MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEET

I.   PRODUCT IDENTIFICATION

Manufacturer/Supplier:

ESPI Metals

1050 Benson Way, Ashland, OR 97520

Toll Free (800) 638-2581 * Fax (541) 488-8313

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Product Name:     Calcium Oxide

Formula:              CaO

CAS Number:       1305-78-8

II.   HAZARDOUS INGREDIENTS

Hazardous Component:  Calcium Oxide

Percent (%):                  0-100

OSHA/PEL:                     5 mg/m³

ACGIH/TLV:                   2 mg/m³

III.   PHYSICAL DATA

Boiling Point:                    2850 ^oC

Melting Point:                   2580 ^oC

Specific Gravity:              3.32 - 3.35 g/cc

Solubility in H₂O:             Decomposes to form Ca(OH)₂, exothermic reaction.

Appearance and Odor:    White or grayish-white powder.

IV.   FIRE AND EXPLOSION HAZARDS DATA

Flash Point:  N/A

Autoignition Temperature:  N/A

Flammable Limits:   Upper:  N/A      Lower:  N/A

Extinguishing Media:  Not combustible but contact with water or moisture may generate sufficient heat to ignite combustible materials.  If involved in a fire, do not use water.  Use carbon dioxide, dry powder extinguishing agents, dry sand, or dry ground dolomite.

Special Fire Fighting Procedures:  Firefighters must wear full face, self-contained breathing apparatus and full protective clothing to prevent contact with skin and eyes.  Fumes from fire are hazardous.  Isolate runoff  to prevent environmental pollution.

Unusual Fire and Explosion Hazard:  Not considered to be an explosion hazard.  The combination of calcium oxide and water at high temperatures may be explosive.

V.   HEALTH HAZARD INFORMATION

Effects of Exposure:

To the best of our knowledge the chemical, physical and toxicological properties of calcium oxide have not been thoroughly investigated and recorded.

Calcium compounds: The fumes evolved by burning calcium in air are composed of calcium oxide which is an irritant to the skin, eyes and mucous membrane. Generally speaking, calcium compounds should be considered toxic only when they contain toxic components or as calcium oxide or hydroxide. Calcium compounds are common air contaminants. (Sax, Dangerous Properties of Industrial Materials, eighth edition)

Acute Effects: 

Inhalation:  Severe upper respiratory tract irritation.  Ulceration and perforation of the nasal septum may occur from extended exposure.  May aggravate pre-existing lung diseases.

Ingestion:  May attack the esophagus.  Abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting may result.  May cause serious alkali burns in the mouth and throat.  As a corrosive substance, CaO can cause severe G.I. tract injury.

Skin:  A skin irritant and corrosive substance to the skin.  Can produce burns and dermatitis after prolonged contact.

Eye:  Severe irritant, may damage eye tissues.  Causes redness, tearing, blurred vision and pain. 

Chronic Effects:  Inhalation:  Chronic inhalation of dust may cause inflammation of the respiratory passages, ulcers of the mucous membranes and possible perforation of the nasal septum.

EMERGENCY AND FIRST AID PROCEDURES:

INHALATION:  Remove victim to fresh air, keep warm and quiet, give oxygen if breathing is difficult and seek immediate medical attention.

INGESTION: Give 1-2 glasses of milk or water and DO NOT induce vomiting, seek immediate medical attention.  Never induce vomiting or give anything by mouth to an unconscious person. 

SKIN:  Remove contaminated clothing, brush material off skin, wash affected area with mild soap and water.  Seek medical attention.

EYES:  Flush with lukewarm water, lifting upper and lower eyelids, for at least 15 minutes.  Seek immediate medical attention.

VI.   REACTIVITY DATA

Stability:  Stable

Conditions Contributing to Instability:  Air, moisture.

Conditions to Avoid:  Heat, sparks and open flame.

Incompatibility (Material to Avoid):  Air, moisture, water, acids, humid air, hydrogen fluoride, phosphorus pentoxide, interhalogens, boric acid, steam, many organic substances.

Hazardous Decomposition Products:  Calcium hydroxide and carbon dioxide.

Hazardous Polymerization:  Will not occur.

VII.   SPILL OR LEAK PROCEDURES

Steps to Be Taken in Case Material Is Released or Spilled:  Wear appropriate respiratory and protective equipment specified in section VIII.  Isolate spill area, provide ventilation and keep water/moisture out of the area.  Scoop up or Vacuum up spill using a high efficiency particulate absolute (HEPA) air filter and place in a closed container for proper disposal.  Take care not to raise dust.

Waste Disposal Method:  Dispose of in accordance with Local, State and Federal Waste Disposal Regulations.

VIII.   SPECIAL PROTECTION INFORMATION

Respiratory Protection:  NIOSH approved dust mist vapor cartridge respirator.

Ventilation:  Use local exhaust to maintain concentration at or below the PEL, TLV.  Handle in a controlled environment.  Handle in an inert gas such as argon.  General exhaust is not recommended.

Protective gloves:  Rubber gloves

Eye Protection:  Safety goggles

Other Protective Clothing or Equipment:  Prevent skin contact and clothing contamination.

IX.   SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS

Other Handling and Storage Conditions:  Store in a cool, dry place in tightly closed containers.  Wash hands thoroughly after handling.  Do not breathe dust, vapor, mist, gas.  Do not get in eyes, on skin or clothing.  Empty container may contain hazardous residues.  Irritant.

Other Precautions:  Readily absorbs CO₂ and H₂O from air.  Calcium oxide reacts with air and moisture.  Handle and store in a controlled atmosphere and an inert gas such as argon.

Work Practices:  Implement engineering and work practice controls to reduce and maintain concentration of exposure at low levels.  Use good housekeeping and sanitation practices.  Do not use tobacco or food in work area.  Wash thoroughly before eating and smoking.  Do not blow dust off clothing or skin with compressed air.  Maintain eyewash capable of sustained flushing, safety drench shower and facilities for washing. 

TSCA Listed:  Yes

DOT Regulations:

Hazard Class:                     8

Identification Number:      UN1910

Packing Group:                  III

Proper Shipping Name:     Calcium oxide

The above information is believed to be correct, but does not purport to be all inclusive and shall be used only as a guide.  ESPI shall not be held liable for any damage resulting from handling or from contact with the above product.

Issued by:                           S. Dierks

Revised/Verified:                  July 2010