Available commercially in solid form such as pellets, chips, and sticks or in solutions of various concentrations, sodium hydroxide is a relatively cheap but efficient substance that is used by different industries. Besides its being cheap, another advantage of using the chemical is that it is both easy to detect and to dispose. It is known in other names such as caustic soda, lye, soda lye, white caustic, and sodium hydrate.

One of the main contributions of caustic soda is in paper production, specifically in breaking down the lignin in wood. Lignin holds cellulose fibers together in wood. Its removal then allows the freed cellulose fibers to form into paper. Another common use of the substance is in the production of chemicals. It is usually used in off-gas scrubbing, pH control, and neutralization of acid. Its importance in the petroleum and natural gas industry, on the other hand, is that it is used to remove acidic contaminants in oil and gas processing.

The substance is also valuable in the manufacture of household cleaning agents such as drain cleaners and oven cleaners. When cleaners contain sodium hydroxide, they tend to convert fats, which most clogged pipes contain, into soap. The heat that is produced when the substance dissolves in water also helps melt the clog. Moreover, it is used as a cleaner in wineries and breweries. The cleaning process, basically, is that it is added to water, heated, and then it is made use of to clean big stainless steel tanks where wine is fermented or beer is brewed. These tanks are also where the product is stored before it is bottled.

The wideness of the use of caustic soda or lye extends to the food industry. The substance is used in the production of caramel coloring, chocolate and cocoa processing, poultry scalding, and in the chemical peeling of fruits and vegetables. There are also certain foods that are processed with the substance. The German pretzels, for instance, are poached in a cold sodium hydroxide solution before they are baked. Also, the substance is responsible for the gelling of egg whites in Century eggs production.
Furthermore, the chemical is used in cotton fabric processing, metal processing and cleaning, laundering and bleaching, oxide coating, electrolytic extracting, and electroplating.

Just like any chemical, there are proper storage and handling measures that must be observed in order to avoid accidents. It must be stored in a tightly-closed container, and make sure that its storage area is cool, dry, well-ventilated, and away from sources of heat, moisture, and incompatibilities. When handling the substance, make sure that proper protective equipment is worn, such as protective eyeglasses or chemical safety goggles, and protective gloves.

The importance of these measures cannot be overlooked as the substance can have health implications when not used properly. Its contact with the eyes, for instance, may lead to irreversible eye injury. Skin contact, on the other hand, may cause irritation as well as severe burns and scarring. Furthermore, ingestion can lead to severe burns of mouth, throat, and stomach, and even death. Vomiting, diarrhea, and bleeding are some of the symptoms when a person has swallowed the substance.

The first aid measures that can be taken in cases of accidents include flushing of the skin or eyes with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes in case of skin or eye contact. In case of ingestion, do not induce vomiting. Instead, give the person with plenty of water or milk. More importantly, seek medical help immediately.

Sodium hydroxide is indeed very useful because while it is relatively cheap, it is efficient. But of course, it is not exempted from those chemicals that must be used and handled with great care.