 103.3. Heat of formation from the
elements: Alpha form, kJ/mol = 422.46; Beta form, kJ/mol = 426.60. Transition
temperature, 299.6 deg C.
70-73 % soln: MP 62 deg C; Den 2.0 at 15.5 deg C.
Caustic soda reacts with all the mineral acids to form
the corresponding salts. It also reacts with weak-acid gases, such as hydrogen
sulfide, sulfur dioxide, and carbon dioxide. Caustic soda reacts
with amphoteric metals (Al, Zn, Sn) and their oxides to form complex anions such
as AlO2(-), ZnO2(-2), SNO2(-2), and H2 (or H2O with oxides). All organic acids
also react with sodium hydroxide to form soluble salts.
Another common reaction of caustic soda is
dehydrochlorination.
Heat capacity (constant pressure): 59.5 J/mol-K (crystal)
Heat of Fusion: 6.60 kJ/mol @ 25 deg C (crystal)
Heat of Solution: -44.51 kJ/mol @ 323 deg C
Chemical Safety & Handling:
DOT Emergency Guidelines:
Health: TOXIC, inhalation, ingestion, or skin
contact with material may cause severe injury or death. Contact with molten
substance may cause severe burns to skin and eyes. Avoid any skin contact.
Effects of contact or inhalation may be delayed. Fire may produce irritating,
corrosive and/or toxic gases. Runoff from fire control or dilution water may be
corrosive and/or toxic and cause pollution. /Sodium hydroxide,
dry; Sodium hydroxide, bead; Sodium
hydroxide, flake/
Fire or explosion: Non-combustible, substance itself does not burn but may
decompose upon heating to produce corrosive and/or toxic fumes. Some are
oxidizers and may ignite combustibles (wood, paper, oil, clothing, etc.).
Contact with metals may evolve flammable hydrogen gas. Containers may explode
when heated. /Sodium hydroxide, dry; Sodium
hydroxide, bead; Sodium hydroxide, flake/
Public safety: ... Isolate spill or leak area
immediately for at least 25 to 50 meters (80 to 160 feet) in all directions.
Keep unauthorized personnel away. Stay upwind. Keep out of low areas. Ventilate
enclosed areas. /Sodium hydroxide, dry; Sodium
hydroxide, bead; Sodium hydroxide, flake/
Protective clothing: Wear positive pressure self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA).
Wear chemical protective clothing which is specifically recommended by the
manufacturer. Structural firefighters' protective clothing is recommended for
fire situations ONLY, it is not effective in spill situations. /Sodium
hydroxide, dry; Sodium hydroxide, bead; Sodium
hydroxide, flake/
Evacuation: Spill: Fire: If tank, rail car or tank truck is involved in a fire,
ISOLATE for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions; also, consider initial
evacuation for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions. /Sodium
hydroxide, dry; Sodium hydroxide, bead; Sodium
hydroxide, flake/
Fire: Small fires: Dry chemical, CO2 or water spray. Large fires: Dry chemical,
CO2, alcohol-resistant foam or water spray. Move containers from fire area if
you can do it without risk. Dike fire control water for later disposal; do not
scatter the material. Fire involving tanks or car/trailer loads: Fight fire from
maximum distance or use unmanned hose holders or monitor nozzles. Do not get
water inside containers. Cool containers with flooding quantities of water until
well after fire is out. Withdraw immediately in case of rising sound from
venting safety devices or discoloration of tank. ALWAYS stay away from the ends
of tanks. /Sodium hydroxide, dry; Sodium
hydroxide, bead; Sodium hydroxide, flake/
Spill or leak: ELIMINATE all ignition sources (no smoking, flares, sparks or
flames in immediate area). Do not touch damaged containers or spilled material
unless wearing appropriate protective clothing. Stop leak if you can do it
without risk. Prevent entry into waterways, sewers, basements or confined areas.
Absorb or cover with dry earth, sand or other non-combustible material and
transfer to containers. DO NOT GET WATER INSIDE CONTAINERS. /Sodium
hydroxide, dry; Sodium hydroxide, bead; Sodium
hydroxide, flake/
First aid: Move victim to fresh air. Call emergency medical care. Apply
artificial respiration if victim is not breathing. Do not use mouth-to-mouth
method if victim ingested or inhaled the substance; induce artificial
respiration with the aid of a pocket mask equipped with a one-way valve or other
proper respiratory medical device. Administer oxygen if breathing is difficult.
Remove and isolate contaminated clothing and shoes. In case of contact with
substance, immediately flush skin or eyes with running water for at least 20
minutes. For minor skin contact, avoid spreading material on unaffected skin.
Keep victim warm and quiet. Effects of exposure (inhalation, ingestion or skin
contact) to substance may be delayed. Ensure that medical personnel are aware of
the material(s) involved, and take precautions to protect themselves. /Sodium
hydroxide, dry; Sodium hydroxide, bead; Sodium
hydroxide, flake/
Skin, Eye and Respiratory Irritations:
Liquid or solid sodium hydroxide is a severe skin
irritant. It causes second and third degree burns on short contact and is very
injurious to the eyes.
HAZARD WARNING: The irritating nature of the aerosol on the mucous membranes is
presumed to be adequate warning to maintain air concn at tolerable levels.
A corrosive irritant to skin, eyes, and mucous membranes. ... Inhalation of the
dust or concentrated mist can cause damage to the upper respiratory tract and to
lung tissue, depending on the severity of the exposure.
