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What Are the Dangers of Potassium Hydroxide?

Potassium hydroxide, which is also known as potassium lye or caustic potash, is a chemical that is used to manufacture certain types of soap, a chemical used as an ingredient in drain cleaners, and a chemical used to remove fur from an animal's hide during the leather tanning process. Potassium hydroxide is a strong base, however, and there are a number of dangers associated with its use.

  1. Chemical Reaction

    • A chemical reaction in which an explosive or corrosive gas is released may occur if potassium hydroxide comes into contact with an acid, an ammonium salt or moist air.

    Eye Contact

    • Potassium hydroxide is corrosive and it may cause burns, severe irritation, severe pain, swelling, impaired vision and/or eventually blindness if it comes into contact with an individual's eyes.

    Ingestion

    • Potassium hydroxide is not only corrosive, but also extremely toxic so it may cause burns, diarrhea, vomiting, severe stomach pain, shock and/or death if it is ingested.

    Inhalation

    • Since potassium hydroxide is corrosive, it may cause an individual to cough, sneeze, develop breathing problems and/or damage the individual's lungs if it is inhaled--the amount of damage depends on the amount of exposure.

    Skin Contact

    • An individual may develop blisters, burns, severe pain and/or permanent scars if the skin comes into contact with potassium hydroxide.

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