Calcium Hydroxide

Calcium hydroxideor slaked lime is an inorganic compound with the chemical formula Ca(OH)₂. It is a colourless, odourless crystal or white powder and is produced when quicklime or calcium oxide is mixed or slaked with water. For its wider uses and common availability, this chemical has several applications in industrial settings. Calcium hydroxide contains slight earthy smell and has a bitter taste.

Use of Calcium Hydroxide:

Calcium hydroxide is widely used in industrial settings such as food processing, paper production, as a flocculent in sewage treatment, and construction. In medical particularly dental uses, for example, root canal fillings often contain calcium hydroxide. It is also an important ingredient in cement, plaster and mortars. Since calcium hydroxide contains low toxicity and it is mild in property it is widely used in the food industry. It helps in clarifying raw juice from sugarcane or sugar beets and process water for alcoholic beverages and soft drinks. It is works as a digestive aid called Choona, which is used in India in paan and it acts as a substitute for baking soda in making papadam.

Properties of Calcium Hydroxide:

Calcium hydroxide can be obtained as colourless crystals or a white powder with a density of 2.21 g/cmA and melting point of 580 A C. It is soluble in water and when it dissolves in water it produces a solution called limewater, which reacts with acids to form salts. Also, calcium hydroxide reacts with carbon dioxide to form calcium carbonate.

Health Effects:

In general, calcium hydroxide is not toxic at low concentrations. However, at higher concentrations, it can cause problem if it comes in contact with eyes or skin, or inhalation or swallowing of the watery calcium hydroxide solution can cause blindness, severe skin irritation, chemical burns, or lung damage.