What is the significance of sodium hydroxide

Repeated inhalation of sodium hydroxide vapor can lead to permanent lung damage. Contact the Poison Center at for more information about exposure to sodium hydroxide. Back in , sodium hydroxide was reported as one of the ten most commonly spilled or released chemicals in Tennessee. Spills and Emergencies — If employees are required to clean up spills, they must be properly trained and equipped.

For sodium hydroxide in solution, absorb liquids in dry sand, earth, or a similar material and place into sealed containers for disposal. Collect solid material in the most convenient and safe manner and place into sealed containers for disposal.

It may be necessary to contain and dispose of sodium hydroxide as a hazardous waste. Sodium hydroxide reacts with strong acids hydrochloric, sulfuric or nitric , water, and moisture to rapidly release heat. Sodium hydroxide reacts with metals aluminum, lead, tin or zinc to form flammable and explosive hydrogen gas. Sodium hydroxide can form shock sensitive salts on contact with nitrogen containing compounds. Sodium hydroxide is not compatible with oxidizing agents, chlorinated solvents, ammonia, and organic materials.

Store in original, tightly closed, containers in a cool, well ventilated area away from water and moisture. Sodium hydroxide can attack iron, copper, plastics, rubber, and coatings. Tennessee Poison Center www. Tennessee Department of Health - Healthy Homes www. Skip to Main Content. Go to TN. Also called caustic soda , soda. Origin of sodium hydroxide First recorded in — Words nearby sodium hydroxide sodium fluoride , sodium fluoroacetate , sodium glutamate , sodium hexametaphosphate , sodium hydrosulfite , sodium hydroxide , sodium hypochlorite , sodium hyposulfite , sodium hyposulphite , sodium iodide , sodium lactate.

A strongly alkaline compound used externally. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. A white, corrosive, solid compound that absorbs water and carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and forms lye when in solution. Health Rating: 3 — The chemical has met Safer Choice Criteria for its functional ingredient class, but has some hazard profile issues.

In other words, a chemical with this code is not associated with a low hazard concern for environmental endpoints and human health. The U. Refer to this Safety Data Sheet for information on handling sodium hydroxide acid safely. If you would like to purchase sodium hydroxide, contact Ecolink at or email info ecolink.

Style: MLA. Medical Definition of sodium hydroxide. More from Merriam-Webster on sodium hydroxide Britannica. Get Word of the Day daily email! Test Your Vocabulary. Test your vocabulary with our question quiz!

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