Product Name: Calcium Hypochlorite
Synonyms: Bleaching Powder, Chlorinated Lime
Chemical Formula: Ca(ClO)2
CAS Number: 7778-54-3
Recommended Use: Disinfectant, water treatment, bleaching agent
Manufacturer Contact: Listed on shipping container or by supplier on request
Emergency Contact: Local or national chemical emergency number, Poison Control
Import/Export Regulations: Subject to national restrictions and documented transit
GHS Classification: Oxidizing solid, Acute toxicity (oral and inhalation), Skin and eye irritant, Aquatic hazard
Hazard Statements: Releases toxic chlorine gas on contact with acids or moisture; strong oxidizer; may cause breathing difficulty, skin burns, eye damage
Signal Word: Danger
Pictograms: Flame over circle, Corrosive, Exclamation mark, Environment
Precautionary Statements: Store separately from flammable materials; avoid inhalation; prevent contact with skin or eyes; use only outdoors or in well-ventilated areas
Potential Routes of Exposure: Inhalation, ingestion, skin and eye absorption
Target Organs: Respiratory tract, eyes, skin, gastrointestinal tract
NFPA Ratings: Health 3, Flammability 0, Reactivity 2, Special OX (oxidizer)
Chemical Name: Calcium Hypochlorite
Concentration: 65-70% available chlorine typical, may range higher or lower depending on manufacturer
Inert Ingredients: Calcium chloride, calcium hydroxide, sodium chloride, water (percentages vary)
Impurities: Small amounts of chloride or perchlorate salts possible, trace heavy metals rarely identified
Physical Form: Granular, powder, tablets
Other Constituents: Stabilizers or anti-caking agents, depending on product grade
Inhalation: Move to fresh air immediately; loosen tight clothing; consult a doctor if breathing discomfort or throat irritation persists. Supplemental oxygen may be needed in severe exposure.
Skin Contact: Remove contaminated clothing; flush area with cool running water for 15 minutes; seek medical attention for burns or persisting redness.
Eye Contact: Rinse eyes with water or saline for 15-20 minutes; keep eyelids open and move eye direction frequently; emergency medical help needed in all instances due to risk of damage.
Ingestion: Rinse mouth thoroughly; give water or milk to drink if conscious; avoid vomiting induction; seek immediate emergency medical care.
Most Important Symptoms: Severe irritation or burning sensation, coughing, shortness of breath, eye pain, nausea
Notes for Physicians: Monitor for airway swelling, tissue injury, and secondary pulmonary complications
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Flood with water only; avoid dry chemical, foam, or CO2 as product decomposes to toxic gases
Unsuitable Media: Never use dry chemicals or carbon dioxide
Hazardous Combustion Products: Chlorine, oxygen, possibly hydrochloric acid vapors
Fire/Explosion Hazards: Strong oxidizer; accelerates burning of combustible materials; spontaneous ignition of organics possible
Protective Equipment: Full protective gear and SCBA recommended for responders; keep upwind of fire event
Special Instructions: Cool containers with water spray; isolate area; evacuate and restrict unnecessary personnel; avoid run-off into drains
Personal Precautions: Wear chemical-resistant gloves, goggles, and long sleeves; use a full face shield and respiratory protection in dust-producing incidents
Environmental Precautions: Prevent leaks and powder from entering waterways, sewers, or soil; alert authorities in large releases
Cleanup Methods: Scoop spills with clean plastic tools; flush small residues with copious water; avoid use of organic material (e.g. sawdust, cloths)
Decontamination: Use only water for cleaning affected surfaces—no acidic or reducing cleaning agents
Waste Disposal: Collect in secure container; reference local hazardous waste requirements
Safe Handling: Minimize dust generation using closed transfer systems or wetting methods; avoid all forms of ignition and contact with organics
Storage Conditions: Store in cool, dry, well-ventilated area; segregated from combustibles, acids, ammonia, or strong reducing agents
Container Requirements: Use non-metallic, corrosion-resistant, air-tight packaging; reseal containers after each use
Hygiene Practices: Wash hands and face before eating, drinking, or smoking; change contaminated clothing promptly
Incompatible Materials: Oils, sawdust, paper, many metals (aluminum, copper), or sources of strong heat
