Information on Sodium Hydroxide...

Potential Health Effects

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Inhalation:

Severe irritant. Effects from inhalation of dust or mist vary from mild irritation to serious damage of the upper respiratory tract, depending on severity of exposure. Symptoms may include sneezing, sore throat or runny nose. Severe pneumonitis may occur.

Ingestion:

Corrosive! Swallowing may cause severe burns of mouth, throat, and stomach. Severe scarring of tissue and death may result. Symptoms may include bleeding, vomiting, diarrhea, fall in blood pressure. Damage may appears days after exposure.

Skin Contact:

Corrosive! Contact with skin can cause irritation or severe burns and scarring with greater exposures.

Eye Contact:

Corrosive! Causes irritation of eyes, and with greater exposures it can cause burns that may result in permanent impairment of vision, even blindness.

Chronic Exposure:

Prolonged contact with dilute solutions or dust has a destructive effect upon tissue.

Aggravation of Pre-existing Conditions:

Persons with pre-existing skin disorders or eye problems or impaired respiratory function may be more susceptible to the effects of the substance.

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4. First Aid Measures

Inhalation:

Remove to fresh air. If not breathing, give artificial respiration. If breathing is difficult, give oxygen. Call a physician.

Ingestion:

DO NOT INDUCE VOMITING! Give large quantities of water or milk if available. Never give anything by mouth to an unconscious person. Get medical attention immediately.

Skin Contact:

Immediately flush skin with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes while removing contaminated clothing and shoes. Call a physician, immediately. Wash clothing before reuse.

Eye Contact:

Immediately flush eyes with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes, lifting lower and upper eyelids occasionally. Get medical attention immediately.

Note to Physician:

Perform endoscopy in all cases of suspected sodium hydroxide ingestion. In cases of severe esophageal corrosion, the use of therapeutic doses of steroids should be considered. General supportive measures with continual monitoring of gas exchange, acid-base balance, electrolytes, and fluid intake are also required.

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This is information from the following source:

http://www.jtbaker.com/msds/Englishhtml/s4034.htm