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Sodium Hydroxide (NaOH) - Effects and Risks

Sodium hydroxide (NaOH), also known as caustic soda, is a strongly alkaline inorganic compound used in industry, food production, and medicine.

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Things worth knowing about "Sodium hydroxide"

Sodium hydroxide (NaOH), also known as caustic soda, is a strongly alkaline inorganic compound used in industry, food production, and medicine.

What is Sodium Hydroxide?

Sodium hydroxide (chemical formula: NaOH), commonly known as caustic soda or lye, is a highly alkaline inorganic compound. It appears as a white, hygroscopic solid that dissolves readily in water, releasing significant heat and forming a strongly alkaline solution. With a pH of 13 to 14, sodium hydroxide is one of the strongest bases used in industrial, food technology, and medical applications worldwide.

Properties and Chemical Basics

In aqueous solution, sodium hydroxide dissociates completely into sodium ions (Na+) and hydroxide ions (OH−). It is these hydroxide ions that are responsible for the compound's strongly corrosive nature. Sodium hydroxide rapidly attacks organic tissue, including skin, mucous membranes, and eyes, by denaturing proteins and destroying cellular structures. This process is known as liquefactive necrosis, as the tissue is effectively dissolved.

Molar mass: 40.00 g/mol
Melting point: 323 °C
Highly water soluble
Strongly hygroscopic (absorbs moisture from the air)
Reacts with atmospheric CO₂ to form sodium carbonate

Areas of Application

Industry and Chemistry

Sodium hydroxide is one of the most widely produced chemical base materials in the world. It is used in the production of paper and pulp, in the textile industry (mercerization of cotton), in the manufacture of soaps and cleaning agents, in water treatment, and in the synthesis of a wide range of chemical compounds.

Food Production

In the food industry, sodium hydroxide is approved as a food additive under the designation E 524. It functions as an acidity regulator and is used in the production of lye-baked goods (such as pretzels), olives, cocoa processing, and certain types of noodles. Concentrations are carefully controlled to ensure the final product is safe for consumption.

Medicine and Pharmacy

In medical and pharmaceutical applications, sodium hydroxide is used to adjust the pH of infusion and injection solutions. It is also used in dentistry, instrument sterilization, and various laboratory processes.

Health Risks and Toxicology

Sodium hydroxide poses serious health risks when it comes into contact with skin, eyes, or mucous membranes, or if ingested. Even diluted solutions can cause irritation with prolonged exposure, while concentrated solutions result in severe chemical burns.

Skin contact: redness, burning sensation, deep tissue burns, destruction of tissue
Eye contact: severe damage, potentially leading to permanent blindness
Ingestion: burns to the mouth, oesophagus, and stomach; life-threatening complications
Inhalation of vapours or aerosols: irritation of the respiratory tract, lung damage

First Aid in Case of Contact

In the event of contact with sodium hydroxide, the affected area should be rinsed immediately with large amounts of water for at least 15 to 20 minutes. Contaminated clothing must be removed immediately. In the case of eye contact or ingestion, emergency services (such as a poison control centre) should be contacted without delay. Attempting to neutralise the base with an acid is strongly discouraged, as this can generate additional heat and worsen tissue damage.

Safety Information and Storage

Sodium hydroxide is classified under GHS as corrosive (GHS05) and harmful (GHS07). It must be stored in tightly sealed, moisture-proof containers made of plastic or stainless steel. Handling requires appropriate personal protective equipment, including acid-resistant gloves, safety goggles, and protective clothing.

References

European Food Safety Authority (EFSA): Re-evaluation of sodium hydroxide (E 524) as a food additive. EFSA Journal, 2013.
GESTIS Substance Database (DGUV): Sodium Hydroxide (NaOH) - Safety Data Sheet and Toxicology. German Social Accident Insurance, 2023.
WHO / IPCS: Sodium Hydroxide - Environmental Health Criteria. World Health Organization, Geneva.

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