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