Exposure Limits: OSHA PEL not established for calcium hypochlorite; ACGIH TLV for chlorine gas at 0.5 ppm TWA (short term at 1 ppm)
Engineering Controls: Use process enclosure or local exhaust ventilation to keep airborne levels below nuisance dust limits
Personal Protective Equipment: Chemical-resistant gloves (rubber, nitrile, neoprene), safety goggles or face shields, lab coat or Tyvek suit, dust respirator for bulk handling
Respiratory Protection: NIOSH-approved particulate or combination respirator required in dusty or poorly ventilated areas
General PPE Practices: Maintain emergency eyewash and shower stations in immediate work area; remove and launder clothing after exposure
Appearance: White to off-white granular solid, powder, or tablets
Odor: Strong chlorine-like smell; irritant
Odor Threshold: Noticeable at very low concentrations
pH: Makes alkaline solution in water (pH 10-12 typical)
Melting Point: Decomposes before melting (180°C-190°C)
Solubility: Moderately soluble in water, sparingly in alcohol
Decomposition Temperature: Begins breakdown between 100°C-180°C; rapid oxygen/chlorine release
Vapor Pressure: Not applicable (non-volatile solid)
Bulk Density: 0.7–1.2 g/cm3, varies with form
Stability: Stable under recommended storage; decomposes in moist or high temperature conditions
Hazardous Reactions: Vigorous or explosive reaction with acids, ammonia, organic materials
Incompatible Materials: Strong acids, reducing agents, combustible substances, metals
Hazardous Decomposition: Chlorine gas, oxygen, hydrochloric acid vapors, trace chlorinated organics
Polymerization: Product does not undergo hazardous polymerization
Acute Effects: Irritates mucous membranes; causes chemical burns on skin and eyes; inhaling high concentrations leads to pulmonary edema, coughing, shortness of breath
Chronic Effects: Prolonged exposure aggravates respiratory conditions, dermatitis, increased asthma risk
LD50 (oral, rat): Approximately 850 mg/kg (moderate oral toxicity)
Symptoms of Overexposure: Burning sensation, headache, chest tightness, nausea, vomiting
Carcinogenic Status: Not classified as carcinogenic by NTP, IARC, or OSHA
Other Health Hazards: Sensitization and allergy risk rare, except for chronic skin contact
Ecotoxicity: Highly toxic to aquatic organisms; releases free chlorine that disrupts biological processes in water bodies
Mobility: Soluble, moves rapidly through soil and water; breaks down to calcium compounds and chloride ions
Bioaccumulation: Not expected to bioaccumulate in animal tissues
Persistence and Degradability: Chlorine dissipates rapidly; high doses disrupt aquatic ecosystems before neutralization
Other Environmental Effects: Can bleach vegetation, harmful to insects, amphibians, and fish in low concentrations
Waste Handling: Treat as hazardous waste; avoid landfill and uncontrolled dumping; prevent contact with organic wastes
Container Disposal: Triple rinse containers with water, then destroy by puncture and dispose of according to local hazardous material regulations
Treatment Options: Neutralize small amounts with sodium thiosulfate in plenty of water; large-scale disposal demands licensed waste handler involvement
Legal Considerations: Disposal governed by EPA, RCRA, and local hazardous chemical acts
Do Not Reuse: Empty packaging may contain residues that react explosively with moisture or acids
UN Number: UN 1748
Proper Shipping Name: Calcium Hypochlorite, dry or Calcium Hypochlorite mixture, dry (as appropriate)
Hazard Class: 5.1 (Oxidizer)
Packing Group: II
Label Required: 5.1 oxidizer, Environment
Marine Pollutant: Yes
Transport Limitations: Subject to segregation from foodstuffs, combustibles, acids; limited quantity provisions and segregation rules apply
Special Precautions: Keep away from living quarters during transport; report leaks or fire immediately according to regulations
International Classifications: Registered under REACH, listed in TSCA, EINECS, DSL
Labeling Requirements: Follows US OSHA, EC, and GHS recommendations; warning and precaution labels visible
Compliance Standards: Complies with EPA standards for disinfectant and pool uses; subject to restrictions in EU for certain applications
Right-to-Know Elements: Disclosed according to SARA, Prop 65, and national right-to-know laws
Restrictions on Use: Regulated for water treatment, sanitation, and public health purposes; designated as hazardous workplace chemical
Inventory Status: Listed in all major global chemical inventories
