Should I Avoid Sodium Hydroxide? Understanding its Risks and Safe Uses
                                
                                
                                •
                                
                                
                        
                                    
                                    4 min read                                
                            
                                According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), accidental exposure to concentrated sodium hydroxide can cause severe chemical burns and permanent tissue damage. The question of whether you should avoid sodium hydroxide, also known as lye or caustic soda, depends heavily on its concentration, context, and proper handling.