Calcium Cyanamide

H302: Harmful if swallowed [Warning Acute toxicity, oral]

H318: Causes serious eye damage [Danger Serious eye damage/eye irritation]

H335: May cause respiratory irritation [Warning Specific target organ toxicity, single exposure; Respiratory tract irritation]

P261, P264, P264+P265, P270, P271, P280, P301+P317, P304+P340, P305+P354+P338, P317, P319, P330, P403+P233, P405, and P501 (click each P-code to see the statement)

This chemical does not meet GHS hazard criteria for 0.5% (1 of 189) of reports.

H261 (21.7%): In contact with water releases flammable gas [Danger Substances and mixtures which in contact with water, emit flammable gases]

H302 (99.5%): Harmful if swallowed [Warning Acute toxicity, oral]

H315 (57.1%): Causes skin irritation [Warning Skin corrosion/irritation]

H317 (76.2%): May cause an allergic skin reaction [Warning Sensitization, Skin]

H318 (99.5%): Causes serious eye damage [Danger Serious eye damage/eye irritation]

H335 (98.4%): May cause respiratory irritation [Warning Specific target organ toxicity, single exposure; Respiratory tract irritation]

H412 (55%): Harmful to aquatic life with long lasting effects [Hazardous to the aquatic environment, long-term hazard]

P231+P232, P261, P264, P264+P265, P270, P271, P272, P273, P280, P301+P317, P302+P352, P304+P340, P305+P354+P338, P317, P319, P321, P330, P332+P317, P333+P317, P362+P364, P370+P378, P402+P404, P403+P233, P405, and P501 (click each P-code to see the statement)

Aggregated GHS information provided per 189 reports by companies from 10 notifications to the ECHA C&L Inventory. Each notification may be associated with multiple companies.

Reported as not meeting GHS hazard criteria per 1 of 189 reports by companies.

There are 9 notifications provided by 188 of 189 reports by companies with hazard statement code(s).

Information may vary between notifications depending on impurities, additives, and other factors. The percentage value in parenthesis indicates the notified classification ratio from companies that provide hazard codes. Only hazard codes with percentage values above 10% are shown. For more detailed information, please visit ECHA C&L website.

H315: Causes skin irritation [Warning Skin corrosion/irritation]

H317: May cause an allergic skin reaction [Warning Sensitization, Skin]

H372: Causes damage to organs through prolonged or repeated exposure [Danger Specific target organ toxicity, repeated exposure]

H373: May causes damage to organs through prolonged or repeated exposure [Warning Specific target organ toxicity, repeated exposure]

P260, P261, P264, P264+P265, P270, P271, P272, P280, P301+P317, P302+P352, P304+P340, P305+P354+P338, P317, P319, P321, P330, P332+P317, P333+P317, P362+P364, P403+P233, P405, and P501 (click each P-code to see the statement)

H261: In contact with water releases flammable gas [Danger Substances and mixtures which in contact with water, emit flammable gases]

H313: May be harmful in contact with skin [Warning Acute toxicity, dermal]

H333: May be harmful if inhaled [Warning Acute toxicity, inhalation]

H371: May cause damage to organs [Warning Specific target organ toxicity, single exposure]

P231+P232, P260, P261, P264, P264+P265, P270, P271, P280, P301+P317, P302+P317, P302+P352, P304+P317, P304+P340, P305+P354+P338, P308+P316, P317, P319, P321, P330, P332+P317, P362+P364, P370+P378, P402+P404, P403+P233, P405, and P501 (click each P-code to see the statement)

Fresh air, rest.

Remove contaminated clothes. Rinse skin with plenty of water or shower.

Rinse with plenty of water for several minutes (remove contact lenses if easily possible). Refer immediately for medical attention.

Rinse mouth. Give one or two glasses of water to drink. Refer for medical attention .

EYES: First check the victim for contact lenses and remove if present. Flush victim's eyes with water or normal saline solution for 20 to 30 minutes while simultaneously calling a hospital or poison control center. Do not put any ointments, oils, or medication in the victim's eyes without specific instructions from a physician. IMMEDIATELY transport the victim after flushing eyes to a hospital even if no symptoms (such as redness or irritation) develop.

SKIN: IMMEDIATELY flood affected skin with water while removing and isolating all contaminated clothing. Gently wash all affected skin areas thoroughly with soap and water. If symptoms such as redness or irritation develop, IMMEDIATELY call a physician and be prepared to transport the victim to a hospital for treatment.

INHALATION: IMMEDIATELY leave the contaminated area; take deep breaths of fresh air. If symptoms (such as wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath, or burning in the mouth, throat, or chest) develop, call a physician and be prepared to transport the victim to a hospital. Provide proper respiratory protection to rescuers entering an unknown atmosphere. Whenever possible, Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) should be used; if not available, use a level of protection greater than or equal to that advised under Protective Clothing.

