Caustic is an alkaline compound. It is a water-soluble base that can neutralize acids. Today, caustic soda is produced in pellets, flakes, powders, solutions and similar forms. Caustic soda is often used to produce cleaning products such as soaps and detergents. Caustic soda is sodium hydroxide, a chemical compound. It is commonly known as lye. It has been used for centuries to make soap and, with its ability to dissolve grease, is a common ingredient in oven cleaners and products used to unclog drains. Sodium hydroxide also plays an important role in processing wood pulp to create paper and cardboard boxes used when shipping medical supplies over long distances.
Caustic is also used to break up sedimentary rock from which aluminum is extracted. The mineral then continues to be used in a number of products such as building materials, automobiles and consumer goods such as food packaging and soda cans. An interesting use of caustic soda is in the manufacture of pharmaceuticals such as cholesterol drugs.
A versatile water treatment product, sodium hydroxide is often used to maintain the safety and cleanliness of pools by removing harmful metals such as lead and copper. As a base, sodium hydroxide lowers acidity and regulates the pH of water. It is also used to create sodium hypochlorite, which further disinfects water.
Sodium hydroxide has no odor. It consists of solid white crystals that absorb water from the air. Sodium hydroxide is caustic. Employees who come into contact with sodium hydroxide may be harmed. The level of damage depends on the amount, duration and activity. It burns the eyes, skin and inner membranes and causes temporary hair loss.
Sodium hydroxide is also used in cotton fabric processing, metal cleaning and processing, oxide coating, electroplating and electrolytic extraction.
Some people at risk for exposure to sodium hydroxide include:
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