Calcium cyanamide is a calcium compound with the molecular formula CaCN₂. It forms when calcium carbide reacts with nitrogen. It typically appears as glistening hexagonal crystals. Pure calcium cyanamide is non-volatile and non-combustible, but commercial grades may contain small amounts of calcium carbide. When calcium carbide decomposes in water, it produces highly flammable acetylene gas. Commercial grades often present as greyish-black powder or lumps.
Although calcium cyanamide is essentially insoluble in water, it undergoes partial hydrolysis to form calcium hydrogen cyanamide.
What is Calcium Cyanamide used for?
Chemical Manufacturing: Used to produce calcium cyanide, melamine, and dicyandiamide
Metal Hardening: Assists in hardening iron and steel
Fertilizer: Serves as a nitrogen source for agricultural fertilizers
Veterinary Medicine: Effective in eliminating parasitic worms
Pesticidal Use: Previously registered as a pesticide but deregistered in California as of December 3, 1986
Veterinary Medicine: Effective in eliminating parasitic worms
Sources & Routes of Exposure
Sources of Exposure
Occupational exposure during manufacturing or application
Routes of Exposure
Inhalation: Breathing dust or fumes
Dermal Contact: Skin exposure during handling
Ingestion: Accidental swallowing
Health Effect
Acute Effects
Irritation: Affects eyes, skin, and respiratory tract
Inhalation Exposure: May lead to gastritis, rhinitis, pharyngitis, laryngitis, and tracheobronchitis
Oral Exposure: Can cause vasomotor reactions (facial flushing, headache, dizziness), nausea, vomiting, tachycardia, and hypotension
Peripheral Neuropathy: Reported in rare cases following acute exposure
Animal Studies: Demonstrate moderate to high acute toxicity from oral and dermal exposure
Chronic Effects
Occupational Exposure: Chronic rhinitis and nasal septum perforation
Dermal Exposure: Slow-healing ulcers
Animal Data: Limited information; no Reference Concentration (RfC) or Dose (RfD) established by the EPA
Reproductive/Developmental Effects
No available information in humans or animals
Cancer Risk
No evidence of carcinogenic effects in humans
National Toxicology Program studies in rats and mice found no carcinogenicity
EPA has not classified calcium cyanamide regarding carcinogenicity
Calcium Cyanamide Safety
First Aid Measures
Eye Contact: Flush with water for at least 15 minutes; seek immediate medical attention
Skin Contact: Wash with water and cover with an emollient; seek medical attention
Serious Skin Contact: Clean with disinfectant soap and cover with antibacterial cream; seek immediate medical attention
Inhalation: Move to fresh air; administer artificial respiration or oxygen if needed; seek medical attention
Serious Inhalation: Loosen clothing, administer oxygen, and seek medical attention
Ingestion: Do NOT induce vomiting unless instructed by medical personnel; seek immediate medical attention
Exposure Controls & Personal Protection
Engineering Controls
Use local exhaust ventilation and process enclosures to maintain safe air quality
Ensure eyewash stations and safety showers are readily accessible
Personal Protection Equipment
Standard Handling:
Splash goggles
Lab coat
Dust respirator (certified)
Gloves
For Large Spills:
Splash goggles
Full protective suit
Dust respirator
Boots and gloves
Self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA)
Suggested protective clothing might not be sufficient; consult a specialist BEFORE handling this product.
Regulation
United States
OSHA: The United States Occupational Safety & Health Administration has set an airborne permissible exposure limit (PEL) for calcium cyanamide of 5mg/m3 (as Cyanide) averaged over an 8-hour workshift.
NIOSH: The National Institute for Occupational Safety & Health has set a recommended airborne exposure limit for calcium cyanamide of 0.5mg/m3 averaged over a 10-hour workshift.
ACGIH: The American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists has set a recommended airborne exposure limit for calcium cyanamide of 0.5mg/m3 averaged over an 8-hour workshift.
Australia
Safe Work Australia: Safe Work Australia has set a time weighted average concentration for calcium cyanamide of 0.5mg/m3 averaged over an 8-hour workshift.
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