Sodium hydroxide (Lye)
Pure sodium hydroxide is a white solid; available in pellets, flakes, granules and as a 50% saturated solution.
Uses: a strong chemical base in the manufacture of pulp and paper, textiles, drinking water, soaps and detergents and as a drain cleaner.
Found in: drain and oven cleaners, soap and detergents.
Effects: Acute: extremely corrosive and can cause severe burns to all tissue that comes in contact with it and may result in perforation, hemorrhage, and narrowing of the gastrointestinal tract. Case reports indicate that death results from shock, infection of the corroded tissues, lung damage, or loss of measurable pulse. Chronic: neurotoxin, possible human carcinogen.