INGESTION: DO NOT INDUCE VOMITING. If the victim is conscious and not convulsing, give 1 or 2 glasses of water to dilute the chemical and IMMEDIATELY call a hospital or poison control center. Be prepared to transport the victim to a hospital if advised by a physician. If the victim is convulsing or unconscious, do not give anything by mouth, ensure that the victim's airway is open and lay the victim on his/her side with the head lower than the body. DO NOT INDUCE VOMITING. IMMEDIATELY transport the victim to a hospital. (NTP, 1992)

General First Aid:

· Call 911 or emergency medical service.

· Ensure that medical personnel are aware of the material(s) involved, take precautions to protect themselves and avoid contamination.

· Move victim to fresh air if it can be done safely.

· Administer oxygen if breathing is difficult.

· If victim is not breathing:

-- DO NOT perform mouth-to-mouth resuscitation; the victim may have ingested or inhaled the substance.

-- If equipped and pulse detected, wash face and mouth, then give artificial respiration using a proper respiratory medical device (bag-valve mask, pocket mask equipped with a one-way valve or other device).

-- If no pulse detected or no respiratory medical device available, provide continuous compressions. Conduct a pulse check every two minutes or monitor for any signs of spontaneous respirations.

· Remove and isolate contaminated clothing and shoes.

· For minor skin contact, avoid spreading material on unaffected skin.

· In case of contact with substance, remove immediately by flushing skin or eyes with running water for at least 20 minutes.

· For severe burns, immediate medical attention is required.

· Effects of exposure (inhalation, ingestion, or skin contact) to substance may be delayed.

· Keep victim calm and warm.

· Keep victim under observation.

· For further assistance, contact your local Poison Control Center.

· Note: Basic Life Support (BLS) and Advanced Life Support (ALS) should be done by trained professionals.

Specific First Aid:

· In case of contact with substance, wipe from skin immediately; flush skin or eyes with running water for at least 20 minutes.

In Canada, an Emergency Response Assistance Plan (ERAP) may be required for this product. Please consult the shipping paper and/or the "ERAP" section.

(General first aid procedures)

Eye: Irrigate immediately - If this chemical contacts the eyes, immediately wash (irrigate) the eyes with large amounts of water, occasionally lifting the lower and upper lids. Get medical attention immediately.

Skin: Soap flush immediately - If this chemical contacts the skin, immediately flush the contaminated skin with soap and water. If this chemical penetrates the clothing, immediately remove the clothing and flush the skin with water. If irritation persists after washing, get medical attention.

Breathing: Respiratory support

Swallow: Medical attention immediately - If this chemical has been swallowed, get medical attention immediately.

Excerpt from ERG Guide 138 [Substances - Water-Reactive (Emitting Flammable Gases)]:

DO NOT USE WATER OR FOAM.

SMALL FIRE: Dry chemical, soda ash, lime or sand.

LARGE FIRE: DRY sand, dry chemical, soda ash or lime or withdraw from area and let fire burn. If it can be done safely, move undamaged containers away from the area around the fire.

FIRE INVOLVING METALS OR POWDERS (ALUMINUM, LITHIUM, MAGNESIUM, ETC.): Use dry chemical, DRY sand, sodium chloride powder, graphite powder or class D extinguishers; in addition, for Lithium you may use Lith-X® powder or copper powder. Also, see ERG Guide 170.

FIRE INVOLVING TANKS, RAIL TANK CARS OR HIGHWAY TANKS: Fight fire from maximum distance or use unmanned master stream devices or monitor nozzles. Do not get water inside containers. Cool containers with flooding quantities of water until well after fire is out. Withdraw immediately in case of rising sound from venting safety devices or discoloration of tank. ALWAYS stay away from tanks in direct contact with flames. (ERG, 2024)

Use dry powder. NO carbon dioxide, foam, water.

If material /is/ involved in /a/ fire: Extinguish fire using agent suitable for type of surrounding fire. (Material itself does not burn or burns with difficulty.) Do not use water on material itself. Cool all affected containers with flooding quantities of water. Apply water from as far a distance as possible.

· CALL 911. Then call emergency response telephone number on shipping paper. If shipping paper not available or no answer, refer to appropriate telephone number listed on the inside back cover.

· Keep unauthorized personnel away.

· Stay upwind, uphill and/or upstream.

· Ventilate closed spaces before entering, but only if properly trained and equipped.

· ELIMINATE all ignition sources (no smoking, flares, sparks or flames) from immediate area.

· Do not touch or walk through spilled material.

· Stop leak if you can do it without risk.

· Use water spray to reduce vapors or divert vapor cloud drift. Avoid allowing water runoff to contact spilled material.

· DO NOT GET WATER on spilled substance or inside containers.

Small Spill

· Cover with DRY earth, DRY sand or other non-combustible material followed with plastic sheet to minimize spreading or contact with rain.

· Dike for later disposal; do not apply water unless directed to do so.

Powder Spill

· Cover powder spill with plastic sheet or tarp to minimize spreading and keep powder dry.

· DO NOT CLEAN-UP OR DISPOSE OF, EXCEPT UNDER SUPERVISION OF A SPECIALIST.

