Calcium Hypochlorite
Product Stewardship Summary April 2008
Chemical Name: calcium hypochlorite
Synonyms: cal hypo, bleaching powder
CAS Number: 7681-52-9
CAS Name: calcium hypochlorite
EC (EINECS) Number: 23 1-668-3
• General Description. Calcium Hypochlorite is sold as a white, solid
concentrate in powder, tablet, briquette, or crystalline form all of which
have a distinct chlorine odor. Calcium Hypochlorite is an effective
public health biocide registered for numerous sanitization applications
by the U.S. EPA under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and
Rodenticide Act, and supported under the European Biocidal Products
Directive.
• Manufacture. During production, potential exposure to the concentrate
by humans and the environment is tightly controlled and confined
through strong industrial hygiene protocols and processes, engineering
of the manufacturing equipment, and the use of personal protective
equipment.
• Applications. Calcium Hypochlorite is a chlorine source, which when
mixed with water forms hypochlorous acid and Calcium Hydroxide. The
hypochlorous form is used for public health treatments such as: the
sanitization of drinking water, sewage, waste water, swimming pools and
spas; industrial fruit and vegetable washing; and surface sanitization of
meat and poultry plants.
• Benefits . Calcium Hypochlorite is an effective sanitizer used for a variety
of purposes. Arch manufactures and sells only the dry form of Calcium
Hypochlorite which contains a high concentration of available chlorine.
Chlorine is a proven, powerful germicide capable of controlling
pathogenic and nuisance microorganisms like bacteria, fungi and algae
commonly found in water sources. Such untreated water can lead to
public health problems associated with bacterial or fungal-related
illnesses (infections, rashes and gastrointestinal problems). Even in small
amounts, Calcium Hypochlorite is a fast-acting sanitizer protecting the
swimmer, bather, and consumer by treating the water. It is also used at
higher concentrations to deodorize and remove organic contaminants
that can affect the clarity and color of the water. These traits are very
important for drinking water, swimming pool, and spa applications. The
dry form of Calcium Hypochlorite is more stable and relatively easier to
handle and transport than either chlorine gas or liquid bleach.
• General Precautions. Calcium Hypochlorite in concentrated form is
corrosive to the eyes and skin, and burns may occur within a short time
from the onset of exposure. Calcium Hypochlorite in concentrated form
is moderately toxic if swallowed. It can cause burns to the digestive
tract and has low acute toxicity from skin exposure. In the unlikely event
concentrated Calcium Hypochlorite is inhaled for 4 or more hours, it is
considered highly toxic. The effects of such inhalation are confined
initially to severe irritation to the respiratory tract. In diluted form and in
its end-use environment, Calcium Hypochlorite does not pose any
significant risk to humans and the environment.
Calcium Hypochlorite does not damage genetic material and is
therefore not considered to be a mutagen.
From repeated inhalation exposure of the concentrate, the primary effect
from Calcium Hypochlorite is damage to the upper respiratory tract and
lungs. Effects from repeated ingestion are irritation to severe irritation of
the gastrointestinal tract. Calcium Hypochlorite is not absorbed through
the skin in significant amounts; therefore, the only effect from repeated
skin contact with the concentrate would be irritation and/or burns.
Calcium Hypochlorite is not a cancer-causing agent.
Calcium Hypochlorite does not impair reproductive performance,
fertility, or fetal development.
Calcium Hypochlorite as a concentrate is highly toxic to fish, aquatic
invertebrates and aquatic plants; however, once diluted into the end-use
applications, it does not pose a significant risk.
The potential for absorption of Calcium Hypochlorite by the body is
very low. However, if it is absorbed, it is excreted rapidly with no
potential for bioaccumulation.
• Physical Precautions: Contamination or improper use may cause fire,
explosion, or the release of toxic gases. Do not allow Calcium
Hypochlorite to contact any foreign matter, including other water
treatment products. If Calcium Hypochlorite is exposed to small amounts
of water, it can react violently to produce heat and toxic gases and spatter.
Users must not add water to this product, but rather add the product only
into water. Exposure to heat can cause this product to rapidly decompose,
leading to intense fire, explosion, and the release of toxic gases. This
product must be stored in a cool, dry, well ventilated area. Calcium
Hypochlorite is a strong oxidizing agent. This product can increase fire
intensity. This product must be kept away from heat, flame, and burning
material.
• Likelihood of Exposure: Although most transfers of the chemical are
contained in enclosed spaces, exposure to the chemical could occur at a
manufacturing facility, treating plant, and site of an accidental release
during shipment. End users of Calcium Hypochlorite are unlikely to be
exposed when transferring the product from its container to the pool
through a floater, feeder, or skimmer. It is important to carefully read and
follow all label directions.
• Risk Management. The likelihood of exposure to the chemical is low
when the end-user carefully reads and follows all label directions for
proper use. The risk of adverse effect to health could potentially occur if
the concentrated product comes in contact with the skin or if there is
significant, direct inhalation, when a container of the concentrated
material is opened or during addition to the pool. Once dissolved in pool
water, Calcium Hypochlorite will cause no harm to
the bathers in the water and actually protects bathers from harmful
waterborne pathogens.
For additional information, please visit our web site at www.archchemicals.com and
click on “Contact Us”.
This summary is intended to give general information about the chemical or categories of
chemicals addressed. It is not intended to be, and should not be relied upon as, a
substitute for the detailed health and safety information contained in the Material Safety
Data Sheet (or any other required hazard communication material) for this product, which
should be consulted before use of the chemical or treatment for exposure. As with any
product, it is very important to read and carefully follow all label directions and
warnings. This summary does not supplant or replace required regulatory and/or legal
communication documents.
