Sodium is not as bad as you think it might be.

http://www.qsl.net/kd7inf/experiment_files/sodium.wmv

That was a HUGE chunk...probably 3-4lbs. (sold for thousands of dollar on the black market). Anything about the size of a pea etc is not TERRIBLY dangerous...

Now cesium...thats another story That one will get ya toasty.

So first hand experience...you could empty a valve into a pot of water and get some light fiz...maybe some heat...the oxidation byproduct would irritate your eyes/skin but the quantity is so small that you are not at SERIOUS risk.

Not trying to downplay the dangers but sodium is not as "bad" as many people think. I used to fear it too until I actually got to play with it.

Oh I loved high school chemisty