Excerpt from ERG Guide 138 [Substances - Water-Reactive (Emitting Flammable Gases)]:

IMMEDIATE PRECAUTIONARY MEASURE: Isolate spill or leak area in all directions for at least 50 meters (150 feet) for liquids and at least 25 meters (75 feet) for solids.

LARGE SPILL: Consider initial downwind evacuation for at least 300 meters (1000 feet).

FIRE: If tank, rail tank car or highway tank is involved in a fire, ISOLATE for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions; also, consider initial evacuation for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions. (ERG, 2024)

Immediate precautionary measure

· Isolate spill or leak area in all directions for at least 50 meters (150 feet) for liquids and at least 25 meters (75 feet) for solids.

Large Spill

· Consider initial downwind evacuation for at least 300 meters (1000 feet).

· If tank, rail tank car or highway tank is involved in a fire, ISOLATE for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions; also, consider initial evacuation for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions.

Personal protection: particulate filter respirator adapted to the airborne concentration of the substance. Cover the spilled material with dry non-combustible inert absorbent. Sweep spilled substance into covered plastic containers. Do NOT wash away into sewer.

Environmental considerations: Water spill: Use natural barriers or oil spill control booms to limit spill travel. use natural deep water pockets, excavated lagoons, or sand bag barriers to trap material at bottom. Remove trapped material with suction hoses.

Environmental considerations: Land spill: Dig a pit, pond, lagoon, holding area to contain liquid or solid material. /SRP: If time permits, pits, ponds, lagoons, soak holes, or holding areas should be sealed with an impermeable flexible membrane liner./ Cover solids with a plastic sheet to prevent dissolving in rain or fire fighting water. dike surface flow using soil, sand bags, foamed polyurethane, or foamed concrete.

SRP: The most favorable course of action is to use an alternative chemical product with less inherent propensity for occupational harm/injury/toxicity or environmental contamination. Recycle any unused portion of the material for its approved use or return it to the manufacturer or supplier. Ultimate disposal of the chemical must consider: the material's impact on air quality; potential migration in soil or water; effects on animal and plant life; and conformance with environmental and public health regulations.

In plants working with calcium cyanamide, dust control measures should be implemented, including adequate exhaust ventilation. The consumption of beverages & food in workshops should be prohibited.

SRP: Local exhaust ventilation should be applied wherever there is an incidence of point source emissions or dispersion of regulated contaminants in the work area. Ventilation control of the contaminant as close to its point of generation is both the most economical and safest method to minimize personnel exposure to airborne contaminants. Ensure that the local ventilation moves the contaminant away from the worker.

If material /is/ not involved in /a/ fire: Keep material out of water sources and sewers. Build dikes to contain flow as necessary. Keep material dry. Do not use water on material itself.

Personnal protection: Avoid breathing vapors or dusts. ... Avoid bodily contact with the material. ... Do not handle broken packages unless wearing appropriate personal protective equipment. If contact with the material anticipated, wear appropriate chemical protective clothing.

For more Preventive Measures (Complete) data for Calcium cyanamide (10 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

Excerpt from ERG Guide 138 [Substances - Water-Reactive (Emitting Flammable Gases)]:

ELIMINATE all ignition sources (no smoking, flares, sparks or flames) from immediate area. Do not touch or walk through spilled material. Stop leak if you can do it without risk. Use water spray to reduce vapors or divert vapor cloud drift. Avoid allowing water runoff to contact spilled material. DO NOT GET WATER on spilled substance or inside containers.

SMALL SPILL: Cover with DRY earth, DRY sand or other non-combustible material followed with plastic sheet to minimize spreading or contact with rain. Dike for later disposal; do not apply water unless directed to do so.

POWDER SPILL: Cover powder spill with plastic sheet or tarp to minimize spreading and keep powder dry. DO NOT CLEAN-UP OR DISPOSE OF, EXCEPT UNDER SUPERVISION OF A SPECIALIST. (ERG, 2024)

Keep in a well-ventilated room. Dry. Well closed. Separated from food and feedstuffs.

Store in tightly closed containers in a cool, well-ventilated area away form moisture.

· Wear positive pressure self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA).

· Wear chemical protective clothing that is specifically recommended by the manufacturer when there is NO RISK OF FIRE.

· Structural firefighters' protective clothing provides thermal protection but only limited chemical protection.

1.0 [mg/m3], inhalable fraction[German Research Foundation (DFG)]

2.0 [mg/m3]

5.6 [mg/m3]

6.6 [mg/m3]

0.5 mg/m³

TWA 0.5 mg/m3

none See Appendix G

See: IDLH INDEX

0.5 [mg/m3]

8 hr Time Weighted Avg (TWA): 0.5 mg/cu m.

Excursion Limit Recommendation: Excursions in worker exposure levels may exceed 3 times the TLV-TWA for no more than a total of 30 minutes during a work day, and under no circumstances should they exceed 5 times the TLV-TWA, provided that the TLV-TWA is not exceeded.

A4; Not classifiable as a human carcinogen.

0.5 mg/m

0.5 mg/m³ [1973]

(inhalable fraction): 1 mg/m

· DO NOT USE WATER OR FOAM.