NFPA Hazard Classification:
Health: 3. 3= Materials that, on short
exposure, could cause serious temporary or residual injury, including those
requiring protection from all bodily contact. Fire fighters may enter the area
only if they are protected from all contact with the material. Full protective
clothing, including self-contained breathing apparatus, coat, pants, gloves,
boots and bands around legs, arms, and waist, should be provided. No skin
surface should be exposed.
Flammability: 0. 0= This degree includes any material that will not burn.
Reactivity: 1. 1= This degree includes materials that are normally stable, but
may become unstable at elevated temperatures and pressures and materials that
will react with water with some release of energy, but not violently. Fires
involving these materials should be approached with caution.
Fire Fighting Procedures:
Use only flooding quantities of water as
spray. DO NOT use halogenated extinguishing agents. Use carbon dioxide or
suitable dry chemical extinguisher.
Extinguish fire using agent suitable for type of surrounding fire.
Hazardous Reactivities & Incompatibilities:
GENERATES CONSIDERABLE HEAT WHEN ... SOLN IS
MIXED WITH ACID.
CRUDE HYDROQUINONE WAS PUMPED INTO SODIUM HYDROXIDE STORAGE
TANK BY MISTAKE. THE HYDROQUINONE LIQUOR AT 85 DEG C DECOMP RAPIDLY IN THE
PRESENCE OF THE SODIUM HYDROXIDE RESULTING IN OVERFLOW
OF TANK & EVOLUTION OF CONSIDERABLE AMOUNT OF HEAT.
Much heat is evolved when the solid material is dissolved in water. Therefore,
cold water and caution must be used for this process.
Caustic solutions generate heat when further diluted with water. With
concentrations of 40% or greater, the heat generated can raise the temperature
above the boiling point, resulting in sporadic, dangerous eruptions of the
solution.
With aluminum, arsenic trioxide, sodium, and arsenate: An aluminum ladder was
used (instead of the usual wooden one) to gain access to a tank containing the
alkaline arsenical mixture. Hydrogen produced by alkaline reaction on the ladder
generated arsine, which poisoned the three workers involved.
With bromine: A bucket containing 25% sodium hydroxide solution
was used to catch and neutralize bromine dripping from a leak. Lack of stirring
allowed a layer of unreacted bromine to form below the alkali. Many hours later,
a violent eruption occurred when the layers were disturbed during disposal
operations. Continuous stirring is essential to prevent stratification of slowly
reacting, mutually insoluble, liquids.
With octanol and diborane: Addition of sodium hydroxide solution
during work-up of a reaction mixture of oxime and diborane in tetrahydrofuran is
very exothermic, a mild explosion being noted on one occasion.
/Sodium hydroxide/ with
4-methyl-2-nitrophenol, sodium carbonate, and methanol: Failure to agitate a
large-scale mixture of the reagents caused an eruption due to exothermic action
when mixing occurred.
With zinc: Accidental contamination of a metal scoop with flake sodium
hydroxide, prior to its use with zinc dust, caused ignition of the
latter. A stiff paste prepared from zinc dust and 10% sodium
hydroxide solution attains a temperature above 100 deg C after exposure
to air for 15 min.
With zinc and 4-methyl-2-nitrophenol: In preparation of
2,2-dimethoxyazoxybenzene, solvent ethanol was distilled out of the mixture of
o-nitroanisole, zinc and sodium hydroxide, before
reaction was complete. The exothermic reaction continued unmoderated, and
finally exploded.
With 2,2,2-trichloroethanol: Accidental contact of 50% sodium
hydroxide solution with residual trichloroethanol in a pump caused an
explosion. This was confirmed in laboratory experiments. Chlorohydroxyacetylene,
the isomeric chloroketene or chlorooxirene, may have been formed by elimination
of hydrogen chloride.
Water; acids; flammable liquids; organic halogens; metals such as aluminum, tin,
& zinc; nitromethane [Note: Corrosive to metals].
Reacts to form explosive products with ammonia + silver nitrate (forms silver
nitride); N,N'-bis(trinitroethyl)urea (in storage) ...
Under the proper conditions of temperature, pressure, and state of division, it
can ignite or react violently with ... acetaldehyde, ... allyl alcohol, allyl
chloride, ... benzene-1,4-diol, chlorine trifluoride, ... 1,2-dichloroethylene,
... nitroethane, nitromethane, nitroparaffins, nitropropane, ... cinnamaldehyde,
... 2,2-dichloro-3,3-dimethylbutane, ... Reacts with formaldehyde hydroxide to
yield formic acid and hydrogen.
Sodium hydroxide in contact with water may generate enough heat to ignite
adjacent combustible materials.
PHOSPHORUS BOILED WITH ALKALINE HYDROXIDES YIELDS MIXED PHOSPHINES WHICH MAY
IGNITE SPONTANEOUSLY IN AIR.
MIXING SODIUM HYDROXIDE WITH GLACIAL ACETIC ACID,
ACETIC ANHYDRIDE, ACROLEIN, CHLOROHYDRIN, CHLOROSULFONIC ACID, ETHYLENE
CYANOHYDRIN, GLYOXAL, 36% HYDROCHLORIC ACID, 48.7% HYDROFLUORIC ACID, 70% NITRIC
ACID, OLEUM, PROPIOLACTONE (BETA-) OR 96% SULFURIC ACID IN CLOSED CONTAINER
CAUSED TEMP & PRESSURE TO INCR.
