CALCIUM CARBIDE (ICSC)

CALCIUM CARBIDE	ICSC: 0406

Date of peer-review: October 1995

Calcium acetylide
Acetylenogen

CAS #

75-20-7

CaC₂

RTECS #

EV9400000

Molecular mass: 64.1

UN #

1402

EC #

006-004-00-9

TYPES OF HAZARD / EXPOSURE	ACUTE HAZARDS / SYMPTOMS	PREVENTION	FIRST AID / FIRE FIGHTING
FIRE	Not combustible but forms flammable gas on contact with water or damp air. Many reactions may cause fire or explosion.	NO contact with water.	Special powder, dry sand, NO other agents.
EXPLOSION	Risk of fire and explosion on contact with water.	Use non-sparking handtools. Prevent deposition of dust; closed system, dust explosion-proof electrical equipment and lighting.	In case of fire: cool drums, etc., by spraying with water but avoid contact of the substance with water.

EXPOSURE		PREVENT DISPERSION OF DUST! STRICT HYGIENE!
Inhalation	Cough. Laboured breathing. Shortness of breath. Sore throat.	Local exhaust or breathing protection.	Fresh air, rest. Half-upright position. Refer for medical attention.
Skin	Redness. Skin burns. Pain.	Protective gloves. Protective clothing.	Remove contaminated clothes. Rinse skin with plenty of water or shower.
Eyes	Redness. Pain. Blurred vision. Severe deep burns.	Safety goggles, or eye protection in combination with breathing protection if powder.	First rinse with plenty of water for several minutes (remove contact lenses if easily possible), then take to a doctor.
Ingestion	Laboured breathing. Shock or collapse (further see Inhalation).	Do not eat, drink, or smoke during work. Wash hands before eating.	Rinse mouth. Do NOT induce vomiting. Refer for medical attention. See Notes.

SPILLAGE DISPOSAL

PACKAGING & LABELLING

Eliminate all ignition sources. Sweep spilled substance into clean dry containers. Carefully collect remainder, then remove to safe place. Do not use water.

Airtight.
EU Classification
Symbol: F
R: 15
S: (2-)8-43
UN Classification
UN Hazard Class: 4.3
UN Pack Group: II

EMERGENCY RESPONSE

STORAGE

Transport Emergency Card: TEC (R)-192 NFPA Code: H1; F3; R2; W

Separated from incompatible materials (see Chemical Dangers). Dry. Well closed.

IPCS
International
Programme on
Chemical Safety

Prepared in the context of cooperation between the International Programme on Chemical Safety and the Commission of the European Communities © IPCS, CEC 2001

SEE IMPORTANT INFORMATION ON BACK

CALCIUM CARBIDE

ICSC: 0406

IMPORTANT DATA

PHYSICAL STATE; APPEARANCE:
GRAY CRYSTALS OR BLACK LUMPS , WITH CHARACTERISTIC ODOUR.

CHEMICAL DANGERS:
Shock-sensitive compounds are formed with silver nitrate and copper salts. The substance decomposes violently on contact with moisture and water producing highly flammable and explosive acetylene gas (ICSC # 0089) , causing fire and explosion hazard. Reacts with chlorine, bromine, iodine, hydrogen chloride, lead, fluoride magnesium, sodium peroxide and sulphur, causing fire and explosion hazard. Mixtures with iron (III) chloride, iron (III) oxide and tin (II) chloride ignite easily and burn fiercely.

OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE LIMITS:
TLV not established.

ROUTES OF EXPOSURE:
The substance can be absorbed into the body by inhalation.

INHALATION RISK:
Evaporation at 20°C is negligible; a harmful concentration of airborne particles can, however, be reached quickly especially if powdered.

EFFECTS OF SHORT-TERM EXPOSURE:
Corrosive. The substance is corrosive to the eyes, the skin and the respiratory tract. Inhalation of the substance may cause lung oedema (see Notes).

PHYSICAL PROPERTIES

Melting point: about 2300°C
Relative density (water = 1): 2.22
Solubility in water: reaction

ENVIRONMENTAL DATA

NOTES

Reacts violently with fire extinguishing agents such as water, producing explosive gas. The substance may contain contaminant resulting in the release of the toxic gas phosphine on contact with water. The symptoms of lung oedema often do not become manifest until a few hours have passed and they are aggravated by physical effort. Rest and medical observation are therefore essential. Immediate administration of an appropriate spray, by a doctor or a person authorized by him/her, should be considered. Specific treatment is necessary in case of poisoning with this substance; the appropriate means with instructions must be available. Also consult ICSC # 0089 (acetylene).

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

LEGAL NOTICE

Neither the CEC nor the IPCS nor any person acting on behalf of the CEC or the IPCS is responsible for the use which might be made of this information

    See Also:
       Toxicological Abbreviations