Small Fire

· Dry chemical, soda ash, lime or sand.

Large Fire

· DRY sand, dry chemical, soda ash or lime or withdraw from area and let fire burn.

· If it can be done safely, move undamaged containers away from the area around the fire.

Fire Involving Metals or Powders (Aluminum, Lithium, Magnesium, etc.)

· Use dry chemical, DRY sand, sodium chloride powder, graphite powder or class D extinguishers; in addition, for Lithium you may use Lith-X® powder or copper powder. Also, see GUIDE 170.

Fire Involving Tanks, Rail Tank Cars or Highway Tanks

· Fight fire from maximum distance or use unmanned master stream devices or monitor nozzles.

· Do not get water inside containers.

· Cool containers with flooding quantities of water until well after fire is out.

· Withdraw immediately in case of rising sound from venting safety devices or discoloration of tank.

· ALWAYS stay away from tanks in direct contact with flames.

A harmful concentration of airborne particles can be reached quickly when dispersed.

The substance is severely irritating to the eyes and respiratory tract.

Excerpt from NIOSH Pocket Guide for Calcium cyanamide:

Skin: PREVENT SKIN CONTACT - Wear appropriate personal protective clothing to prevent skin contact.

Eyes: PREVENT EYE CONTACT - Wear appropriate eye protection to prevent eye contact.

Wash skin: WHEN CONTAMINATED - The worker should immediately wash the skin when it becomes contaminated.

Remove: WHEN WET OR CONTAMINATED - Work clothing that becomes wet or significantly contaminated should be removed and replaced.

Change: DAILY - Workers whose clothing may have become contaminated should change into uncontaminated clothing before leaving the work premises.

Calcium cyanamide, with more than 0.1% calcium carbide appears as a colorless to gray, odorless solid. May cause illness from ingestion. May irritate the skin. If exposed to water or high temperatures, calcium cyanamide may generate toxic and flammable fumes. Used to make pesticides and in fertilizers.

Colorless, gray, or black crystals or powder (fertilizer); Note: Commercial grades may contain calcium carbide; [NIOSH]

COLOURLESS CRYSTALS.

Colorless, gray, or black crystals or powder.

Colorless, gray, or black crystals or powder. [fertilizer] [Note: Commercial grades may contain calcium carbide.]

Pure calcium cyanamide occurs as glistening, hexagonal crystals belonging to the rhombohedral system

Colorless crystals or powder

White crystals

Sublimes >2102 °F (NTP, 1992)

Sublimes 1150-1200ºC

sublimes

Sublimes

2372 °F (NTP, 1992)

Approximately 1340 °C

Decomposes (NTP, 1992)

Insoluble in organic solvents

Essentially insoluble in water (decomposes)

Solubility in water: reaction

Insoluble

2.29 at 68 °F (NTP, 1992) - Denser than water; will sink

2.29 at 20 °C/4 °C

2.3 g/cm³

2.29 @25 °C

0 mmHg (approx) (NIOSH, 2024)

0 mmHg (approx)

Sublimes at 1150-1200 °C; heat of formation from CaC2 + N2: -69.0 kcal/mole (25 °C); heat of fusion 1.29 cal/g; no known solvent will bring about soln without decomp; undergoes partial hydrolysis to the soluble calcium hydrogen cyanamide, a source of cyanamide ions; nonvolatile and noncombustible

Hygroscopic; specific heat, 20-100 °C: 909 J/kg; free energy of formation: -303 kJ/mol (298K); normal entropy: 87.1 J/mol-K

Reacts with acid to form HN-C-NH, solid with appreciable vapor pressure

In water or alkaline solutions it may polymerize to dicyandiamide; decomposes in water to form acetylene and ammonia

For more Other Experimental Properties (Complete) data for Calcium cyanamide (7 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

Hazardous Air Pollutants (HAPs)

Nitrogen Compounds -> Cyanamides

Reactive agents - 2nd degree

Depending on the calcium carbide content, the cyanamide reacts with water (moisture from air or soil) to produce acetylene and hydrated calcium oxide or calcium hydroxide. Absorption of water during handling or storage of technical calcium cyanamide may cause explosion [Pieri, M. Chem. Abs. 46, 8335 1952].

Cyanides, Inorganic

Salts, Basic

Strong Reducing Agent

Water-Reactive

When hydrated CALCIUM CARBIDE generates salts of calcium that are basic and are generally soluble in water. The resulting solutions contain moderate concentrations of hydroxide ions and have pH's greater than 7.0. They react as bases to neutralize acids. These neutralizations generate heat, but less or far less than is generated by neutralization of strong bases and the neutralization of amines. They usually do not react as either oxidizing agents or reducing agents but such behavior is not impossible.

Water [Note: May polymerize in water or alkaline solutions to dicyanamide. Decomposes in water to form acetylene & ammonia].

Water [Note: May polymerize in water or alkaline solutions to dicyanamide. Decomposes in water to form acetylene & ammonia.]

Drug-Induced Liver Injury Severity and Toxicity (DILIst)

CALCIUM CARBIMIDE

DILI Positive

DOI:10.1016/j.drudis.2019.09.022

A4; Not classifiable as a human carcinogen.

