SODIUM HYDROXIDE (ICSC)

SODIUM HYDROXIDE	ICSC: 0360

Date of Peer Review: October 2000

Caustic soda
Sodium hydrate
Soda lye

CAS #

1310-73-2

NaOH

RTECS #

WB4900000

Molecular mass: 40.0

UN #

1823

EC Index #

011-002-00-6

TYPES OF HAZARD / EXPOSURE	ACUTE HAZARDS / SYMPTOMS	PREVENTION	FIRST AID / FIRE FIGHTING
FIRE	Not combustible. Contact with moisture or water may generate sufficient heat to ignite combustible substances.		In case of fire in the surroundings: use appropriate extinguishing media.
EXPLOSION

EXPOSURE		AVOID ALL CONTACT!	IN ALL CASES CONSULT A DOCTOR!
Inhalation	Corrosive. Burning sensation. Sore throat. Cough. Laboured breathing. Shortness of breath. Symptoms may be delayed (see Notes).	Local exhaust or breathing protection.	Fresh air, rest. Half-upright position. Artificial respiration may be needed. Refer for medical attention.
Skin	Corrosive. Redness. Pain. Serious skin burns. Blisters.	Protective gloves. Protective clothing.	Remove contaminated clothes. Rinse skin with plenty of water or shower. Refer for medical attention.
Eyes	Corrosive. Redness. Pain. Blurred vision. Severe deep burns.	Face shield or eye protection in combination with breathing protection if powder.	First rinse with plenty of water for several minutes (remove contact lenses if easily possible), then take to a doctor.
Ingestion	Corrosive. Burning sensation. Abdominal pain. Shock or collapse.	Do not eat, drink, or smoke during work.	Rinse mouth. Do NOT induce vomiting. Give plenty of water to drink. Refer for medical attention.

SPILLAGE DISPOSAL

PACKAGING & LABELLING

Sweep spilled substance into suitable containers. Wash away remainder with plenty of water. Personal protection: complete protective clothing including self-contained breathing apparatus.

Unbreakable packaging; put breakable packaging into closed unbreakable container. Do not transport with food and feedstuffs.
EU Classification
Symbol: C
R: 35
S: (1/2-)-26-37/39-45
UN Classification
UN Hazard Class: 8
UN Pack Group: II

EMERGENCY RESPONSE

STORAGE

Transport Emergency Card: TEC (R)-80GC6-II+III
NFPA Code: H 3; F 0; R 1;

Separated from strong acids, metals, food and feedstuffs. Dry. Well closed. Store in an area having corrosion resistant concrete floor.

IPCS
International
Programme on
Chemical Safety

Prepared in the context of cooperation between the International Programme on Chemical Safety and the Commission of the European Communities Š IPCS, CEC 2005

SEE IMPORTANT INFORMATION ON BACK

SODIUM HYDROXIDE

ICSC: 0360

IMPORTANT DATA

PHYSICAL STATE; APPEARANCE:
WHITE, DELIQUESCENT SOLID IN VARIOUS FORMS, WITH NO ODOUR.

CHEMICAL DANGERS:
The substance is a strong base, it reacts violently with acid and is corrosive in moist air to metals like zinc, aluminium, tin and lead forming a combustible/explosive gas (hydrogen - see ICSC 0001). Reacts with ammonium salts to produce ammonia, causing fire hazard. Attacks some forms of plastics, rubber or coatings. Rapidly absorbs carbon dioxide and water from air. Contact with moisture or water may generate heat (see Notes).

OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE LIMITS:
TLV: 2 mg/mł (Ceiling value) (ACGIH 2004).
MAK: IIb (not established but data is available) (DFG 2004).

ROUTES OF EXPOSURE:
The substance can be absorbed into the body by inhalation of its aerosol and by ingestion.

INHALATION RISK:
Evaporation at 20°C is negligible; a harmful concentration of airborne particles can, however, be reached quickly.

EFFECTS OF SHORT-TERM EXPOSURE:
Corrosive. The substance is very corrosive to the eyes, the skin and the respiratory tract. Corrosive on ingestion. Inhalation of an aerosol of the substance may cause lung oedema (see Notes).

EFFECTS OF LONG-TERM OR REPEATED EXPOSURE:
Repeated or prolonged contact with skin may cause dermatitis.

PHYSICAL PROPERTIES

Boiling point: 1390°C
Melting point: 318°C
Density: 2.1 g/cmł
Solubility in water, g/100 ml at 20°C: 109

ENVIRONMENTAL DATA

This substance may be hazardous to the environment; special attention should be given to water organisms.

NOTES

The occupational exposure limit value should not be exceeded during any part of the working exposure. The symptoms of lung oedema often do not become manifest until a few hours have passed and they are aggravated by physical effort. Rest and medical observation are therefore essential. NEVER pour water into this substance; when dissolving or diluting always add it slowly to the water. Other UN number: UN1824 Sodium hydroxide solution, Hazard class 8. Card has been partly updated in October 2005. See sections Occupational Exposure Limits, Emergency Response.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

LEGAL NOTICE

Neither the CEC nor the IPCS nor any person acting on behalf of the CEC or the IPCS is responsible for the use which might be made of this information

Š IPCS, CEC 2005

    See Also:
       Toxicological Abbreviations
       SODIUM HYDROXIDE (JECFA Evaluation)