In Oldsmar, Florida a computer hacker tried manipulating the water treatment facility to increase the quantity of lye. Sodium hydroxide, lye, is used in small proportion to adjust the acidity of water. Hacker made attempt to increase the quantity of lye in to water supply but was prevented by an alert worker at the facility who noticed automatic changes on computer screen took corrective action. This happened on 5^th Feb 2021. Read the full news here

Sodium hydroxide is classified under Class 8 Corrosive Substances in IMDG Code.

There are different entries in IMDG Code for solid and liquid form

1. UN 1823 SODIUM HYDROXIDE SOLID

White pellets, flakes, lumps or solid blocks, deliquescent. Reacts with ammonium salts, evolving ammonia gas. In the presence of moisture, corrosive to aluminium, zinc and tin. Causes burns to skin, eyes and mucous membranes. Reacts violently with acids.

2. UN 1824 SODIUM HYDROXIDE SOLUTION

Colourless liquid. Corrosive to aluminium, zinc and tin. Reacts with ammonium salts, evolving ammonia gas. Causes burns to skin, eyes and mucous membranes. Reacts violently with acids.

Exposure to sodium hydroxide will cause irreversible damage to eye/blindness and sever burn and destruction of skin.