Calcium cyanamide

TR-163: Bioassay of Calcium Cyanamide for Possible Carcinogenicity (CASRN 156-62-7) (1979 )

12/13/78

No Evidence

It is concluded that under the conditions of this bioassay, the test formulation of calcium cyanamide was not carcinogenic for F344 rats or B6C3F1 mice of either sex

The substance can be absorbed into the body in hazardous amounts by inhalation and by ingestion.

inhalation, ingestion, skin and/or eye contact

Cough. Burning sensation. Sore throat.

Redness.

Redness. Pain.

Sore throat. Burning sensation in the throat and chest. Abdominal pain.

irritation eyes, skin, respiratory system; headache, dizziness, rapid breath, low blood pressure, nausea, vomiting; skin burns, sensitization; cough; Antabuse-like effects

Eyes, skin, respiratory system, vasomotor system

Skin Sensitizer - An agent that can induce an allergic reaction in the skin.

ACGIH Carcinogen - Not Classifiable.

LC50 (rat) > 150 mg/m3/4h

ALDEHYDE DEHYDROGENASE-INHIBITOR, CALCIUM CYANAMIDE, WAS FOUND IN CALCINATED BONE MEAL, WHICH IS WIDELY USED IN ANIMAL DIETS. RATS FED SUCH DIETS SHOWED AN APPARENT LOW SENSITIVITY TO DISULFIRAM TREATMENT.

In six male alcoholic volunteers, oral administration of calcium carbimide (0.7 mg/kg) before ingestion of ethanol (0.5 g/kg) produced an interaction consisting of increased blood acetaldehyde level, tachycardia and increased pulse pressure, which was due mainly to decreased diastolic blood pressure. For these experimental conditions, calcium carbimide had a duration of action of at least 24 h to produce an interaction with ethanol. The order of intensity of the interaction with regard to the calcium carbimide pretreatment time interval was 4 greater than 8 approximately 12 greater than 24 hr. Using the criterion of heart rate above 100 as indicative of the calcium carbimide-ethanol interaction, the onset was 0.13, 0.25, 0.25 and 0.38 h for the 4-, 8-, 12- and 24-hr pretreatment experiments and the duration of the interaction was 1.6, 1.0, 1.0 and 0.12 hr, respectively. There were positive linear correlations between acetaldehyde level and heart rate and between acetaldehyde level and pulse pressure. There was appreciable interindividual variability in the heart rate and blood pressure responses. Increased blood acetaldehyde level seemed to be required for the physiological changes to occur. Calcium carbimide pretreatment at the 4 hr interval produced increased blood ethanol level for the last hour of the interaction and reduced the rate of ethanol metabolism.

IN A DOUBLE-BLIND STUDY, SUBJECTS WERE TREATED WITH DISULFIRAM OR CALCIUM CYANAMIDE, INHIBITORS OF ACETALDEHYDE DEHYDROGENASE ELIMINATION, PRIOR TO CONSUMPTION OF LOW DOSES OF ETHANOL. SELF-RATING SCALES, INDIVIDUAL INTERVIEWS, & OBSERVATIONS BY INDEPENDENT JUDGES REVEALED THAT EXPTL SUBJECTS MANIFESTED ENHANCED CHANGES IN MOOD & EUPHORIA COMPARED TO PLACEBO CONTROL SUBJECTS.

Skin decontamination. Skin contamination with either the calcium salt or the free form should be removed by washing with soap and water. Flush eyes with copious amounts of clean water. If skin or eye irritation persists, medical attention should be obtained promptly.

Gastrointestinal decontamination. If large doses have been ingested within an hour of exposure, gastrointestinal decontamination should be considered. If dosage was small or treatment is delayed, oral administration of activated charcoal and sorbitol probably represents reasonable management.

Hypotension or Antabuse-type reactions should be treated by placing the patient in the Trendelenburg position, giving intravenous fluids, including plasma or blood, if needed, and, if necessary, vasopressor drugs parenterally.

/SRP:/ Immediate first aid: Ensure that adequate decontamination has been carried out. If patient is not breathing, start artificial respiration, preferably with a demand valve resuscitator, bag-valve-mask device, or pocket mask, as trained. Perform CPR if necessary. Immediately flush contaminated eyes with gently flowing water. Do not induce vomiting. If vomiting occurs, lean patient forward or place on the left side (head-down position, if possible) to maintain an open airway and prevent aspiration. Keep patient quiet and maintain normal body temperature. Obtain medical attention. /Poisons A and B/

For more Antidote and Emergency Treatment (Complete) data for Calcium cyanamide (6 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

/HUMAN EXPOSURE STUDIES/ The effect of the aldehyde dehydrogenase inhibitors disulfiram (Antabuse) and cyanamide (calcium carbimide, Dipsan) on the metabolism of serotonin measured as relative amounts of the metabolites 5-hydroxyindole-3-acetic acid and 5-hydroxytryptophol in urine were studied in alcoholic patients. Sixteen out of 23 patients receiving drug therapy showed elevated excretion of 5-hydroxytryptophol. However, there was a marked, 15-fold, variability in 5-hydroxytryptophol excretion rate between patients. A high degree of variability was also seen in another group of patients studied before and after introduction of drug therapy. When patients were followed during the dose interval, a time-dependent response after each single dose could be observed. The disulfiram response lasted over the course of several days whereas the response to cyanamide lasted for less than 12 hr. It is concluded that treatment with disulfiram and cyanamide affects serotonin metabolism leading to increased production of 5-hydroxytryptophol, but there is a marked inter-individual variability in degree of response.