EXTREMELY VIOLENT POLYMERIZATION REACTION OF ACROLEIN OR ACRYLONITRILE RESULTS
FROM CONTACT WITH SODIUM HYDROXIDE. INADVERTENT
CONTAMINATION OF MIXED CHLORONITROTOLUENES BY SODIUM HYDROXIDE
IN FEED LINE CAUSED EXOTHERMIC REACTION WITH RUNAWAY PRESSURE BUILD-UP
AND EVENTUAL EXPLOSION OF PROCESSING APPARATUS.
PRESENCE OF RESIDUE OF WEAK SODIUM HYDROXIDE SOLUTION
IN A PRESSURE VESSEL CAUSED MALEIC ANHYDRIDE TO DECOMPOSE IN RUNAWAY EXPLOSIVE
REACTION. PENTOL, BEING FRACTIONATED UNDER HIGH VACUUM, WAS ACCIDENTALLY
CONTACTED BY CAUSTIC CLEANING SOLUTION AND VIOLENT EXPLOSION RESULTED.
IN MFR OF SODIUM SALT OF TRICHLOROPHENOL, SODIUM HYDROXIDE, METHYL
ALCOHOL AND TETRACHLOROBENZENE WERE HEATED. DURING PROCESS, PRESSURE SUDDENLY
INCR RAPIDLY & EXPLOSION OCCURRED. WHEN HEATED, TRICHLOROETHYLENE AND SODIUM
HYDROXIDE FORM EXPLOSIVE MIXTURES OF DICHLOROACETYLENE.
AS BENZENE EXTRACT OF ALLYL BENZENESULFONATE PREPARED FROM ALLYL ALCOHOL AND
BENZENE SULFONYL CHLORIDE IN PRESENCE OF AQUEOUS SODIUM
HYDROXIDE UNDER VACUUM DISTILLATION, RESIDUE DARKENED & EXPLODED. SODIUM
HYDROXIDE REACTS WITH PHOSPHORUS PENTOXIDE EXTREMELY VIOLENTLY WHEN
INITIATED BY LOCAL HEATING.
USING SODIUM HYDROXIDE TO DRY IMPURE TETRAHYDROFURAN,
WHICH CAN CONTAIN PEROXIDES, IS HAZARDOUS. SERIOUS EXPLOSIONS CAN OCCUR.
700 KG OF 4-CHLORO-2-METHYLPHENOL, LEFT IN CONTACT WITH CONCN SODIUM
HYDROXIDE SOLN FOR 3 DAYS, DECOMPOSED, REACHING RED HEAT AND EVOLVING
FUMES WHICH IGNITED EXPLOSIVELY. PRESENCE OF TRACES OF SODIUM
HYDROXIDE PROBABLY CAUSED FORMATION OF ACETYLENIC SODIUM SALT OF
3-METHYL-2-PENTEN-4-YN-1-OL WHICH EXPLODED IN METAL STILL.
HEATING MIXT OF NITROBENZENE, FLAKE SODIUM HYDROXIDE AND
A LITTLE WATER IN AUTOCLAVE LED TO EXPLOSION. VIOLENT EXPLOSION OCCURRED DURING
ALKALINE HYDROLYSIS OF TETRACHLOROBENZENE IN ETHYLENE GLYCOL @ ATMOSPHERIC
PRESSURE, WHICH WAS REGARDED AS SAFE PROCESS.
DURING DESTRUCTION OF CHEMICAL WARFARE AMMUNITION, PIERCED SHELLS CONTAINING
CHLOROPICRIN REACTED VIOLENTLY WITH ALCOHOLIC SODIUM
HYDROXIDE. ACCIDENTAL CONTACT OF 50% SODIUM HYDROXIDE SOLN
WITH RESIDUAL TRICHLOROETHANOL IN PUMP CAUSED AN EXPLOSION.
CHLOROFORM-METHANOL MIXTURE WAS PUT INTO DRUM CONTAMINATED WITH SODIUM
HYDROXIDE. VIGOROUS REACTION COMMENCED, AND DRUM EXPLODED. ADDN OF SODIUM
HYDROXIDE SOLN DURING WORK-UP OF REACTION MIXTURE OF OXIME & DIBORANE
IN TETRAHYDROFURAN IS VERY EXOTHERMIC, A MILD EXPLOSION BEING NOTED ON ONE
OCCASION.
DRY MIXTURES OF SODIUM TETRAHYDROBORATE WITH SODIUM HYDROXIDE CONTAINING
15-40% OF TETRAHYDROBORATE LIBERATE HYDROGEN EXPLOSIVELY AT 230-270 DEG C.
EXPLOSIVE REACTIONS OCCUR WHEN ZIRCONIUM IS COMBINED WITH ALKALI METAL
HYDROXIDES.
INTERACTION OF CYANOGEN AZIDE WITH 10% ALKALI FORMS SODIUM 5-AZIDOTETRAZOLIDE,
WHICH EXPLODES VIOLENTLY IF ISOLATED.
In sodium hydroxide's reaction with amphoteric metals,
hydrogen gas is generated which may form an explosive mixture.
With 1,2,4,5-tetrachlorobenzene: Several serious incidents have been reported
about the commercial preparation of 2,4,5-trichlorophenol by alkaline hydrolysis
of methanolic alkali at 125 deg C, reaction went out of control. In one incident
the temperature reached 400 deg C after hydrolysis in ethylene glycol solution,
the residue from vacuum stripping exploded, probably owing to overheating. In
1968, a violent explosion occurred during hydrolysis in ethylene glycol at
atmosphere pressure, which had been regarded as a safe process.
