Common Household Acids and Bases

1. Raphael Chang (3) 2i1 12/5/11 Do you know that we actually use many acids and bases everyday in our daily lives? Yes, sometimes we even consume them! Although these household acids and bases are commonly used, not many know that they are using them and many are unaware of the precautions that should be taken. This poster gives a run through of important acids and bases as well as how to use them safely. Common Household Acids and Bases acids bases Acids mostly have a sour taste. In fact, most of the sour food that we consume everyday are acids. People are usually mistaken that all acids are corrosive and should be avoided at all costs. However, the truth is that not all acids are corrosive and we do consume some of them! Below commonly consumed acids: Bases on the contrary, are bitter and we do not consume most of them. Instead we use them for other purposes such as cleaning. Care should be taken when handling bases. Protective clothing like chemical resistant gloves, eye protection and long sleeves should be worn. Below are some commonly used bases: • Contains citric acid. • Oven cleaners and hair removal lotions are bases. • Contains diluted acetic acid. • Contains tartaric acid. • Yes! Caffeine, an alkaloid, is a base! Household Acids are often pleasant additions to many kinds of food, such as salad dressingsand picked vegetables, where acids give such food their sour taste. Although most bases are inedible, caffeine is used to make coffee which is drank widely. Other bases can be used for cleaning purposes!