Because of its strong basic properties, calcium hydroxide has many and varied uses: An ingredient in whitewash, mortar, and plaster In the beauty industry, used in relaxers for permanently straightening very curly hair In tannery industries, for neutralization of acid, the liming of hides and skins and the flocculation of wastewater. In the petroleum refining industry for the manufacture of additives to oils (salicatic, sulphatic, fenatic) In the chemical industry for manufacture of calcium stearate In the food industry for processing water (for alcoholic and soft drinks) Used in the separation of sugar from sugar cane in the sugar industry. Dried cod fish is soaked in a mixture of slaked lime and soda to produce a soft-fleshed fish fillet that is steamed or baked and served. In chewing betel nut or coca leaves, calcium hydroxide is usually chewed alongside to keep the alkaloid stimulants chemically available for absorption by the body In the petrochemical industry for manufacturing solid oil of various marks In the manufacture of brake pads In the manufacture of ebonite For preparation of dry mixes for painting and decorating In manufacturing mixes for pesticides In dentistry, it is used as dressing in paste form used for anti-microbial effect during a dental root canal procedure. Calcium hydroxide is known to have a strong anti-microbial effect and is a bone-regeneration stimulant. Used as an acid suppressor in the production of metals. Lime is injected into the waste gas stream to neutralise acids such as fluorides and chlorides prior to being released to atmosphere In the beauty industry, used in relaxers for permanently straightening very curly hair