RAGS SOAKED IN SODIUM HYDROXIDE & CINNAMALDEHYDE
OVERHEATED AND IGNITED WHEN THEY CAME INTO CONTACT IN WASTE BIN. ACCIDENTAL
CONTAMINATION OF METAL SCOOP WITH FLAKE SODIUM HYDROXIDE CAUSED
IGNITION OF ZINC.
Hazardous Decomposition:
Sodium hydroxide decomposes
to sodium oxide and water.
Hazardous Polymerization:
SRP4: Not polymerized
Other Hazardous Reaction:
Corrosion is a problem at temperatures above
60 degrees C, therefore, the use of steel for caustic-handling is not
recommended at elevated temperatures. Stress cracking may also occur when caustic
soda solution concentrations exceed 20% at temperatures in excess of 60
degrees C.
Immediately Dangerous to Life or Health:
10 mg/cu m
Protective Equipment & Clothing:
Hazards from spills and leaks should be
minimized by an adequate supply of water for washing-down. ... Adequate
ventilation should be provided in areas where caustic ... soda
mist or dust is present. ... For the protection of the eyes, safety
goggles should be worn, as well as face shields, if complete face protection is
necessary. Eyewash fountains and safety showers must be available at any
location where eye and/or skin contact can occur. Protection against mist or
dust of this compound can be provided by filter or dust-type respiratory
protective equipment. ... Safety shoes ... are recommended.
Respirator selection: 100 mg/cu m: a)
High-efficiency particulate respirator with a full facepiece, b) Supplied air
respirator with a full facepiece, helmet, or hood. , c) Self-contained breathing
apparatus with a full facepiece. 200 mg/cu m: a) Powered air-purifying
respirator with a high-efficiency filter with a full facepiece, or b) Type C SA
with a full facepiece operated in pressure-demand or other positive pressure
mode or with a full facepiece, helmet, or hood operated in continuous- flow
mode. . Escape: a) Dust and mist respirator, except single-use respirators with
full facepiece, or b) Self-contained breathing apparatus with a full facepiece.
Sodium hydroxide: Chemical protective clothing composed of natural
rubber, neoprene, nitrile, or styrene/butadiene (SBR)-coated fabric is highly
recommended, having break through times greater than one hour. Butyl rubber,
neoprene and SBR, polyethylene, chlorinated polyurethane, or polyvinyl alcohol
may be used but data suggests break through times of approximately an hour or
more.
Sodium hydroxide, 30-70%: Chemical protective clothing composed of
natural rubber, neoprene, nitrile, or polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is highly
recommended, having break through times greater than one hour. Butyl rubber,
nitrile/PVC, polyethylene, chlorinated polyethylene, or styrene/butadiene coated
approximately an hour or more. Some data for polyvinyl alcohol (usually from
immersion tests) suggest break through times greater than one hour are not
likely.
Wear appropriate personal protective clothing to prevent skin contact.
Wear appropriate eye protection to prevent eye contact.
Eyewash fountains should be provided in areas where there is any possibility
that workers could be exposed to the substance; this is irrespective of the
recommendation involving the wearing of eye protection.
Facilities for quickly drenching the body should be provided within the
immediate work area for emergency use where there is a possibility of exposure.
[Note: It is intended that these facilities provide a sufficient quantity or
flow of water to quickly remove the substance from any body areas likely to be
exposed. The actual determination of what constitutes an adequate quick drench
facility depends on the specific circumstances. In certain instances, a deluge
shower should be readily available, whereas in others, the availability of water
from a sink or hose could be considered adequate.]
Recommendations for respirator selection. Max concn for use: 10 mg/cu m.
Respirator Class(es): Any supplied-air respirator operated in a continuous flow
mode. Eye protection needed. Any air-purifying, full-facepiece respirator with a
high-efficiency particulate filter. Any powered, air-purifying respirator with a
dust and mist filter. Eye protection needed. Any self-contained breathing
apparatus with a full facepiece. Any supplied-air respirator with a full
facepiece.
Recommendations for respirator selection. Condition: Emergency or planned entry
into unknown concn or IDLH conditions: Respirator Class(es): Any self-contained
breathing apparatus that has a full facepiece and is operated in a
pressure-demand or other positive-pressure mode. Any supplied-air respirator
that has a full facepiece and is operated in a pressure-demand or other
positive-pressure mode in combination with an auxiliary self-contained breathing
apparatus operated in pressure-demand or other positive-pressure mode.
Recommendations for respirator selection. Condition: Escape from suddenly
occurring respiratory hazards: Respirator Class(es): Any air-purifying, full-facepiece
respirator with a high-efficiency particulate filter. Any appropriate
escape-type, self-contained breathing apparatus.
Preventive Measures:
Nickel is the preferred metal for handling caustic
soda at all concentrations and temperatures. However, the high cost and
limited availability of nickel precludes its use for most applications. Mild
steel is adequate for almost all caustic-handling applications. Plastics and
plastic-lined steel are now available as construction materials. Fiberglass
reinforced plastic tanks of Derakane vinyl ester resin are suitable for many
applications. Polypropane is commonly used for lining pipe for protection
against mechanical damage.
Any dilutions of caustic from concentrations greater than 25% should be done
cautiously.
Do not handle broken packages without protective equipment.
Contact lenses should not be worn when working with this chemical.