/HUMAN EXPOSURE STUDIES/ Healthy volunteers taking ethanol after pretreatment with calcium carbimide, a drug commonly used in treatment of alcoholism, were studied by echocardiography. Marked facial flushing and accumulation of acetaldehyde after ethanol were accompanied by circulatory acceleration corresponding in magnitude to at least moderate physical exercise. The heart rate (+ or - standard deviation) rose from 58 + or - 6 to 107 + or - 11 beats/min (p less than 0.001) the cardiac output from 4.1 + or - 0.6 to 9.4 + or - 1.1 l/min (p less than 0.001), and the ejection fraction from 70 + or - 3 to 89 + or - 2% (p less than 0.001). The systolic blood pressure rose initially from 121 + or - 6 to 143 + or - 5 mm Hg (p less than 0.001). The diastolic blood pressure declined from 80 + or - 0 to 51 + or - 13 mm Hg (p less than 0.01), and the estimated peripheral resistance to one-third of its preethanol level (p less than 0.001). These marked cardiovascular changes suggest that the ethanol-calcium carbimide interaction can be hazardous to alcoholics with ischaemic or other forms of myocardial diseases.

/SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS/ Neurotoxic effect of calcium cyanamide is vasomotor disturbance. /From table/

/CASE REPORTS/ A 34-year-old housewife with alcohol dependence vomited severely, lost consciousness, and died after she took more than 20 ml of 1% calcium cyanamide, and alcoholic beverage containing about 129 g of ethyl alcohol. An autopsy was performed around 16 h after death. The body weighed 55.5 kg, and moderate lung edema was found. Ethanol concentrations were 4.24 mg/g in the left heart blood, 4.39 mg/g in the right heart blood, and 21.55 mg/g in the stomach contents. Cyanamide concentrations were 0.63 ug/g in the left heart blood, 0.20 microgram/g in the right heart blood, and 0.22 microgram/g in the stomach contents. The cause of death was determined to be acute ethanol intoxication with alcohol-cyanamide reaction.

For more Human Toxicity Excerpts (Complete) data for Calcium cyanamide (10 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

/LABORATORY ANIMALS: Acute Exposure/ Oral administration of 7.0 mg/kg calcium carbimide to the rat produced differential inhibition of hepatic aldehyde dehydrogenase isozymes, as indicated by the time-course profiles of enzyme activity. The low-Km mitochondrial aldehyde dehydrogenase was most susceptible to inhibition following calcium carbimide administration, with complete inhibition occurring at 0.5 h and return to control activity at 96 hr. The low-Km cytosolic and high-Km mitochondrial, cytosolic, and microsomal aldehyde dehydrogenase isozymes were inhibited to a lesser degree and (or) for a shorter duration compared with the mitochondrial low-Km enzyme. The time course of carbimide, the hydrolytic product of calcium carbimide, was determined in plasma following oral administration of 7.0 mg/kg calcium carbimide to the rat. The maximum plasma carbimide concentration (102 ng/mL) occurred at 1 hr and the apparent elimination half-life in plasma was 1.5 hr. Carbimide was not measurable in the liver during the 6.5 hr time interval when carbimide was present in the plasma. There were negative, linear correlations between plasma carbimide concentration and hepatic low-Km mitochondrial, low-Km cytosolic, and high-Km microsomal aldehyde dehydrogenase activities. In vitro studies demonstrated that carbimide, at concentrations obtained in plasma following oral calcium carbimide administration, produced only 19% inhibition of low-Km mitochondrial aldehyde dehydrogenase and no inhibition of low-Km cytosolic and high-Km microsomal aldehyde dehydrogenase isozymes. These data demonstrate that carbimide, itself, is not primarily responsible for hepatic aldehyde dehydrogenase inhibition in vivo following oral calcium carbimide administration. It would appear that carbimide must undergo metabolic conversion in vivo to inhibit hepatic aldehyde dehydrogenase enzymes, which is supported by the observation of no measurable carbimide in the liver when aldehyde dehydrogenase was maximally inhibited following oral calcium carbimide administration.

/LABORATORY ANIMALS: Chronic Exposure or Carcinogenicity/ ... Under the conditions of this bioassay, the test formulation of calcium cyanamide was not carcinogenic for F344 rats or B6C3F1 mice of either sex. Levels of Evidence of Carcinogenicity: Male Rats: Negative; Female Rats: Negative; Male Mice: Negative; Female Mice: Negative.

