Caustic substances

Chemical Hazards. Chemical manufacturers and employees contend with various ha2ards inherent ia productioa of evea commonplace materials. For example, some catalysts used ia the manufacture of polyethylene (see Olefin polymers) ignite when exposed to air or explode if allowed to become too warm the basic ingredient ia fluorocarboa polymers, eg, Tefloa (see Fluorine compounds, organic), can become violently self-reactive if overheated or contaminated with caustic substances (45,46) one of the raw materials for the manufacture of acryflc fibers (see Fibers, acrylic) is the highly toxic hydrogen cyanide (see Cyanides). 

Australol is a crystalline phenol obtained by Baker and Smith from various eucalyptus oils, including those of Eucalyptus hemiphloia and E. wooloiana. It is a very caustic substance, resembling ordinary phenol in odour. Its characters are as follows —... 

The most commonly used emetics are ipecac and apo-morphine. Induced emesis is the preferred means of emptying the stomach in awake patients who have ingested a toxic substance or have recently taken a drug overdose. Emesis should not be induced if the patient has central nervous system depression or has ingested certain volatile hydrocarbons and caustic substances. 

Gastric lavage is contraindicated if corrosive or caustic substances have been taken, because oesophageal and gastric erosion and perforation may occur. 

Think twice before pouring this stuff down your drain or spraying in your oven. It s a strong, caustic substance that causes severe corrosive damage to eyes, skin, and mucous membranes, as well as the mouth, throat, esophagus, and stomach. Blindness is reported in animals exposed to as little as 2% dilution for just one minute. Skin is typically damaged by 0.12% dilutions for a period of one hour. Tests with healthy volunteers exposed to the chemical in spray from oven cleaners showed that respiratory tract irritation developed in two to fifteen minutes. Sodium hydroxide is included as a toxic chemical on the EPA s Community Right-to-Know list. It is also a controlled substance in the workplace, and OSHA has set limitations on concentrations in the air. 

Alkali, n. Popularly a substance which neutralizes an acid, and turns red litmus blue. A strong hydroxide. A caustic substance. A narrow use of the term Base. 

Paints, medicinal Liquid medicinal preparations possessing antiseptic, caustic, soothing, or stimulating properties, usually applied by means of a brush. Paints intended to remain in contact with a specified surface are usually prepared with collodion, glycerin, glycerin and water, egg albumin in alcohol, or gutta percha. Paints intended to be absorbed are prepared with oleic acid or fatty oils. Caustic substances are usually applied dissolved in distilled water, alcohol, or ethereal vehicles, whereas resinous substances, such as benzoin. 

Following an occupational exposure, it is vital that healthcare workers are cognizant of institutional policies and procedures to allow for the timely and organized collection of data and initiation of post-exposure prophylaxis if indicated. Institutions must have policies and procedures in place to react quickly to occupational exposure to avoid unnecessary delays in therapy. The date and time, details pertaining to the type of activity being performed, nature of the exposure (type, amount, severity, percutaneous, mucous membrane, time of contact, condition of skin), and details about the source (HIV infected, viral load, history of antiretroviral therapy) should be recorded in the healthcare worker s medical record. It is recommended that skin sites or wounds that are contaminated should be washed with soap and water. The use of antiseptics may be considered, but application of caustic substances such as bleach is not recommended, as this would compromise the integrity of the skin barrier. Mucous membranes should be flushed extensively with water. 

Caustic substances like strong acids, strong alkalis, bromine, chlorine gas, etc., are toxic because they dissolve and destroy tissue. Many accidents happen because of carelessness with such substances, but in ecotoxicology they are perhaps not so important. More interest is focused on electrophilic substances that may react with DNA and induce cancer. Such substances are very often formed by transformation of harmless substances within the body. Their production, occurrence, and protection mechanisms will be described in some detail later. 

It is assumed in the following examples of synthesis procedures that those carrying out the experiments will be adequately supervised by experienced scientists and that they will follow established procedures of good practice and safe working [51]. No specific warnings of individual hazards (e.g. caustic substances, pressure in reaction vessels) are here given. 

Effect. There are no known specific biomarkers of effect for ammonia in humans or animals. Lesions produced by exposure to high concentrations of ammonia are similar to those produced by other caustic substances. As discussed under Acute-, Intermediate-, and Chronic-Duration Exposure, additional studies are needed to assess whether low-concentration/dose exposure to ammonia will result in damage to remote tissues. If other targets of toxicity are identified, studies designed to identify biomarkers of these effects would be usefiil. 

ACIDE PROPIONIQUE (French) (79-09-4) Forms explosive mixture with air (Hash point 126°F/. i2°C). Violent reaction with strong oxidizers, caustic substances. Incompatible with aliphatic amines, alkalis, alkanolamines, ammonia, alkylene oxides, epichlorohydrin, isocyanates, sulfuric acid. Flow or agitation of substance may generate electrostatic charges due to low conductivity. Attacks many metals, forming explosive hydrogen gas. 

Sodium hydroxide is one of the most caustic substances known and a strong irritant to the skin, eyes, and respiratory system. Exposure to sodium hydroxide dust, powder, or solid can cause burning of the skin and eyes, with possible permanent damage to one s vision. Ingestion of the compound... 

CHEMICAL PROPERTIES volatile reacts violently with strong oxidizing agents incompatible with strong caustic substances HC (-2,652 cal/g) FP (-6°C) LFL/UFL (5.6%, 11.4%) AT (458°C)... 

Also, NaOH is a caustic substance and therefore is not safe to use in this maimer. 

The common chemical sense, particularly the portion mediated by the trigeminal nerve, carries a considerable portion of the chemosensory burden. It warns of the mere presence of highly caustic substances and of high concentrations of almost all organic agents. Its rather steep dose-response function, seen as such both psychophysically (] 2) and neurophysiologically (16), seems compatible with its role as a warning system. Aside from this role, the common chemical sense adds an important and often desirable dimension to chemosensory experience. 

H2O + CO2. NaOH is a caustic substance and unsafe to use in this manner. 4.128 (a) Conductivity. Reaction with AgNOs to form AgCl. (b) Soluble in water. Nonelectrolyte, (c) Possesses properties of acids, (d) Soluble. Reacts with acids to give CO2. 

Caustic material—That which is able to bum, corrode, dissolve, or eat away another substance. Caustic substances—Strong alkalis their solutions being corrosive to the skin and other tissues. CBRN—Chemical, biological, radiological, or nuclear agent or substance. 

The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) has emergency eyewash guidelines in place to help ensure the best possible outcome for injured workers. ANSI Z358.1-2009 requires that a primary eyewash station be located within a ten-second walk from any caustic substance that can cause an eye injury. Plus, it calls for eyes to be flushed for a full 15 minutes with fluid maintained at a tepid temperature (for most hazards) in order to safely treat the eye without causing further injury or discomfort. Tepid is defined as between 60 and 100 degrees Fahrenheit. 

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