SRP: The scientific literature for the use of contact lenses in industry is
conflicting. The benefit or detrimental effects of wearing contact lenses depend
not only upon the substance, but also on factors including the form of the
substance, characteristics and duration of the exposure, the uses of other eye
protection equipment, and the hygiene of the lenses. However, there may be
individual substances whose irritating or corrosive properties are such that the
wearing of contact lenses would be harmful to the eye. In those specific cases,
contact lenses should not be worn. In any event, the usual eye protection
equipment should be worn even when contact lenses are in place.
The worker should immediately wash the skin when it becomes contaminated.
Work clothing that becomes wet or significantly contaminated should be removed
and replaced.
Workers whose clothing may have become contaminated should change into
uncontaminated clothing before leaving the work premises.
Local ventilation should be provided to reduce exposure levels to acceptable
levels.
SRP: Local exhaust ventilation should be applied wherever there is an incidence
of point source emissions or dispersion of regulated contaminants in the work
area. Ventilation control of the contaminant as close to its point of generation
is both the most economical and safest method to minimize personnel exposure to
airborne contaminants.
SRP: Contaminated protective clothing should be segregated in such a manner so
that there is no direct personal contact by personnel who handle, dispose, or
clean the clothing. Quality assurance to ascertain the completeness of the
cleaning procedures should be implemented before the decontaminated protective
clothing is returned for reuse by the workers. Contaminated clothing should not
be taken home at end of shift, but should remain at employee's place of work for
cleaning.
Stability/Shelf Life:
CONTAINERS OF LYE MUST BE TIGHTLY CLOSED TO
PREVENT CONVERSION TO SODIUM CARBONATE BY CARBON DIOXIDE OF AIR.
Shipment Methods and Regulations:
No person may /transport,/ offer or accept a
hazardous material for transportation in commerce unless that person is
registered in conformance ... and the hazardous material is properly classed,
described, packaged, marked, labeled, and in condition for shipment as required
or authorized by ... /the hazardous materials regulations (49 CFR 171-177)./
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) Dangerous Goods Regulations
are published by the IATA Dangerous Goods Board pursuant to IATA Resolutions 618
and 619 and constitute a manual of industry carrier regulations to be followed
by all IATA Member airlines when transporting hazardous materials.
The International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code lays down basic principles for
transporting hazardous chemicals. Detailed recommendations for individual
substances and a number of recommendations for good practice are included in the
classes dealing with such substances. A general index of technical names has
also been compiled. This index should always be consulted when attempting to
locate the appropriate procedures to be used when shipping any substance or
article.
Storage Conditions:
CONTAINERS SHOULD BE STORED IN ROOMS WITH
TRAPPED FLOOR DRAINS TOWARDS WHICH FLOORS SHOULD BE SLANTED. WHERE FLOOR DRAINS
ARE NOT PROVIDED, CURBS OR DRAINED GUTTER, COVERED WITH ... GRILL, SHOULD BE
CONSTRUCTED @ DOOR OPENINGS.
VOLUMETRIC SODIUM HYDROXIDE SOLN USED IN LABORATORY
MUST BE PROTECTED FROM AIR TO AVOID FORMATION OF CARBONATE.
Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated location. Separate from organic and
oxidizing materials, acids, metal powders. Immediately remove and properly
dispose of any spilled material.
Cleanup Methods:
On/in soil (solid): Construct barriers to
convert or divert to impervious surface. Promptly shovel into steel containers.
Soil, Liquid: Absorb small amounts of spill with sand, vermiculite or other
inert absorbant material; Shovel into steel containers. May also remove material
with vacuum equipment.
Land spill of sodium hydroxide: Dig a pit, pond,
lagoon, or holding area to contain liquid or solid material. Dike surface flow
using soil, sand bags, foamed polyurethane, or foamed concrete. Absorb bulk
liquid with fly ash of cement powder. Neutralize with vinegar or other dilute
acid; Water spill: Neutralize with dilute acid or removable strong acid; Air
spill: Apply water spray or mist to knock down vapors. /Liquid/
Land spill of sodium hydroxide: Dig a pit, pond,
lagoon, holding area to contain liquid or solid material. Cover solids with a
plastic sheet to prevent dissolving in rain or fire fighting water; Water spill:
Neutralize with dilute acid to remove strong acid. /Solid/
Perlite and Cellosive WP3H (hydroxyethyl cellulose) have been tested and
recommended for vapor suppression and/or containment of 50% sodium
hydroxide solutions.
Keep water away from release. Stop or control the leak, if this can be done
without undue risk. Prompt cleanup and removal are necessary. Shovel into
suitable dry container. Control runoff and isolate discharged material for
proper disposal.
Disposal Methods:
SRP: At the time of review, criteria for land
treatment or burial (sanitary landfill) disposal practices are subject to
significant revision. Prior to implementing land disposal of waste residue
(including waste sludge), consult with environmental regulatory agencies for
guidance on acceptable disposal practices.
Following neutralization either at the spill
site or at a waste management facility, the resultant sludge can be disposed of
in a secure landfill.
Put into large vessel containing water. Neutralize with HCL /hydrochloric acid/.
Discharge into the sewer with sufficient water. Recommendable methods:
Neutralization & discharge to sewer. Peer review: Dilute greatly (< pH 9)
before discharge. (Peer-review conclusions of an IRPTC expert consultation (May
1985))
Occupational Exposure Standards:
OSHA Standards:
Permissible Exposure Limit: Table Z-1 8-hr
Time Weighted Avg: 2 mg/cu m.
Vacated 1989 OSHA PEL Ceiling limit 2 mg/cu m
is still enforced in some states.
