Sodium hydroxide - what is it and how does it work?

Sodium hydroxide is written with the abbreviation NaOH. However, people more often associate its other names - caustic soda or caustic soda. Sodium hydroxide has many uses, but its inappropriate use is very dangerous. A lot of industries use this relationship that belongs to the group of principles. What exactly is sodium hydroxide ? In what situations is it used? How to protect yourself from the dangers of this inorganic chemical?

What is sodium hydroxide

Sodium hydroxide is a chemical compound from the group of hydroxides classified as alkalis. Its pH is 14, which makes it one of the strongest bases among chemical compounds. Sodium hydroxide is otherwise known as lye or caustic soda or caustic soda. Despite the dangers of sodium hydroxide, it is used in virtually every industry. It is worth noting that caustic soda is used, for example, in home soap production.

What else is worth knowing about sodium hydroxide ? It has a solid form and looks like a crystalline white substance. In addition, it is worth mentioning that sodium hydroxide is perfectly soluble in water, giving off a lot of heat and turning into a highly corrosive lye. As a liquid, lye is colorless and odorless, which makes it even more dangerous. Interestingly, sodium hydroxide can be bought practically everywhere - in stores with specialized chemistry, on the Internet and stationary, as well as in stores with cosmetic raw materials.

How does sodium hydroxide work?

Sodium hydroxide exposure to humans is dangerous. Under its influence, our skin can get burned. Inhalation of vapors causes dizziness at best, burns mucous membranes at worst and causes great discomfort. However, what is most dangerous is the contact of sodium hydroxide with the skin, which can cause severe burns, even leading to death.

What causes NaOH ? When inhaled, it is tearing, shortness of breath, coughing, itching in the nose and throat. When in contact with the skin, this preparation causes redness, pain, chemical burns and even skin necrosis. If hydroxide gets into the eyes, the eyeball may be burned and the eye protection device may be destroyed. However, if the preparation is drunk, it will burn the mucous membrane of the oropharynx and the rest of the digestive tract. There is also a high probability of hemorrhage and perforation of the walls of the gastrointestinal tract, which increases the likelihood of death.

What is the use of sodium hydroxide?

As already mentioned, sodium hydroxide is used in many areas. The most common of its uses is to unclog installations. Ready-made pipe cleaners are made of caustic soda, which is why it is so important to keep them away from children. And how is sodium hydroxide used for blockage? A few spoons (powder or granules - depending on what product is at hand) are poured into the siphon, and then it is expected from several minutes to several hours. After this time, the whole thing is rinsed with plenty of cold water.

Another application of NaOH is the removal of varnishes and paints. A water solution of caustic soda perfectly helps in removing layers of paint and varnish from objects with a metal or wooden surface. However, do not use caustic soda on objects made of veneer or plywood.

Another positive use of caustic soda is to make disinfection preparations from it. It is worth knowing that caustic soda is great for cleaning various types of surfaces. Quickly removes fat and destroys microbes. It is ideal as a surface disinfectant, but it is worth remembering not to use it to clean cast iron, aluminum and zinc items.

Making soap at home - how to stay safe?

It is also worth knowing that caustic soda is used in home soap production. Lovers of this hobby, however, must be careful not to burn themselves with sodium hydroxide when making soap bars.

Why is sodium hydroxide needed in soap making? It is he who makes the soap lather. So how to be careful when making soap at home? First of all, it is worth being equipped with thick, rubber gloves. Of course, the most important thing is to follow the rules. Sodium hydroxide is added to the water, not the other way around. The resulting lye is added to the fats - in exactly this order. In addition, you need to add exactly the right amount, which is why you need the right weight. It is also worth having prepared vinegar, with which you will neutralize the effects of a possible spillage of a corrosive substance on bare skin.

Is Sodium Hydroxide in Food?

So, can sodium hydroxide , which is a corrosive substance, be present in food? Of course! It is marked with the symbol E524 and it is an acidity regulator. It can be found in sticks, pretzels, Chinese soups, desserts with the addition of chocolate or cocoa, in chocolate candies, in bread, breakfast cereals, coffee drinks or in ice cream and cookies.