/VETERINARY CASE REPORTS/ Nine of 250 cows on a dairy farm initially developed severe dermatitis on parts of their bodies that touched the floor, and it then spread over their entire body. The cause was suspected to be calcium cyanamide, which had been added to the material spread on the floor to prevent environmental mastitis. Experimental exposure of the skin of a cow to calcium cyanamide induced the same type of contact dermatitis, and histopathological investigations showed that it caused irritant and allergic reactions. To identify the cause of the dermatitis, a patch test with calcium cyanamide and its breakdown products, cyanamide, urea and ammonium bicarbonate, was carried out on four cows. Three of them had a positive reaction to calcium cyanamide and cyanamide; delayed and amplified reactions suggesting an allergic response were observed.

/OTHER TOXICITY INFORMATION/ The specificity of hepatic aldehyde dehydorgenase inhibition by calcium carbimide was studied in rats. Male Sprague Dawley rats were maintained at 22 degrees C for 5 days prior to experimentation with alternating 12 hr cycles of light and dark. Calcium carbimide was pulverized and sonicated in 0.9 % saline, yielding a 0.9 mg/ml suspension. Following 12 hours of fasting, the animals received the calcium carbimide in an unspecified dose or the saline by gastric intubation. These animals were sacrificed 2 hr later. Livers were rapidly excised and placed into a buffer containing 0.25 molar (M) sucrose, 5 millimolar (mM) tris hydrochloride and 0.5 mM EDTA at a pH of 7.2. The excised livers were then minced and rinsed repeatedly in this buffer at 4 deg to ensure blood removal. Mitochondrial, microsomal, and cytosolic subcellular fractions were prepared from a 10% liver homogenate. The activities of all enzymes were determined spectrophotometrically at 22 deg, with the exception of benzo(a)pyrene hydroxylase, which was determined spectrofluorometrically at 37 deg. Hepatic low Km aldehyde dehydrogenase isozymes were found to be almost completely inhibited, while hepatic high Km aldehyde dehydrogenase isozymes were significantly inhibited. The one time oral administration of calcium carbimide to rats at a dose of 7.0 mg/kg 2 hr before sacrifice had no effect on cytochrome p450 content or on the activities of individual hepatic mixed function oxygenase, hepatic alcohol dehydrogenase, hepatic mitochondrial monoamine, or glutamate dehydrogenase. /Results indicate/ that calcium carbimide is a more reliable hepatic aldehyde dehydrogenase inhibitor than disulfiram, causing fewer adverse effects while selectively inhibiting ethanol biotransformation, thereby elevating acetaldehyde concentrations without affecting mixed function oxygenase activity or cellular respiration.

The following link will take the user to the National Toxicology Program (NTP) Test Agent Search Results page, which tabulates all of the "Standard Toxicology & Carcinogenesis Studies", "Developmental Studies", and "Genetic Toxicity Studies" performed with this chemical. Clicking on the "Testing Status" link will take the user to the status (i.e., in review, in progress, in preparation, on test, completed, etc.) and results of all the studies that the NTP has done on this chemical.[Available from: http://ntp-apps.niehs.nih.gov/ntp_tox/index.cfm?fuseaction=ntpsearch.searchresults&searchterm=156-62-7]

A bioassay of formulated calcium cyanamide for possible carcinogenicity was conducted by administering the test chemical in feed to F344 rats and B6C3F1 mice. Groups of 50 rats of each sex were admin a commercial formulation containing 63% calcium cyanamide in the diet at one of two doses, either 100 or 200 ppm for the males and either 100 or 400 ppm for the females, for 107 wk. Groups of 50 mice of each sex were admin the test chemical at one of two doses, either 500 or 2,000 ppm for 100 wk. Matched controls consisted of 20 untreated rats and 20 untreated mice of each sex. All surviving animals were /sacrificed/ at the end of admin of the test chemical. ... Under the conditions of this bioassay, the test formulation of calcium cyanamide was not carcinogenic for F344 rats or B6C3F1 mice of either sex. Levels of Evidence of Carcinogenicity: Male Rats: Negative; Female Rats: Negative; Male Mice: Negative; Female Mice: Negative.

/OTHER TERRESTIRAL SPECIES/ A 14-day toxicity test of 5 herbicides, including calcium cyanamide, was performed on 2 species of earthworms, lumbricus terrestris & eisenia foetida. Median lethal concn were determined for the compounds homogenously incorporated into the test soil substrates in aq suspension or by grinding in a portion of quartz sand. The lethal effects on earthworms are discussed to show the value of the toxicity tests in the hazard evaluation of pesticides on beneficial soil organisms.

This substance may be hazardous to the environment. Special attention should be given to aquatic organisms.

CALCIUM CYANAMIDE REACTS IN SOIL TO ... FORM UREA, AMMONIA, NITRITE, & NITRATE. SOIL MOISTURE & ACIDITY AFFECT RATE OF DECOMP THAT TAKES PLACE IN A FEW DAYS UNDER USUAL CONDITIONS.

