A critique of the U.S. standard for industrial exposure to sodium hydroxide aerosols

Abstract

Published studies of the toxicity of sodium hydroxide aerosols are few. These studies were generally marred by inadequate characterization of particle size and chemical composition and of the ambient humidity. Because NaOH aerosols can readily undergo reaction with carbon dioxide to form sodium carbonate, a much less alkaline (and less hygroscopic) compound, these shortcomings may warrant a reconsideration of the NaOH standard and the consideration of a Na₂CO₃ standard.