For those who mix lye in glass containers, may I suggest you switch to plastic? Over time glass becomes etched and can fail at the wrong time. By fail, I mean shatter, spilling caustic lye solution all over you and your surroundings. Instead, a rubbermaid material type of pitcher, not the rigid plastic that becomes brittle over time, is far safer. If you have a nice fitting lid all the better to prevent spills. When mixing the lye with the liquid of your choice, it's often safer to mix in a sink. If a spill or volcano does occur you can wash it down the drain quickly and safely. To avoid fumes, just do not lean over the sink as you pour the lye into the water. The fumes disperse fairly quickly. When mixing outside, you risk spilling, tripping, etc. which is far. messier to clean than necessary. Have fun. As others have already said, don't fear the lye. Just use good common sense when handling it. Eye protection is a must, not a should. I choose to wear a mask in addition to gloves and eye protection. It protects what's left of my sense of smell from the sensory assault when working with EO's and FO's (I do this when making candles and such too)