caustic soda
corrosieve stof

The chemical compound NaOH stands for the general name sodium hydroxide.

The aqueous sodium hydroxide solution is called soda lye. This is not only the most common name, but also the appearance in which the product is used the most.

The solid white matter (grains, flakes, pearls) that you obtain by evaporating the lye is called caustic soda. This is very soluble in water and a large amount of heat is released during the dissolution.

Sodium hydroxide is very corrosive. In the case of contact with tissue such as the skin, such a substance causes very serious burns. Breathing in a corrosive substance can also be dangerous.

Too high concentrations of caustic soda in products such as homemade soap or by accidental ingestion of caustic soda cause burns of the mouth and / or tongue and even burns of the esophagus. For example, your own saliva can no longer be swallowed and / or food can no longer be taken by mouth.