A caustic soda soluble in water and used externally as a caustic.
A powerful alkali in widespread use as a cleaning agent. It attacks the skin, causing severe chemical bums that are best treated by washing the area with large quantities of water. When swallowed it causes burning of the mouth and throat, which should be treated by giving water, milk, or other fluid to dilute the stomach contents and by gastric lavage.
A whitish solid that is soluble in water, making a clear solution. It is an antacid and a caustic. It is used in laundry detergents and in commercial compounds used to clean sink traps, toilets, and in the preparation of soap. It is also used as a component in any laboratory reagent that needs pH balancing.