MSDS Overview for Calcium Chloride – A Manufacturer’s Perspective

Identification

Product Name: Calcium Chloride
Chemical Formula: CaCl2
CAS Number: 10043-52-4
Common Forms: Anhydrous powder, dihydrate flakes, pellets
Main Uses: De-icing, dust control on roads, water treatment, concrete acceleration, food additive
Appearance: White, odorless solid, highly hygroscopic and soluble in water

Hazard Identification

Hazard Classification: Eye and skin irritant, not classified as flammable or explosive
Routes of Exposure: Eyes, skin, inhalation, ingestion
Pictograms: Exclamation mark (irritant)
Potential Effects: Irritation, redness, possible burns on prolonged skin or eye contact, gastrointestinal upset if swallowed, respiratory discomfort if inhaled
Chronic Impact: Extended contact with concentrated solution may aggravate dermatitis
User Hazards: Powder and concentrated solutions can cause slippery floors, promoting workplace falls

Composition / Information on Ingredients

Main Component: Calcium Chloride, >95% by weight
Other Components: Water of crystallization (if hydrous form), traces of magnesium chloride, sodium chloride as manufacturing process residues

First Aid Measures

Eye Contact: Flush eyes immediately with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes; remove contact lenses if possible; seek medical attention
Skin Contact: Wash affected area thoroughly with soap and water; remove contaminated clothing
Inhalation: Get to fresh air; if breathing difficulties occur, provide oxygen, and consult a physician
Ingestion: Rinse mouth with water; drink small amounts of water to dilute; avoid inducing vomiting and seek prompt medical advice in the case of discomfort or large ingestion

Fire-Fighting Measures

Suitable Extinguishing Media: Not combustible; use media suitable for surrounding materials (water spray, foam, CO2, dry chemical)
Specific Hazards: Product does not ignite, but will react with water to release heat; hot solutions can cause burns
Protective Equipment: Wear standard firefighting gear for surrounding fire; in heated conditions, ensure protection from caustic, hot sprays from dissolved calcium chloride; avoid inhalation of dust if dispersion occurs

Accidental Release Measures

Personal Protection: Restrict access to the spill area; put on gloves, safety goggles, and dust mask
Spill Control: Contain spill to prevent environmental release; sweep up dry product carefully to avoid creating airborne dust; use water spray only if necessary, but keep in mind risk of slippery surfaces and exothermic reactions
Disposal of Collected Material: Gather spilled material in containers for proper disposal; wash spill area with water if needed, being aware of drainage and watercourse impact

Handling and Storage

Handling: Always use PPE including gloves and goggles; avoid inhaling dust and direct contact with skin or eyes; wash hands thoroughly after handling
Storage Conditions: Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated place; protect from moisture since material is highly hygroscopic and will clump or liquefy easily; keep containers tightly sealed
Incompatibilities: Keep away from strong acids, zinc, and moisture-sensitive products; avoid storing beside oxidizers

Exposure Controls and Personal Protection

Engineering Controls: Use local exhaust ventilation to minimize airborne dust; maintain good general room ventilation
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Wear chemical-resistant gloves, protective clothing, and safety goggles or face shield; wear a dust respirator, especially in areas with high airborne concentrations or during transfer of dry product
Hygiene Measures: Wash hands, face, and exposed skin thoroughly after working with calcium chloride; change contaminated clothing as soon as possible

Physical and Chemical Properties

Molecular Weight: 110.98 g/mol (anhydrous)
Appearance: White flaky solid or granules
Odor: Odorless
Melting Point: 772°C (anhydrous)
Solubility in Water: Highly soluble (exothermic dissolution)
Density: 2.15 g/cm3 (anhydrous)
pH (10% solution): 8-10
Vapor Pressure: Not volatile
Hygroscopicity: Strongly attracts water vapor from air, deliquescent when exposed

Stability and Reactivity

Chemical Stability: Maintains stability under normal temperatures and dry storage
Reactivity: Reacts exothermically with water; reacts with zinc and moist air producing hydrogen gas; incompatible with strong acids which may liberate hydrochloric acid fumes
Decomposition: Yields calcium oxide at very high temperatures
Avoid: Contact with metals such as zinc and exposure to humid air or moisture-sensitive chemicals

Toxicological Information

Acute Effects: Calcium chloride is of low toxicity by oral, dermal, and inhalation routes; dust and solutions can cause significant irritation to eyes and skin, especially with prolonged contact
Ingestion: May cause irritation, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain, especially at high doses
Chronic Effects: No evidence of carcinogenic or mutagenic properties; repeated skin contact can aggravate existing skin disorders
Sensitization: Not known to cause allergic sensitization

Ecological Information

Aquatic Toxicity: Large releases can alter water salinity; high concentrations may impact freshwater and terrestrial organisms
Degradability: Dissolves readily to calcium and chloride ions; both occur naturally in the environment
Soil Mobility: Moves rapidly if spilled outdoors; avoid significant discharges near streams and drains
Persistence: Does not bioaccumulate, but excessive use can affect plant growth by increasing soil salinity

Disposal Considerations

Product Disposal: Recover and reuse if possible; otherwise dispose as non-hazardous inorganic waste according to local and national regulations
Disposal of Packaging: Triple rinse and dispose of empty packaging in accordance with recycling regulations; do not reuse containers for other chemicals
Environmental Precautions: Avoid uncontrolled discharge to environment; wash solutions should be neutralized before disposal; do not dispose in acidic conditions to prevent gas evolution

Transport Information

UN Number: Not classified as dangerous for transport
Transport Hazard Class: Not regulated as hazardous; label for care as a skin and eye irritant
Packing Considerations: Use moisture-tight sealed bags or drums; reinforce packaging in areas with high ambient humidity to minimize accidental moisture ingress and clumping

Regulatory Information

Workplace Regulation: Subject to chemical workplace exposure and safety hazard communication standards
Environmental Regulation: Comply with all requirements for spill control and accidental release reporting; proper labeling and documentation remain important through supply chain
Hazard Communication: Ensure all handlers receive regular safety training; maintain up-to-date hazard signage and first aid instruction in storerooms and process spaces