Calcium hydroxide, also known as slaked lime, hydrated lime, or calcium hydrate, is a widely used chemical compound with various applications across different industries. Understanding its safety profile is crucial for anyone handling or working with this substance. This comprehensive safety data sheet provides essential information to ensure safe handling, storage, and use of calcium hydroxide.
What is Calcium Hydroxide?
Calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)₂) is an inorganic compound that appears as a white, odorless powder or crystalline solid. It's readily available and relatively inexpensive, contributing to its widespread use. Its properties make it suitable for a range of purposes, including construction, agriculture, and water treatment.
Physical and Chemical Properties
- Appearance: White powder or colorless crystals
- Odor: Odorless
- Melting point: 580 °C (1076 °F) (decomposes)
- Solubility: Slightly soluble in water, more soluble in acids.
- pH: Highly alkaline (around 12.4 in a saturated solution)
Hazards Identification
While generally considered a low-hazard material compared to other chemicals, calcium hydroxide poses certain health risks if handled improperly. The primary hazards include:
- Skin and Eye Irritation: Direct contact can cause severe irritation, burning, and redness.
- Respiratory Irritation: Inhalation of dust can irritate the respiratory tract, potentially leading to coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath.
- Ingestion: Ingestion can cause burns to the mouth, throat, and esophagus, along with gastrointestinal distress.
- Severe Burns: Concentrated solutions or slurries can cause severe chemical burns.
Specific Hazards: There's no significant risk of fire or explosion associated with calcium hydroxide itself. However, reactions with acids can generate heat, potentially causing burns or igniting flammable materials nearby.
First-Aid Measures
Inhalation: Move the person to fresh air. If breathing is difficult, administer oxygen. Seek medical attention if symptoms persist.
Skin Contact: Immediately wash the affected area with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes. Remove contaminated clothing. Seek medical attention if irritation persists.
Eye Contact: Immediately flush the eyes with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes, lifting the eyelids occasionally. Seek medical attention.
Ingestion: DO NOT induce vomiting. Give the person water to drink. Seek immediate medical attention.
Handling and Storage
- Handling: Wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), including gloves, eye protection, and a respirator when handling calcium hydroxide powder or concentrated solutions. Avoid inhalation of dust. Good ventilation is crucial.
- Storage: Store calcium hydroxide in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area, away from incompatible materials (acids). Keep containers tightly closed.
Exposure Controls/Personal Protection
- Respiratory Protection: Use an appropriate respirator if dust exposure is likely.
- Eye Protection: Wear chemical safety goggles or face shields.
- Skin Protection: Wear protective gloves made of a suitable material (e.g., neoprene, nitrile).
- Other Protective Equipment: Appropriate clothing should be worn to prevent skin contact.
Environmental Precautions
Avoid releasing calcium hydroxide into the environment. Dispose of waste according to local regulations. Spills should be cleaned up immediately using appropriate methods to prevent environmental contamination.
Disposal Considerations
Dispose of calcium hydroxide waste according to all applicable local, regional, and national regulations. Never dump it down the drain or into the environment.
Regulatory Information
Compliance with all relevant local, regional, national, and international regulations concerning the handling, storage, and disposal of calcium hydroxide is mandatory. Check the specific regulations in your region for details.
What are the common uses of calcium hydroxide?
Calcium hydroxide finds applications in diverse fields:
- Construction: It's used in mortar, plaster, and cement production. Its alkaline nature helps bind materials together and strengthens the structure.
- Agriculture: It's used to adjust soil pH, making it more suitable for certain crops. It's also used as a fungicide and insecticide in some applications.
- Water Treatment: It's used to adjust the pH of water and remove impurities. Its alkalinity helps neutralize acidic water and improves its quality.
- Food Industry: It's sometimes used as a food additive (E526) in some specific food products, primarily as a pH regulator.
Is calcium hydroxide flammable?
No, calcium hydroxide is not considered flammable. However, it can react exothermically with acids, generating heat. This heat, if sufficient, could ignite nearby flammable materials.
Is calcium hydroxide corrosive?
Calcium hydroxide is corrosive to certain materials, particularly metals, and can cause severe skin and eye irritation. It’s highly alkaline, making it corrosive in contact with organic matter.
What are the health effects of calcium hydroxide exposure?
Exposure to calcium hydroxide can cause a range of health effects, varying in severity depending on the level and duration of exposure:
- Skin irritation: Redness, itching, burning, and potential chemical burns.
- Eye irritation: Similar to skin irritation, but with potential for more serious eye damage.
- Respiratory irritation: Coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, and potentially more serious lung problems with prolonged or high-level exposure.
- Ingestion: Burns to the mouth, throat, and esophagus, and gastrointestinal distress.
This safety data sheet provides general information. Always refer to the specific safety data sheet provided by your supplier for the most accurate and up-to-date information. It's crucial to consult with a healthcare professional if you experience any adverse effects after handling calcium hydroxide.
