What Are the Dangers of Calcium Chloride?

Calcium chloride has a very low toxicity rating and is not dangerous to humans or the environment. It has been manufactured and used in a variety of industrial and food products for over one hundred years. It is widely used as a de-icer on roads, sidewalks, driveways and parking lots because it is hygroscopic and produces more heat than sodium chloride when introduced to water. It is also used to help cure concrete faster, as a dust stabilizer, in the production of plastics and calcium salt, for efficient oil drilling, wastewater and water treatment, as a dessicant, food additive, and in brine and food processing.

Exposure

• Due to its use in a wide variety of substances, especially food, regular exposure to small amounts of calcium chloride is likely. The level and duration of exposure determine the severity of the result. The form of exposure could be as dust, a solid in a crystalline or flake form, or liquid as it dissolves in water. As it is used in food and medications, it can also be ingested.

Health Hazards

• The biggest health hazard posed by calcium chloride occurs when it is dissolved in water, as large amounts of heat can be generated, resulting in burns. To help avoid this, do not use hot water when dissolving calcium chloride. When inhaled, the dust causes irritation to the upper respiratory tract that can be relieved by providing adequate ventilation. If small amounts are ingested, they do not cause any problems. Ingestion of larger quantities could cause irritation of the mouth, throat, and gastrointestinal tract, and could lead to upset stomach and vomiting. Calcium chloride can also cause skin irritation and possibly burns, especially if water is present. In cases where a large amount is in contact with the skin, it should be rinsed thoroughly with water.

Environmental Effects

• Calcium chloride has been observed to cause browning of leaves on trees along the roads where it is used as a de-icer. Officials claim that the damage is minimal and the trees recover during the summer, but no formal studies have been conducted. It may also cause problems with disorientation in wild birds that ingest it when they peck for grit on roads. It is not considered to be toxic to fish and, as it dissolves in water, it is not considered a bio-accumulation hazard.

Considerations

• Even though calcium chloride is not very toxic, people who are working with it should wear protective clothing and use precautions as recommended on the packaging. This can include gloves, cover-alls, and a respirator designed to filter the appropriate particles - such as dust particulates or liquid droplets. Dust on the floor can absorb moisture and become slippery, so be sure to keep the area cleaned well.

Warnings

• Calcium chloride can produce toxic chlorine fumes when heated until it breaks down. It may also form hydrogen chloride when mixed with sulfuric or phosphoric acids. It can corrode certain metals over time, such as steels, aluminum, and brass, so long-term storage options should take this into consideration.