~dHazard Alert
~tCalcium hydroxide
~w2011-08-29
Calcium hydroxide is a chemical compound with the chemical formula
Ca(OH)2. It is a colourless crystal or white powder, and is created
when calcium oxide (called lime or quicklime) is slaked with water.
In addition, it can also be created by mixing an aqueous solution of
calcium chloride and an aqueous solution of sodium hydroxide. A
traditional name for calcium hydroxide is slaked lime, or hydrated
lime. If heated, calcium hydroxide decomposes into calcium oxide and
water. A suspension of fine calcium hydroxide particles in water,
called lime water (or milk of lime), is a medium strength base that
reacts violently with acids and attacks many metals in presence of
water. [1]
Uses [1]
Because of its strong basic properties, calcium hydroxide has varied
uses, such as:
 A form of lime, in water and sewage treatment and improvement
of acid soils.
 An ingredient in whitewash, mortar, and plaster
 An alkaline used as a lye substitute in no-lye hair relaxers
 A reagent
 In the reef aquarium hobby for adding bio-available
calcium in solution for calcium-using animals such as
algaes, snails, hard tube worms and corals (often
referred to as Kalkwasser mix)
 In the tanning industry for neutralisation of extra acid
 In the petroleum refining industry for the manufacture of
additives to oils (alkilsalicatic, sulphatic, fenatic)
 In the chemical industry for manufacture of calcium
stearate
 In the food industry for processing water (for alcoholic
and soft drinks)
 For clearing a brine of carbonates of calcium and
magnesium in the manufacture of salt for food and
pharmacopoeia
 In Native American and Latin American cooking, calcium
hydroxide is called "cal." Corn cooked with cal becomes
nixtamal, which is considered tastier and easier to
digest.

A filler
 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 manufacturing a drug called "Polikar" for fighting
decay (due to fungus) of fruits and vegetables during
storage

A paste used to fill the inside of a tooth during a root
canal procedure, left in for a period of weeks, to
disinfect and reduce inflammation in surrounding
material.

Health Effects [2]
Inhalation
 Causes irritation to the respiratory tract.
 Symptoms may include coughing, shortness of breath.
 Can cause chemical bronchitis.
Ingestion
 Gastric irritant.
 Ingestion may be followed by severe pain, vomiting, diarrhoea,
and collapse.
 If death does not occur in 24 hours, oesophageal perforation
may occur, as evidenced by fall in blood pressure and severe
pain.
 A narrowing of the oesophagus may occur weeks, months, or years
after ingestion, making swallowing difficult.
Skin Contact
 Corrosive
 May cause severe burns and blistering, depending on duration of
contact.
Eye Contact
 Corrosive

May produce severe irritation and pain.

May induce ulcerations of the corneal epithelium.
 Can cause blindness.
Chronic Exposure
Prolonged or repeated skin contact may produce severe irritation or
dermatitis.
Aggravation of Pre-existing Conditions:
Persons with pre-existing skin problems or impaired respiratory
function may be more susceptible to the effects of this substance.
Personal Protection [2]
 Personal Respirators (NIOSH Approved): If the exposure limit is
exceeded and engineering controls are not feasible, a full
facepiece particulate respirator (NIOSH type N100 filters) may
be worn for up to 50 times the exposure limit or the maximum
use concentration specified by the appropriate regulatory
agency or respirator supplier, whichever is lowest. If oil
particles (e.g. lubricants, cutting fluids. glycerine, etc.)
are present, use a NIOSH type R or P filter. For emergencies or
instances where the exposure levels are not known, use a fullfacepiece positive-pressure, air-supplied respirator. WARNING:
Air-purifying respirators do not protect workers in oxygendeficient atmospheres.
 Skin Protection: Wear impervious protective clothing, including
boots, gloves, lab coat, apron or coveralls, as appropriate, to
prevent skin contact.
 Eye Protection: Use chemical safety goggles and/or full face
shield where dusting or splashing of solutions is possible.
Maintain eye wash fountain and quick-drench facilities in work
area
[1] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Calcium_hydroxide
[2] http://www.jtbaker.com/msds/englishhtml/c0407.htm