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Substance Information Sheet
Drain Cleaners - (alkaline substances)
Substance description:
Drain cleaners are alkaline corrosive substances usually
containing NaOH and/or KOH (sodium hydroxide and potassium
hydroxide respectively). These substances can cause
severe burns to mouth, esophagus and stomach even when
ingested in very small quantities. In addition, some
alkaline substances have no odor or taste, and large
amounts can be ingested before any reaction can take
place. These characteristics may pose great danger for
children and pets. Please keep drain cleaners and
any other alkaline and corrosive substances out of the
reach of children and pets.
Alkaline substances are present in various concentrations
(amounts or percentages) in household products such
as oven cleaners, drain cleaners, toilet-bowl cleaners,
automatic or hand dish-washing detergents, low-phosphate
laundry detergents, bathroom and household cleaners,
hair relaxers, denture cleaners and solid lye among
others. These substances may be irritating depending
on the concentration of the substance present, the product
formulation (liquid or granular), the duration of exposure
and other factors. Alkaline substances like NaOH absorb
moisture, produce strong vapors and release heat when
dissolved in water. In industrial applications, where
concentrated forms of alkaline substances are handled,
strict adherence to safety recommendations should be
observed to avoid harmful exposures.
Exposure to drain cleaners:
Individuals may be exposed to drain cleaners and other
alkaline substances through ingestion, inhalation, skin
contact and/or eye contact. The severity of effects
caused by these substances depends on the type of exposure
(ingestion, inhalation or skin contact), the amount
ingested, the time interval between the exposure and
medical assistance being obtained. An exposure of just
10 seconds to a 3.8% solution of NaOH can cause severe
injury to the mouth, esophagus, or stomach. Increasing
the strength or the exposure time, increases the severity
of injury.
What to do in case of:
- Ingestion of drain cleaners and alkaline substances:
Do not induce vomiting. This may cause aspiration
of stomach contents. Contact your local poison center
and/or a health care facility.
- Skin and/or eye exposure to drain cleaners and
alkaline substances: Remove any contaminated clothes
or contact lenses. Rinse skin thoroughly with water
for 30 minutes. Irrigate eyes with lukewarm water
for at least 30 minutes. If after thorough rinsing,
visual changes, pain, and/or swelling appear and
persist, contact a health care facility and/or an
ophthalmologist for further evaluation.
- Inhalation of drain cleaner and alkaline substance
vapors: Move the person to fresh air and observe
for coughing, shortness of breath and irritation
of throat and eyes. If symptoms occur, contact your
local poison center and/or a health care facility
for further evaluation.
Many poison exposures can be safely
treated at home. However, always contact your regional
poison center for advice and recommendations before
initiating any treatment.
Brad Hawkins
Copyright © 1999, Vanderbilt Center in Molecular
Toxicology
URL: http://www.toxicology.mc.vanderbilt.edu
Last Modified: 6.10.99
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