Dust entry

Sodium hydroxide caustic dust

Airborne sodium hydroxide particulate encountered when handling dry caustic soda, lye, flakes, beads, or granular material.

Airborne form

dust

The form describes what is suspended in air at the point of exposure. A material can produce more than one form, such as dust during handling and fume during heating.

Health effects

upper respiratory irritationnasal ulcerationpneumonitissevere eye burnscorneal injuryskin burnstissue destruction

Evidence

NIOSH’s archived occupational-exposure page states that caustic sodium hydroxide dust irritates the upper respiratory tract and may ulcerate the nasal passages; inhaled dust or mist can range from mild nasal irritation to severe pneumonitis, while contact can cause severe eye and skin burns.

Source: html ↗ · saved source
Health effects · 2

Exposure to sodium hydroxide in the form a caustic dust irritates the upper respiratory tract and may cause ulceration of the nasal passages ... the effects of inhaling the dust or mist vary from mild irritation of the nose ... to severe pneumonitis.

Controls

closed dry handling
local exhaust ventilation
prevent dust generation
corrosion-resistant containment
skin and eye protection
eyewash and emergency drench
exposure monitoring
appropriate respiratory protection