SUMMARY REVIEW OF THE HEALTH EFFECTS ASSOCIATED WITH SODIUM HYDROXIDE: HEALTH ISSUE ASSESSMENT

Abstract

Sodium hydroxide (NaOH) is produced in large quantities in the U.S. and the aerosol may be rebased into the atmosphere. Inhalation of aerosolized NaOH can cause damage to the upper respiratory tract and to the lungs. Rats exposed to a 40% NaOH aerosol in a chronic study showed bronchial ulceration and necrosis. At 20%, bronchi were dilated and the epithelium was desquamated. Irritation may occur at air concentrations below 2mg/cu m. NaOH was shown to be not genotoxic by the Ames reversion test and DNA-repair test. NaOH was found to be not teratogenic in mice. NaOH was classified as Class D as to carcinogenicity.

Citation

Martin, F. SUMMARY REVIEW OF THE HEALTH EFFECTS ASSOCIATED WITH SODIUM HYDROXIDE: HEALTH ISSUE ASSESSMENT. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Washington, D.C., EPA/600/8-88/081 (NTIS PB88231949), 1988.

Additional Information

Prepared in cooperation with Oak Ridge National Lab., TN. Information Research and Analysis Div.

• SUMMARY REVIEW OF THE HEALTH EFFECTS ASSOCIATED WITH SODIUM HYDROXIDE: HEALTH ISSUE ASSESSMENT