Harming oneself with lye water

[misfities]

First few times I made soap, I used a pretty decent mask. The fumes still got in. It stung when I breathed in. After a few tastes of these lye water fumes, I've started making lye water outside and holding my breath while I do it. This works better than wearing a mask for me.

So a few months later, the whole right side of my body is in a lot of pain. Mostly around my lungs and ribs and shoulder. I can't bend over and breathe. It hurts, but it's not detrimental. I worry about it and figure its probably from those couple of times I got hit with lye fumes.

Am I going to die?:shock:

 

[Dorymae]

It may have nothing to do with the lye, but go see a doctor. You could very well have something else wrong. I have smelled lye while mixing but I never use a mask, I also never breathed it in although I do not hold my breath.

It is my understanding that to burn your lungs with lye would be instantly burning, you would not be able to stay there and continue mixing. To actually breathe in the fumes would have you doubled over coughing and trying to clear your lungs.

Even still, if you feel you are having trouble breathing there are numerous reasons why that could be. Go see your doctor and have him check it out.

 

[Lindy]

I've been mixing lye inside for about 9 years. Sometimes I use a mask, sometimes not so much. I turn my head away as I mix the lye (it's in the sink) and then after checking to make sure it is well mixed and that all the silk is gone, I walk away and let the fumes dissipate.

If you're having lung pain or trouble with your breathing you should see a doctor. Breathing can be rather important.

 

[not_ally]

You definitely need to get a medical opinion based on what you have said, this is not a question for us on the boards. I agree with what others have said. I am sure you can figure out a way to make soap, but find out what your physical baselines are first.

 

[Susie]

It isn't due to the lye. Go see a doctor, immediately! Pain/trouble breathing that has gone on for months needs MD attention!

ETA-Hold on, is this not you claiming to be a new soaper? That was last month, not months ago.

http://www.soapmakingforum.com/showthread.php?t=51865

 

[The Efficacious Gentleman]

I echo the above and would also say that you either had an incorrect mask or it was used incorrectly.

Those little dust masks might stop dust, but lye fumes are not dust and you need a much better mask for protection from the lye fumes.

 

[Trix]

Like everyone told you do go and see a doctor., as they are the ones who can really help you find out what is going on, and give you a solution for it.

But also do not hold your breathe when outside or you will just take a bigger inhale of the gases that are still at work when you breathe in, just turn your body away a bit.
Best of luck.

 

[shunt2011]

Absolutely go see a doctor. Even if it was caused by lye fumes you should not post asking on this forum, you need to call your doctor. I too have been mixing lye in doors without a mask, I just turn my head and kind of hold my breath while stirring and have never had a problem.

Hope you get an answer quickly.

 

[dixiedragon]

Go see a doctor! I've inhaled lye - and my lungs instantly rejected it. I was trying to cough when there was no air in my lungs.