
Calcium oxide
Synonyms: Burned lime; Burnt lime; Lime, Pebble lime; Quicklime; Unslaked lime
OSHA IMIS Code Number: 0520
Chemical Abstracts Service (CAS) Registry Number: 1305-78-8
NIOSH Registry of Toxic Effects of Chemical Substances (RTECS) Identification Number: EW3100000
Department of Transportation Regulation Number (49 CFR 172.101) and Guide: 1910 157
chemical description, physical properties, potentially hazardous incompatibilities, and more
OSHA Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL):
General Industry: 29 CFR 1910.1000 Table Z-1 - 5 mg/m3 TWAConstruction Industry: 29 CFR 1926.55 Appendix A - 5 mg/m3 TWA
Maritime: 29 CFR 1915.1000 Table Z-Shipyards - 5 mg/m3 TWA
American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) Threshold Limit Value (TLV): 2 mg/m3 TWA
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) Recommended Exposure Limit (REL): 2 mg/m3 TWA
NIOSH Immediately Dangerous To Life or Health Concentration (IDLH): 25 mg/m3
Potential Symptoms: Irritation of eyes, skin, upper respiratory tract; ulcerated, perforated nasal septum; pneumonitis, pulmonary edema (may be delayed); lacrimation, spasmodic blinking; brittle nails, irritant contact dermatitis
Health Effects: Irritation-Eye, Nose, Throat, Skin-Marked (HE14)
Affected Organs: Eyes, skin, respiratory system
Notes:
- Calcium oxide is affirmed by the FDA as a generally recognized as safe (GRAS) direct food substance (21 CFR 184.1210).
- Prolonged contact with wet cement, which is alkaline due to the reaction of water with calcium oxide to form calcium hydroxide, can result in full-thickness skin burns that may require surgical treatment.
Literature Basis:
- Cain, W.S., et al.: Sensory and associated reactions to mineral dusts: sodium borate, calcium oxide, and calcium sulfate. J. Occup. Environ. Hyg. 1(4): 222-236, 2004.
- Pohanish, R.P. (editor): Calcium Oxide. In, Sittig's Handbook of Toxic and Hazardous Chemicals and Carcinogens, Fourth Ed., Vol. 1. Norwich, NY: Noyes Publications, William Andrew Publishing, 2002, pp. 468-470.
- Spoo, J. and Elsner, P.: Cement burns: a review 1960-2000. Contact Dermatitis 45(2): 68-71, 2001.
- Winder, C. and Carmody, M.: The dermal toxicity of cement. Toxicol. Ind. Health 18(7): 321-331, 2002.
Primary Laboratory Sampling/Analytical Method (SLC1):
Federal OSHA and OSHA State Plan personnel submitting samples to the OSHA Salt Lake Technical Center Laboratory for calcium oxide analysis must use the tared gravimetric sampling media described immediately below.
You might also like






![]() |
Mrs. Wages Pickling Lime (1-Pound Resealable Bag) Grocery (Precision Foods)
|
![]() |
SEOH Calcium Oxide Lab Grade Powder 2.5Kg BISS (Scientific Equipment of Houston)
|