Threshold Limit Values:
Ceiling Limit 2 mg/cu m
NIOSH Recommendations:
Recommended Exposure Limit: 15-Min Ceiling
Value: 2 mg/cu m.
Immediately Dangerous to Life or Health:
10 mg/cu m
Other Occupational Permissible Levels:
Australia: 2 mg/cu m, peak limitation (1990);
Federal Republic of Germany: 2 mg/cu m, short-term level 4 mg/cu m, 5 min, 8
times per shift (1990); Sweden: 2 mg/cu m ceiling (1990); United Kingdom: 10 min
STEL 2 mg/cu m (1991)
Emergency Response Planning Guidelines (ERPG): ERPG(1) 0.5 mg/cu m (no more than
mild, transient effects) for up to 1 hr exposure; ERPG(2) 5 mg/cu m (without
serious, adverse effects) for up to 1 hr exposure; ERPG(3) 50 mg/cu m (not life
threatening) up to 1 hr exposure.
Manufacturing/Use Information:
Major Uses:
VEGETABLE OIL REFINING; REGENERATING ION
EXCHANGE RESINS; ORGANIC FUSIONS; PEELING OF FRUITS AND VEGETABLES IN FOOD
INDUSTRY; ETCHING AND ELECTROPLATING
NaOH solutions are used to neutralize acids and make sodium salts, e.g., in
petroleum refining to remove sulfuric and organic acids; to treat cellulose in
making viscose rayon and cellophane; in reclaiming rubber to dissolve out the
fabric; in making plastics to dissolve casein. NaOH solns hydrolyze fats and
form soaps; they precipitate alkaloids (bases) and most metals (as hydroxides)
from water solns of their salts. Pharmaceutic aid (alkalizer).
Therapeutic (VET): Caustic, dehorning calves.
It is used in the manufacture of rayon, mercerized cotton, soap, paper,
aluminum, petroleum, chemicals, and dye-stuffs. It is also used for metal
cleaning, electrolytic extraction of zinc, tin plating, oxide coating,
laundering, and bleaching.
Methods of Manufacturing:
By reacting calcium hydroxide with sodium
carbonate; from sodium chloride by electrolysis; from sodium metal & water
vapor @ low temp.
Sodium hydroxide is produced industrially mainly by the electrolysis of
sodium chloride which yields sodium hydroxide solution,
chlorine, and hydrogen in the mass ratios 1:0.88:0.025. In the early 1980s, the
membrane process was introduced, the other processes in operation at the time
being the amalgam and diaphram processes.
Causticization of sodium carbonate: A hot, ca. 12% solution of sodium carbonate
is mixed with quicklime (CaO). The calcium carbonate that precipitates out is
removed and the ca. 12% solution of sodium hydroxide is
evaporated in several stages.
Ferrite Recovery process (mainly used in small paper pulp plants): Waste liquor
containing sodium salt and organic substances is evaporated, and the residue
mixed with Fe2O3 and calcined. The sodium ferrite formed is decomposed by water
to give sodium hydroxide and Fe2O3.
Solid sodium hydroxide (Caustic soda) is obtained by
evaporating sodium hydroxide solution until the water
content is <0.5-1.5 wt %.
General Manufacturing Information:
All U.S. production, except for that in
Granger and Green River, WY, is by brine electrolysis.
Chlorine and sodium hydroxide are usually coproduced
/by brine electrolysis/ in a ratio of 1 ton of chlorine to 1.1 tons of sodium
hydroxide.
Caustic soda (NaOH) and chlorine are coproducts and consequently caustic
soda production has been limited by chlorine demand. Increased demand for
caustic soda over that of chlorine will be presumably
addressed by a switch to soda ash (sodium carbonate) where possible.
Produced commercially in two forms: a 50 wt % solution (the most common form)
and in the solid (caustic soda) as prills, flakes, or
cast shapes.
The relative energy requirements for the production of sodium
hydroxide by the three electrolytic processes is
Amalgam:Diaphragm:Membrane is 92:100:75.
In 1990, sodium hydroxide production among the three
most widely used processes was: United States (Amalgam 18%, Diaphram 76%,
Membrane 6%); Canada (Amalgam 15%, Diaphram 81%, Membrane 4%); Western Europe
(Amalgam 65%, Diaphram 29%, Membrane 6%); Japan (Amalgam 0%, Diaphram 20%,
Membrane 80%).
The diaphram cell process (Griesheim cell, 1985, mercury cell (amalgam) process
(Castner-Kellner cell 1892) and membrane cell process (1970) represent a
different method of keeping the chlorine produced at the anode separate from the
caustic soda and hydrogen produced, directly or
indirectly, at the cathode. In the mercury cell process, sodium amalgam is
produced at the cathode and reacted in water in a separate reactor, the
decomposer. In the diaphragm cell process, the anode and cathode areas are
separated by a permeable asbestos-based diaphragm. In the membrane cell process,
the anode and cathode are separated by a cation-permeable ion-exchange membrane.
A survey of household materials involved in serious poisonings in children aged
under 5 yr was conducted to identify substances that would best be packaged with
safety closures. The substances identified as causing the most serious side
effects and for which safety closures may be indicated included ... sodium
hydroxide (caustic soda).
Formulations/Preparations:
Grades: commercial; ground; flake; beads; Food
Chemical Codex; granulated (60% and 76% Na2O); rayon (low in iron, copper, and
manganese); purified by alcohol (sticks, lumps, and drops); reagent; highest
purity: CP, USP.
