Registration Dossier
Registration Dossier
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EC number: 231-179-5 | CAS number: 7440-70-2
Endpoint summary
Administrative data
Description of key information
Metallic calcium itself does not exhibit irritating properties. The subsequent reaction of elemental calcium with air and moisture results in calcium oxide and calcium hydroxide which liberate hydroxyl ions upon first contact on external surfaces of the human body. Studies with calcium oxide and calcium dihydroxide regarding irritating and corrosive properties exhibit irritative properties due to these. This is taken into consideration in the exposure assessment of elemental calcium (see Chapter 9 in CSR).
Key value for chemical safety assessment
Skin irritation / corrosion
Endpoint conclusion
- Endpoint conclusion:
- no adverse effect observed (not irritating)
Eye irritation
Endpoint conclusion
- Endpoint conclusion:
- no adverse effect observed (not irritating)
Respiratory irritation
Endpoint conclusion
- Endpoint conclusion:
- no adverse effect observed (not irritating)
Additional information
Based on the known chemistry of alkaline earth metals, Ca metal reacts with water, evolving hydrogen gas. In powdered form the reaction with water is extremely rapid. In the Ca-water reaction calcium dihydroxide (Ca(OH)2) is formed. Formed calcium oxide and calcium dihydroxide, react upon first contact on the external surfaces of the human body and their main effect is alkali effect by released hydroxyl ions. Exposure considerations of elemental Ca used in iron, steel and alloy manufacturing processes mostly in massive forms such as lumps, turnings and strips or granules of 2-7 mm, exposure to the human is considered unlikely. Calcium’s role in the steel and alloy manufacturing processes is to scavenge the molten metal for oxygen; effectively serving as an antioxidant. The life cycle of Ca metal in these processes ends with reaction on use; therefore there is no exposure to Ca (metal form) after it is introduced into the furnace. Ca metal will immediately react under the extreme heat conditions of these processes to form CaO which may be emitted as a fume or dust from the furnace or become part of the slag. Metallic calcium emitted (CaO) will cause skin irritation, if workers are exposed.Based on exposure scenarios (chapter 9 of CSR) and risk characterization (chapter 10 of CSR) dermal exposure within industrial processes is taken into account and RMMs already in place in the industry are sufficient for safe use of metallic calcium (section 7.10 of IUCLID, SCOEL (2008)).
Justification for classification or non-classification
Metallic calcium itself does not exhibit irritating properties, there is no need for classification.
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