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Sodium hydroxide, also known as lye, is a highly alkaline chemical used in various applications such as cleaning products, water purification, and paper manufacturing. It is a skin irritant and should be handled with care. It is used in household products like soaps, cleaners, and detergents, as well as in food preparation and industrial settings. Direct contact with the pure chemical can be damaging to the skin, and protective clothing is recommended.
Sometimes referred to as lye, sodium hydroxide is a chemical compound with a high alkali content. The properties of the chemical make it ideal for use in a number of different applications, including manufacturing cleaning products, water purification and paper product manufacturing. Due to its alkaline content, sodium hydroxide is a strong skin irritant, making it necessary to handle the product with great care during commercial use.
In its pure form, sodium hydroxide takes the form of bright white flakes or pellets. In this form, the chemical easily absorbs carbon dioxide from any air in space; this makes it necessary to house the product in an airtight container. The fact that sodium hydroxide is water soluble helps make it ideal for use in a number of liquid-based products.
This lye-based compound can be used in many different types of products used in the home, manufacturing, and other industrial settings. In your home, there’s a good chance that the soaps you use in the bath, in the dishwasher and to do the laundry contain some amount of sodium hydroxide. Even household cleaners for carpet and tile may have some traces of the compound. The actual amount used in these types of products is very small, making it highly unlikely that skin contact will cause any kind of irritation.
The chemical can also be used in various aspects of food preparation. Manufacturers can use a detergent containing sodium hydroxide to clean fruits and vegetables before shipping them to market. It is not unusual for the olives to be dipped into the mixture to slightly soften its texture. The ground corn kernels are dipped into the mixture before the kernels are ground.
There are a number of products that contain considerably higher amounts of sodium hydroxide. Paint strippers are one example. The high content works very well in weakening the existing layer of pain and allowing it to separate easily from the wood or metal surface. The chemical is also used to clean large vats and tanks in breweries, as it will loosen and absorb any residue that adheres to the inside sides of the vats. In many areas of the world, the compound is mixed with water and used to dissolve animal carcasses after all usable parts have been harvested for the production of food products for humans or animals.
The use of sodium hydroxide in many other products is common. Some hair products, such as relaxers, contain small amounts. Drain cleaners often make use of the compound, as it will help loosen clogs with relative ease. The chemical also helps bleach the pulp to a pristine white, making it essential for the production of many paper products.
Although the use of sodium hydroxide is widespread, it is important to remember that direct contact with the pure chemical can be extremely damaging to the skin. People who handle the chemical during the manufacturing process or with other applications often wear protective clothing to minimize the possibility of exposure. In case the skin comes into contact with the compound, it is recommended to rinse the area with warm water for several minutes.