The effects of promoting decomposition on soil and suppressing absorption to crops to aldrin and dieldrin were experimented with using soil conditioner. In this experiment, 5 kinds of soil conditioners, fused magnesium phosphate, calcium carbonate, calcium cyanamide, magnesium nitrohumate and compost, were used. By application of fused magnesium phosphate and calcium cyanamide to soil, the pH of soil was raised from acidity to about neutrality, and absorption of aldrin and dieldrin to crops were increased, further, the oxidation from aldrin to dieldrin was promoted. The application of magnesium nitrohumate and compost suppressed absorption of aldrin and dieldrin by crops. The residue amounts of aldrin and dieldrin on soil were decreased by the application of fused magnesium phosphate or calcium cyanamide with compost.

The major removal process for calcium cyanamide in the atmosphere is via the hydroxyl radical; an estimated atmospheric lifetime of less than one day was calculated, using a hydroxyl reactant concentration of 3.0X10+6 molec-cu cm(1).

According to the 2006 TSCA Inventory Update Report, the number of persons reasonably likely to be exposed in industrial manufacturing, processing, and use of calcium cyanamide is 1 to 99; the data may be greatly underestimated(1).

NIOSH (NOES Survey 1981-1983) has statistically estimated that 4,390 workers were potentially exposed to calcium cyanamide in the US(1). The NOES Survey does not include farm workers(SRC).

SRP: The most favorable course of action is to use an alternative chemical product with less inherent propensity for occupational harm/injury/toxicity or environmental contamination. Recycle any unused portion of the material for its approved use or return it to the manufacturer or supplier. Ultimate disposal of the chemical must consider: the material's impact on air quality; potential migration in soil or water; effects on animal and plant life; and conformance with environmental and public health regulations.

/GUIDE 138: SUBSTANCES - WATER-REACTIVE (EMITTING FLAMMABLE GASES)/ Fire or Explosion: Produce flammable gases on contact with water. May ignite on contact with water or moist air. Some react vigorously or explosively on contact with water. May be ignited by heat, sparks or flames. May re-ignite after fire is extinguished. Some are transported in highly flammable liquids. Runoff may create fire or explosion hazard. /Calcium cyanamide, with more than 0.1% Calcium carbide/

/GUIDE 138: SUBSTANCES - WATER-REACTIVE (EMITTING FLAMMABLE GASES)/ Health: Inhalation or contact with vapors, substance, or decomposition products may cause severe injury or death. May produce corrosive solutions on contact with water. Fire will produce irritating, corrosive and/or toxic gases. Runoff from fire control may cause pollution. /Calcium cyanamide, with more than 0.1% Calcium carbide/

/GUIDE 138: SUBSTANCES - WATER-REACTIVE (EMITTING FLAMMABLE GASES)/ Public Safety: CALL Emergency Response Telephone Number ... As an immediate precautionary measure, isolate spill or leak area in all directions for at least 50 meters (150 feet) for liquids and at least 25 meters (75 feet) for solids. Keep unauthorized personnel away. Stay upwind. Keep out of low areas. Ventilate the area before entry. /Calcium cyanamide, with more than 0.1% Calcium carbide/

/GUIDE 138: SUBSTANCES - WATER-REACTIVE (EMITTING FLAMMABLE GASES)/ Protective Clothing: Wear positive pressure self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA). Wear chemical protective clothing that is specifically recommended by the manufacturer. It may provide little or no thermal protection. Structural firefighters' protective clothing will only provide limited protection in fire situations ONLY; it is not effective in spill situations where direct contact with the substance is possible. /Calcium cyanamide, with more than 0.1% Calcium carbide/

For more DOT Emergency Guidelines (Complete) data for Calcium cyanamide (8 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

1403 138(with >0.1% calcium carbide)

UN 1403; Calcium cyanamide containing more than 0.1% and not more than 0.5% of calcium carbide; calcium cyanamide, containing more than 0.5% of calcium carbide.

IMO 4.3; Calcium cyanamide containing more than 0.1% and not more than 0.5% of calcium carbide; calcium cyanamide, containing more than 0.5% of calcium carbide.

49 455 16; Calcium cyanamide, not hydrated (containing more than 0.1% calcium carbide)

No person may /transport,/ offer or accept a hazardous material for transportation in commerce unless that person is registered in conformance ... and the hazardous material is properly classed, described, packaged, marked, labeled, and in condition for shipment as required or authorized by ... /the hazardous materials regulations (49 CFR 171-177)./

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) Dangerous Goods Regulations are published by the IATA Dangerous Goods Board pursuant to IATA Resolutions 618 and 619 and constitute a manual of industry carrier regulations to be followed by all IATA Member airlines when transporting hazardous materials.

The International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code lays down basic principles for transporting hazardous chemicals. Detailed recommendations for individual substances and a number of recommendations for good practice are included in the classes dealing with such substances. A general index of technical names has also been compiled. This index should always be consulted when attempting to locate the appropriate procedures to be used when shipping any substance or article.

Dangerous When Wet

Symbol: Xn; R: 22-37-41; S: (2)-22-26-36/37/39

UN Hazard Class: 4.3; UN Pack Group: III