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General Statement
Pure sodium hydroxide is a solid at room temperature and is generated from
sodium chloride (common salt) by electrolysis. Sodium hydroxide is a hydrophilic
alkaline substance (high pH) and therefore it is corrosive and hazardous to
human health. It is most commonly found as a liquid, which has a concentration
of between 20% and 50 % sodium hydroxide in water and is usually referred to
as caustic soda liquor. The substance is used in large amounts in a variety of
industries.
Chemical Identity
Name: sodium hydroxide
Synonyms: caustic soda, caustic lye, lye (for water solution of sodium
hydroxide)
CAS number: 1310-73-2
Molecular formula: NaOH
Physical/Chemical Properties
Pure sodium hydroxide is a solid at room temperature, though it is often sold as a
liquid (aqueous solution). The appearance of the substance and some
physicochemical properties are mentioned in the table below.
Physical state
Colour
Density
Melting temperature
Boiling temperature
Molecular weight
Solid
White
2.1 g/cm3 (20 C) (fused solid)
323 C
1388 C
40.0 g/mol
Exposure
Consumer
Sodium hydroxide is used in consumer products. It can be used, for example, in
floor stripping products, wood stripping products, hair straightening agents, oven
cleaners, drain cleaners or other cleaning products. It is also used in very small
amounts in food products to adjust pH or as an additive (E524). This use poses
no risk to consumers. Many different consumer products containing sodium
H314
The hazard statement causes severe skin burns and eye damage is applicable
for a concentration in chemical products of 2 % w/w or higher. For concentrations
in products between 0.5 and 2 % the following hazard statements are applicable:
- Causes skin irritation (H315) and
- Causes serious eye irritation (H319).
The European industry has decided to classify sodium hydroxide as corrosive to
metals in the EU (H290; May be corrosive to metals).
Conclusion
Sodium hydroxide is used in large amounts in industry and consumer products.
Due to the alkaline properties sodium hydroxide is corrosive at high
concentrations. Direct contacts with these products should be prevented.
However, no effects on human health are expected when humans are in contact
with non-corrosive and non-irritating concentrations of the substance. The
substance is neutralised in the environment and therefore it is not persistent.
Furthermore it does not accumulate in organisms. Waste water which contains
sodium hydroxide should be neutralised (pH control) before it is discharged to
the environment. In this way effects on the aquatic environment (for example
organisms living in a river) are prevented. Use of this hazardous substance has
shown to be safe by careful use and following provided instructions
Date of Issue
xx/xx/xxxx
Revised
xx/xx/xxxx