Sodium hydroxide is a very strong chemical that is also known as lye and caustic soda. This article discusses poisoning from touching, breathing in (inhaling), or swallowing sodium hydroxide.

This is for information only and not for use in the treatment or management of an actual poison exposure. If you have an exposure, you should call your local emergency number (such as 911) or the National Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222.

Sodium hydroxide

Sodium hydroxide is found in many industrial solvents and cleaners, including flooring stripping products, brick cleaners, cements, and many others.

It may also be found in certain household products, including:

• Aquarium products
• Clinitest tablets
• Drain cleaners
• Hair straighteners
• Metal polishes
• Oven cleaners

Note: This list is not all inclusive.

• Airways and lungs
  • Breathing difficulty (from inhalation)
  • Lung inflammation
  • Sneezing
  • Throat swelling (which may also cause breathing difficulty)
• Eyes, ears, nose, and throat
  • Severe pain in the throat
  • Severe pain or burning in the nose, eyes, ears, lips, or tongue
  • Vision loss
• Esophagus, intestines, and stomach
  • Blood in the stool
  • Burns of the esophagus (food pipe) and stomach
  • Diarrhea
  • Severe abdominal pain
  • Vomiting, possibly bloody
• Heart and blood
  • Collapse
  • Low blood pressure (develops rapidly)
  • Severe change in pH (too much or too little acid in the blood)
• Skin
  • Burns
  • Irritation
  • Necrosis (holes) in the skin or underlying tissues