Sodium hydroxide solution

SECTION 2: Hazards identification

Directive 67/548/EEC: EC Classification according to Directive 67/548/CEE, Annex I C; R35 Corrosive liquid Cause burns

Potential health effects

Sodium hydroxide causes severe burns of the eyes, even blindness. In skin contact can cause severe burns. Sodium hydroxide may be fatal if swallowed. Breathing the droplets of solution can irritate the mouth, nose and throat. Exposure to high levels may irritate the lungs, causing coughing and/or shortness of breath. Still higher exposure can cause a build up of fluid in the lungs (pulmonary oedema).

Environmental effects

Considering its high water solubility, sodium hydroxide is not expected to bio accumulate in organism. Sodium hydroxide is slightly toxic in the aquatic environment. The toxic effect on aquatic organism is due pH increasing. When released into the soil this material may leach into groundwater. During movement through soil, some ion exchange will occur. Sodium hydroxide is not classified as dangerous for environmental as specified in Directive 67/548/EEC, Annex I. Emergency overview: Sodium hydroxide is a corrosive liquid. It is a non flammable substance, but may ignite combustibles (wood, paper, oil). In contact with some metals (cooper, aluminium, tin, zinc, and there alloy) release flammable hydrogen which may cause fire and explosions.