Sodium Hydroxide essays

Sodium Hydroxide essays Sodium Hydroxide also known as Caustic Soda, lye, and sodium hydrate is a chemical with formula: NaOH. This substance is considered a very poisonous chemical. It is very dangerous and may be fatal if swallowed. It can cause burns to any area of contact. It reacts with water and acids. It has a moderate reactivity. If inhaled it may cause irritation and even serious damage to the upper respiratory tract. A few of its common symptoms are sneezing, sore throat, runny nose, and even pneumonitis. If swallowed it may cause burns of mouth, throat, and stomach. It can even cause death if you are in contact with it for an elongated period of time. Symptoms include bleeding, vomiting, diarrhea and fall in blood pressure. This chemical is a white substance, and has a texture like flakes. It is odorless and has a solubility of 111g/100 g of water. It has a specific gravity of 2.13. It has a boiling point of 1390C and a melting point of 318C. It is mainly used in producing rayon and other textile s, in making paper, in etching aluminum, and in making soaps and detergents. It is also used as a chemical and in the manufacture of other chemicals because it is not very expensive, it is used whenever a strong base is needed. In the year 1999 the Safety Commission's Approved Criteria for Classifying Hazardous substances. The manufacturer has the responsability to label the chemical appropiately. This substance is not considered carcinogeous. This chemical absorbs carbon dioxide and mointure from the air. It is not a combustible chemical and it is very dangerous to the environment, especially when water is present. Sodium Hydroxide is prepared industrially by the electrolysis of brine. ...