White Liquor Exposure Symptoms (Sodium Hydroxide and Sodium Sulfide)

If you were near the Nippon Dynawave Packaging mill in Longview, Washington during or after the May 26, 2026 white liquor tank implosion, this page summarizes what U.S. public-health and worker-safety agencies publish about the documented exposure symptoms of the chemicals involved — sodium hydroxide and sodium sulfide.

It is general information compiled from cited public sources, not medical advice, and AlertRelief is not a law firm.

Sodium hydroxide — documented effects

Per the NIOSH Pocket Guide and the ATSDR Medical Management Guidelines:

• Eyes: severe damage. Even brief contact with dust, mist, or solution can cause burns. Irrigate immediately with large amounts of water, lifting the lower and upper lids; seek medical care.
• Skin: chemical burns. Sodium hydroxide does not warn with a sting before damage occurs — slipperiness or soapy feel on the skin is a sign of tissue damage already starting.
• Respiratory tract: inhalation of dust or mist can cause irritation, coughing, sore throat, and damage to the upper airway and lungs.
• Ingestion: severe damage to the mouth, throat, esophagus, and stomach. Do not induce vomiting unless directed by Poison Control or a clinician.

Exposure limits (NIOSH; OSHA):

• OSHA PEL: 2 mg/m³ over an 8-hour shift.
• NIOSH IDLH: 10 mg/m³ — immediately dangerous to life or health.

Sodium sulfide — documented effects

Per the New Jersey Department of Health Right to Know fact sheet:

• Skin and eyes: severe irritation or chemical burns on contact.
• Respiratory tract: can severely irritate or burn the nose, throat, and lungs; may cause coughing, wheezing, or shortness of breath.
• Hydrogen sulfide release: sodium sulfide can react with water, moist air, or acids to release hydrogen sulfide (H₂S), a toxic gas that smells like rotten eggs at low concentrations. Higher concentrations can paralyze the sense of smell, so absence of odor does not mean absence of hazard.

When to seek care

• Call 911 for life-threatening symptoms — severe burns, severe shortness of breath, loss of consciousness.
• Call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 for exposure-specific questions.
• See a clinician for any chemical contact with skin or eyes, persistent coughing, hoarseness, shortness of breath, or any ingestion. Tell the clinician what you were exposed to (white liquor / sodium hydroxide / sodium sulfide) and when.

Who is most at risk

• Workers on or near the release are at highest risk of direct contact and inhalation. Workers' compensation in Washington is administered by L&I (see Washington Department of Labor & Industries).
• After any release that reaches outdoor air or water, people with asthma or other respiratory conditions, pregnant people, older adults, and children are typically more sensitive to irritant effects. Follow local public-health guidance for the affected area.

If you may have been exposed

• Note when you were near the area, for how long, and what you saw, smelled, or touched while details are fresh.
• Record any symptoms, when they started, and any medical visits or prescriptions.
• See what is white liquor? for background on the chemicals.
• Document your exposure for your records.
• If you wish, request a free review by an independent attorney — no obligation. Every incident is different and past results do not predict the outcome of any other matter.

For the full incident page, see Longview Nippon Dynawave Chemical Tank Implosion.