Calcium Chloride

Calcium Chloride is a salt of Calcium and Chlorine with a chemical formulation of CaCl2. Calcium Chloride occurs naturally in evaporated minerals but greater quantities are produced as a by-product from the chemical process known as the Solvay process.

Hardness or softness of water depends on the amount of dissolved minerals present in the water, the more minerals being present the greater the hardness of water. Calcium Chloride is added to water to increase its hardness, for example in swimming pools or in marine aquariums.

Calcium Chloride is also a permitted food additive and is given the E Number E509. It is used in a wide range of food processes including vegetable canning and turning soya beans into tofu. Many sports drinks contain Calcium Chloride which acts as an electrolyte. Calcium Chloride is also used to flavour pickles and relishes without adding extra salt to these preparations. Calcium Chloride is used in the brewing industry to increase the mineral properties of water used for brewing. Calcium Chloride is also used in the manufacture of certain soft cheeses including Brie and Stilton. By adding Calcium Chloride to the milk used in cheese-making, the natural balance between Calcium and protein is restored.

Calcium Chloride is used in the pharmaceutical industry in the manufacture of drugs and medicines. It can be used to treat insect bites or stings and is also used after open-heart surgery in cardiac resuscitation.

In industry, Calcium Chloride is used in fire extinguishers and in the treatment of waste water. It is used as a thinner in fabric conditioners and as an additive in plastics.

Anhydrous Calcium Chloride is able to absorb moisture and liquid from the atmosphere. For this reason, containers of Anhydrous Calcium Chloride should be kept tightly closed and completely air-tight, stored in a dry place and well away from water. The storage area should b cool and well-ventilated. Calcium Chloride should not be stored at temperatures above 30 degrees Centigrade or 86 degrees Farenheit.

Appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) should be worn when working with or handling Calcium Chloride, including protective clothing, protective gloves, approved eye protection and safety shoes or boots. Do not ingest and do not breathe dust. In case of insufficient ventilation, wear approved respiratory equipment. In case of ingestion seek immediate medical advice. Avoid contact with skin and eyes.