WHEN KEPT IN TIGHT CONTAINERS, THE USUAL GRADES CONTAIN 97-98% SODIUM
HYDROXIDE.
Anhydrous (Rayon Grade) 99.0% minimum; Rayon Grade: 50% liquid; Regular Grade:
50% liquid, 47.7-51% purity.
Lewis - Red Devil Lye
Drano crystals contain 54.2% sodium hydroxide; Clinitest
tablets contain 232.5 mg sodium hydroxide /From table/
Impurities:
Major impurities which are normally tested for
are sodium chloride, sodium carbonate, sodium sulfate, sodium chlorate, iron,
and nickel.
Consumption Patterns:
51% IS CONSUMED IN CHEMICAL PROCESSING AND
METAL PROCESSING OTHER THAN ALUMINUM; 6% FOR ALUMINUM PROCESSING; 18% IS USED IN
PAPER AND PULP MANUFACTURE; 13% IS USED IN THE PETROLEUM, TEXTILE, SOAP, AND
FOOD INDUSTRIES; 4% IS USED IN RAYON AND CELLOPHANE PRODUCTION; 8% IS USED IN
OTHER APPLICATIONS (1974).
Organic Chemicals, 30%; Inorganic Chemicals, 20%; Pulp & Paper, 20%;
Exports, 10%; Soaps and Detergents, 5%; Petroleum, 5%; Textiles, 4%; Alumina,
3%; Other, 3% (1986).
CHEMICAL PROFILE: Caustic soda. Pulp and paper, 22%;
organic chemicals, 20%; inorganic chemicals, 11%; soaps and detergents, 7%;
petroleum, 7%; water treatment, 7%; textiles, 5%; alumina, 4%; other, 9%;
exports, 8%.
Direct application, 55% (pulp & paper, 24%; soaps and detergents, 10%;
alumina, 6%; petroleum, 7%; textiles, 5%; water treatment, 5%; miscellaneous,
43%); organic chemicals 36% (propylene oxide, 23%; polycarbonates, 5%;
ethyleneamines, 3%; epoxy resins, 3%; miscellaneous, 66%); inorganic chemicals,
9% (sodium/calcium hypochlorite, 24%; sulfur-containing compounds, 14%; sodium
cyanide, 10%; miscellaneous 52%)
GENERAL IMPORTS 1984 p.1-351]**PEER REVIEWED**
Synonyms and Identifiers:
Synonyms:
CAUSTIC SODA
**PEER REVIEWED**
Caustic Soda, Bead
(DOT)
**PEER REVIEWED**
Caustic Soda, Dry
(DOT)
**PEER REVIEWED**
Caustic Soda, Flake
(DOT)
**PEER REVIEWED**
Caustic Soda, Granular
(DOT)
**PEER REVIEWED**
Caustic Soda, Solid
(DOT)
**PEER REVIEWED**
HYDROXYDE DE SODIUM (FRENCH)
**PEER REVIEWED**
NATRIUMHYDROXID
(GERMAN)
**PEER REVIEWED**
NATRIUMHYDROXYDE
(DUTCH)
**PEER REVIEWED**
Soda, caustic
**PEER REVIEWED**
Soda, hydrate
**PEER REVIEWED**
SODA LYE
**PEER REVIEWED**
Sodium Hydrate
**PEER REVIEWED**
Sodium Hydroxide, Bead
(DOT)
**PEER REVIEWED**
Sodium(hydroxide de)
(French)
**PEER REVIEWED**
Sodium Hydroxide, Dry
(DOT)
**PEER REVIEWED**
Sodium Hydroxide, Flake
(DOT)
**PEER REVIEWED**
Sodium Hydroxide, Granular
(DOT)
**PEER REVIEWED**
Sodium Hydroxide, Solid
(DOT)
**PEER REVIEWED**
RTECS Number:
NIOSH/WB4900000
Administrative Information:
Hazardous Substances Databank Number: 229
Last Revision Date: 20020213
Last Review Date: Reviewed by SRP on 1/31/1999
http://www.nycwasteless.com/gov-bus/citysense/edef...
Acute Health Effects:
Can cause severe irritation and burns of the eyes with possible permanent
damage. Contact can cause severe skin irritation and burns. Inhalation can
irritate the mouth, nose, throat, and lungs, causing coughing and/or shortness
of breath; higher exposures can cause a build-up of fluid in the lungs.
OSH
Answers: Health Effects of Sodium Hydroxide
... Health Effects of Sodium Hydroxide. ...
Chemicals & Materials. Chemical
Profiles. Sodium Hydroxide. Health Effects of Sodium
Hydroxide. What ...
http://www.ccohs.ca/oshanswers/chemicals/chem_profiles/sodium_hydroxide/health_sod.html
More Results From: www.ccohs.ca
SODIUM
HYDROXIDE
... CAS No Percent Hazardous -----
Sodium Hydroxide 1310-73 ... Potential Health Effects
...
http://www.jtbaker.com/msds/s4034.htm
More Results From: www.jtbaker.com
MATERIAL
SAFETY DATA SHEET Sodium Hydroxide Solution (PDF)
... Page 2 of 2 Sodium Hydroxide Solution HEALTH
HAZARD INFORMATION Health Effects
: Acute Swallowed: Swallowing sodium hydroxide may cause severe
burns of the ...
http://www.proscitech.com/msds/c201.pdf
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Gamma
Hydroxy Butyrate Use in New York and Texas
... of the 13 persons had prepared GHB at home using sodium hydroxide
and ... Section, Health
Studies Br, Div of Environmental Hazards and Health Effects ...
