Chemical of the Week Part 2 - Calcium Carbide

Hazard Profile

Chemical Name and Pseudonyms

Calcium Carbide, Acetylenogen; Calcium dicarbide; Calcium acetylide

UN Number

1402

Chemical Formula

Ca C₂

Hazards

Emits flammable gas that may spontaneously ignite when exposed to moisture/water

PPE Considerations

SFPC with SCBA

Fire Fighting Considerations

Dry chemical, dry powder, or CO₂ extinguisher, or dry sand

Decontamination

Vacuum solid/powder material, followed by flooding amounts of water.

Detection and Monitoring

Chemical testing

Chemical and Physical Properties

Physical State

Grey-black solid with garlic-like odor

Vapor Pressure

-

Boiling Point

~4172^oF

Vapor Density

-

Specific Gravity

-

Miscibility

Reacts vigorously with water to produce flammable/explosive gas

Flash Point

-

LEL/UEL

-

Autoignition Temp

-

pH

-

Toxicity

IDLH

~25 mg/m³

PEL/REL/STEL

5 mg/m³ / 2 mg/m³ / -

LD50

>2000 mg/kg

LC50

>6.04 mg/l

Radioactive (Yes/No)

No

Medical

Toxicological Considerations

Skin irritant, respiratory irritant, caustic to eyes  

Signs/Symptoms of Exposure

Medical Treatment

Fresh air and treat symptomatically, brush off then flush areas of contact with water

Other Information

Reacts with acids, bases, strong oxidizing agents, and copper

Chemical Structure