A material safety data sheet produced by the Dallas-based Occidental Chemical Corporation, or OxyChem states that if ingested, caustic soda (or Sodium hydroxide or Na(OH)) may cause "severe burns and complete tissue perforation of mucous membranes of mouth, throat and stomach."

A material safety data sheet produced by the Phillipsburg NJ-based Mallinkrodt Baker, Inc. states that if ingested, Lime (Calcium oxide or CaO) is corrosive and "may attack the oesophagus. Abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting may result. May cause serious alkali burns in mouth and throat."

This Response was prepared after researching publicly accessible information currently available to the Research Directorate within time constraints. This Response is not, and does not purport to be, conclusive as to the merit of any particular claim to refugee status or asylum.

Mallinkrodt Baker, Inc., Phillipsburg, New Jersey. 12 August 1996. Material Safety Data Sheet. [Internet] www.jtbaker.com [Consulted: 15 Feb. 1999]

Occidental Chemical Corporation, Dallas, Texas. 10 October 1998. Material Safety Data Sheet. [Internet] www.oxychem.com [Consulted: 8 Feb. 1999].