question about lye crystals

[annastasia76]

I can find all sorts of info on the internet about accidentally inhalation of lye fumes but is it possible to inhale the crystals themselves?? I have found nothing about it online. I am assuming that if the crystals were inhaled it would be extremely painful, just as if lye was spilled on the skin. Shouldn't there be more info on the internet about using face masks or other facial protection??

 

[Bubbles Galore]

The crystals are reasonably heavy but if you decide to put your face over a container of lye crystals and snort, I'm betting they would go up your nose and it would be agony. I wear a full face mask, you should too. :wink:

 

[c.a.p.]

RESPECT THE LYE. Always wear eye protection. My lye is in a 5 gallon pail. I transfer the lye to smaller containers for ease of use. I had my gloves on, but forgot my glasses. Wasn't even thinking about them. Three crystals jumped up and into my eye. Hurt like hell. Flushed immediately followed by a 4 bag flush at the ER. All is well, but there was some burning. Just missed my cornea. I was lucky. RESPECT THE LYE.

 

[carebear]

I can find all sorts of info on the internet about accidentally inhalation of lye fumes but is it possible to inhale the crystals themselves?? I have found nothing about it online. I am assuming that if the crystals were inhaled it would be extremely painful, just as if lye was spilled on the skin. Shouldn't there be more info on the internet about using face masks or other facial protection??

Little gets air born the way *I* soap. But if working with large amounts and doing things like dumping out sacks of it, please follow the safety precautions on the MSDS - which are designed for large scale manufacturing. The MSDS for salt also recommends respirators, and such.

I suppose you can inhale the crystals, but it'd take either - as I said - getting it into the air somehow, or working hard to snort it.

 

[annastasia76]

ok thanks, for next time I know to use a face mask, I get paranoid over everything lately, and since I never saw it mentioned I never thought about it until afterward. when I measured the lye I didn't pour it I spooned it into a plastic bowl. I was unsure of it the lye could go airborn so I have also been worried about what else could have lye on it in the kitchen after measuring the lye.

I did clean the counters and sinks with vinegar before I cleaned with cleaner

 

[carebear]

I don't wear a face mask when working with lye, but I do wear eye protection.

"respect the lye" LOL. Do be careful with it, just as you are with other things in your home like boiling water, drain cleaner, and sharp knives. Just be careful.

 

[Adema]

I wear huge protective goggles and long sleve shirt that I tuck under my gloves and I always wear shoes in case of soap spills.
I also have a 3 months old so after I finish making soap I wash all my clothes and take a shower ,, I am a bit neurotic...

Kveðja
María

 

[Healinya]

I had a little static electricity cause a flake of lye to float up and land on my lip once... the first thing I did was lick it... second this I did was run to the sink and stick my head under the water while bumbling around getting the cap off the vinegar and dumped half the bottle on my face... respect the lye is right.. but if an accident happens, adrenaline and natural reactions will kick in.

 

[soapbuddy]

If you have static electricity, fabric softener sheets help with that.