Calcium Carbide Safety Information
Calcium carbide (chemical formula CaC2) is a grayish-white crystalline solid that is used commercially in the production of calcium cyanamide, the fertilizer acetylene, hydrogen and graphite. It is manufactured by the reaction of coal with limestone in a furnace. Calcium carbide is unstable when exposed to moisture and reacts with humidity in the air---causing fires and/or explosions.
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Reactivity and Materials to Avoid
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Calcium carbide reacts with water to produce acetylene---a highly flammable gas. It reacts easily with oxidizing materials. A mixture of sodium peroxide with calcium carbide is explosive, as is a mixture of perchloryl fluoride with calcium carbide. Calcium carbide exposure to hydrogen chloride, peroxides, silver, magnesium, copper and its alloys, selenium and mercury should be avoided.
Health Hazards and Toxicology
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Calcium carbide reacts with airborne and body moisture to produce an alkali that irritates the nasal passages, eyes and skin. Excessive exposure causes burns on all moist parts of the body. Blindness may result if immediate treatment is not sought. Calcium carbide is harmful if ingested. Other acute effects of exposure to calcium carbide include headaches, labored breathing, cough, stomach cramps, vomiting and malaise.
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Storage and Transport information
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According to the Washington State Legislature, quantities of calcium carbide not greater than 600 pounds can be stored in dry, well-ventilated indoor locations. All calcium carbide storage containers and packages must be sealed. Quantities greater than 600 pounds but less than 5,000 pounds can be stored outdoors in metal containers, which should be periodically inspected to check for rusting. Storage containers must be placed on wooden bases so they do not come in direct contact with the ground.
Personal Protection
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Protective clothing, goggles, gloves and boots are recommended for all those individuals who are exposed to and/or working with calcium carbide.
First Aid & Fire Fighting Measures
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Contaminated clothing should be removed and exposed skin must be washed thoroughly with soap and water. Eyes should be thoroughly flushed with saline water. A person exposed to calcium carbide vapors and/or dust should immediately be moved to fresh air. Calcium carbide reacts dangerously with water to create the explosive acetylene gas. Calcium carbide-based fires should be extinguished only with dry chemical powder and carbon dioxide.
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References
- Photo Credit explosion image by Marius Lazin from Fotolia.com