http://www.emergency.com/ghb-2.htm
Toxics
Use Reduction Institute
... III) oxide is not known to cause significant human health effects,
is not known
to cause significant adverse effects on ... Sodium hydroxide,
not ...
http://www.turi.org/government/Recsumm.htm
Oregon
Department of Human Services (PDF)
... Technical Bulletin - Health Effects Information Sodium
Hydroxide Page 2 SYNONYMS:
Caustic soda, sodium hydrate, soda lye, lye, natrium hydroxide
CHEMICAL AND ...
http://www.ohd.hr.state.or.us/dwp/docs/fact/sodhyd.pdf
More Results From: www.ohd.hr.state.or.us
Sodium
Hydroxide
... ACETATE=1) ----
MSDS for SODIUM HYDROXIDE ... AND SAFETY AND HEALTH EFFECTS
...
http://www.trainingsystemsinc.com/odm/msds0003.htm
Ami
Pro (PDF)
... by NSF appear in NSF Listings, Drinking Water Additives-Health
Effects ... NSF Standard
60 PLANT PRODUCT **MAX USE Geismar Chlorine Sodium Hydroxide ...
http://www.vul.com/vulchemicals/products/pdf/tds/SODIUMCH/600-203.pdf
More Results From: www.vul.com
Sodium
Hydroxide
... Acute Health Effects The following acute (short term) health
effects may occur immediately
or shortly after exposure to Sodium Hydroxide: * Sodium Hydroxide
...
http://www.soapmaking.com/msdsnaoh.htm
http://hazard.com/msds/mf/vkmp/html/alkifoam.html
... 9300 Dallas, Texas 75237 SECTION II - HAZARDOUS INGREDIENTS OSHA
Hazardous Components
(29 CFR 1910.1200) Sodium Hydroxide ... POTENTIAL HEALTH
EFFECTS ...
http://hazard.com/msds/mf/vkmp/html/alkifoam.html
More Results From: hazard.com
Safety
Guide 6-4
... Chronic Health Effects: Symptoms associated with a
chronic exposure ... bone density,
fluorosis, and anemia; the chronic effects of sodium hydroxide
...
http://www.aps.anl.gov/xfd/tech/safetyenvelopes/safetyguide6_4.html
MSDS
... Tris(hydroxymethyl)-aminomethane 77-86-1 0-1% EDTA Disodium Dihydrate
6381-92-6 0-1%
Sodium Hydroxide ... Appearance: Liquid POTENTIAL HEALTH
EFFECTS ...
http://www.emscience.com/doc/msds/msds-display.asp?MaterialID=8890&DisplayType=U
More Results From: www.emscience.com
Use
Extreme Care With The Following Ingredients
... Health Effects From Full-Strength Ingredient. NFPA
Rating. CAS ... Kidney, lungs, liver,
heart damage & CNS effects. ... BL. D. No. Burns. 01310-73-2. Sodium
Hydroxide. ...
http://www.westp2net.org/janitorial/tools/haz3.htm
More Results From: www.westp2net.org
AirWatch
- Safety Sodium Hydroxide
... CHRONIC EFFECTS. HEALTH EFFECTS There have been
no documented effects
due to long-term exposure to sodium hydroxide. CARCINOGENICITY ...
http://www.dar.csiro.au/airwatch/awsafetysh.html
SODIUM
HYDROXIDE
Product Identification. Synonyms: Caustic soda; lye; sodium hydroxide
solid; sodium ... Potential
Health Effects Inhalation: Severe irritant. ...
http://chinatrona.com/brocher/english/msds/caustic%20soda.htm
More Results From: chinatrona.com
April
1999
... The toxic effects of ethidium bromide may be ... or
swallowed, seek medical attention
immediately at McCosh Health ... 3. Adjust pH to 4-9 with sodium
hydroxide ...
http://www.princeton.edu/~ehs/wastepaper/99-4.html
http://www.umanitoba.ca/faculties/medicine/anatomy/hbk3.html
... This includes materials which can cause ill health ...
Less common chronic toxic effects
are reproductive ... acid, sulphuric acid, nitric acid, sodium hydroxide
...
http://www.umanitoba.ca/faculties/medicine/anatomy/hbk3.html
Fact
Sheet: Substitutes for Chromic Acid-Based Cleaners
... in particular, can cause several adverse health effects.
... Hazardous ingredient(s):
sodium hydroxide ... For information on health,
safety, or disposal issues ...
http://www.ehs.berkeley.edu/pubs/factsheets/23chrmacid.html
More Results From: www.ehs.berkeley.edu
CS002
Sodium Hydroxide Solution 25% (PDF)
... Route(s) of Exposure: Eye, Skin Contact Potential Health Effects
... Unlikely Medical
Conditions Aggravated by Overexposure: CS002 Sodium Hydroxide ...
http://www.fpcusa.com/caustic/pdf/fpcla-D-caustic25.pdf
More Results From: www.fpcusa.com
SHIPLEY
-- MICROPOSIT 351 DEVELOPER -- 05/09/1997
... COMPONENT NAME CAS# / CODES CONCENTRATION SODIUM HYDROXIDE
... 5.00 WATER 7732-18-5 85.00
- 90.00 SODIUM ... AND OSHA TARGET ORGANS - EYE - SKIN HEALTH
EFFECTS ...
http://www.microlab.ucla.edu/MSDS/shipley%20--%20microposit%20351%20developer%20--%2005-09-1997.htm
More Results From: www.microlab.ucla.edu