Product trade name: caustic soda, beads/flakes (NaOH)

Chemical name of the compound: sodium hydroxide

Synonyms: caustic soda

Chemical and physical properties: The substance occurs in the form of white flakes/pearls/crystals with strongly hygroscopic properties. It easily reefs with carbon dioxide from the air, forming a layer of sodium carbonate on the surface. Solid caustic soda dissolves very well in water and alcohols, forming a soda lye, highly corrosive properties.

Use of the raw material: Caustic soda is mainly used as an ingredient in preparations for unclogging sewage pipes and as a food additive (E524). In addition, it is used in the production of soap, detergents and silica water glass. It is used in the production of rubber, the process of refining crude oil and mineral oils, regenerating rubber, and the paper industry.

Health safety: Affecting the body in the form of dust, steam or aerosol, it causes pain and watery eyes, burning in the throat and nose, often coughing and shortness of breath. Caustic soda causes skin redness, and in severe cases skin burns with blisters and necrosis. It also causes burns of the eyeball, Ingestion or prolonged inhalation of the substance causes burns to the mucous membrane of the oropharynx, nose and further parts of the digestive tract, which may lead to perforation of the walls, internal tissues, hemorrhage, shock and death.

More information is available in the product data sheet, available at this address.