Chemical Properties
Calcium chloride is a colorless to off-white
crystalline solid which is deliquescent (absorb water).
When heated, crystals lose water @ 100C.
Potential Exposure
Calcium chloride is used as road salt
for melting snow, a drying agent in desiccators, for dehydrating organic liquids and gases, in refrigeration brines
and antifreeze, as a dust-proofing agent, food additives,
concrete hardening accelerator, and others. May react with
strong oxidizers.
First aid
If this chemical gets into the eyes, remove any
contact lenses at once and irrigate immediately for at least
15 minutes, occasionally lifting upper and lower lids. Seek
medical attention immediately. If this chemical contacts
the skin, remove contaminated clothing and wash immediately with soap and water. Seek medical attention immediately. If this chemical has been inhaled, remove from
exposure, begin rescue breathing (using universal precautions, including resuscitation mask) if breathing has
stopped and CPR if heart action has stopped. Transfer
promptly to a medical facility. When this chemical has
been swallowed, get medical attention. Give large quantities of water and induce vomiting. Do not make an unconscious person vomit
Shipping
There are no label or maximum shipping quantity requirements set by DOT.
Incompatibilities
The solution in water is a weak base.
Reacts with zinc in presence of moisture, forming highlyflammable hydrogen gas. Dissolves violently in water
with generation of much heat. Incompatible with water,
bromine trifluoride; 2-furan, percarboxylic acid. May
attack some building materials and metals in the presence
of moisture.
Uses
It is used as a food additive, as an electrolyte, it is used as a buffer in pools, an additive in plastics and in fire extinguishers. It is used as a fabric softener, dust control on roads. Calcium chloride is a soluble compound that can serve as a source of calcium ions in a solution. Calcium plays important roles in many biological processes, including signal transduction, muscle contraction, maintenance of cell membranes and cell wall stability.
