Registration Dossier
Registration Dossier
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EC number: 200-848-3 | CAS number: 75-20-7
Endpoint summary
Administrative data
Description of key information
In aqueous solution, calcium carbide (CaC2) rapidly decomposes into calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)2) and acetylene (C2H2). Calcium hydroxide dissociates into calcium and hydroxyl ions. Calcium is the most abundant mineral in the human body, and part of the normal diet (approx 700 mg/day; SCF 2003/Section 7.10.5). Thus, calcium is not expected to have sensitizing properties. The SCOEL report 2008 (s. section 7.9.3) refers to human data for CaO and Ca(OH)2 showing the absence of sensitizing properties. Due to insufficient detail the quality of these studies/observations can not be judged.
Acetylene is not considered relevant for two reasons. First, C2H2 will be released in gas form when calcium carbide decomposes on the moist skin. Secondly, acetylene has been used for over 100 years as an anesthetic and industrial chemical, and few complications of using this gas have surfaced (US EPA, HPV review 2006).
Justification for selection of skin sensitisation endpoint:
Sensitizing properties were assessed in a weight of evidence
approach taking into account hazard data on calcium and acetylene. The
risk assessment of calcium carbide is driven by local effects
(respiratory irritation).
Key value for chemical safety assessment
Skin sensitisation
Link to relevant study records
- Endpoint:
- skin sensitisation: in vitro
- Data waiving:
- study scientifically not necessary / other information available
- Justification for data waiving:
- other:
- Endpoint:
- skin sensitisation: in vivo (non-LLNA)
- Data waiving:
- study scientifically not necessary / other information available
- Justification for data waiving:
- other:
Referenceopen allclose all
Endpoint conclusion
- Endpoint conclusion:
- no study available
- Additional information:
In aqueous solution, calcium carbide (CaC2) rapidly decomposes into calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)2) and acetylene (C2H2). Calcium hydroxide dissociates into calcium and hydroxyl ions. Calcium is the most abundant mineral in the human body, and part of the normal diet (approx 700 mg/day; SCF 2003/Section 7.10.5). Thus, calcium is not expected to have sensitizing properties. The SCOEL report 2008 (s. section 7.9.3) refers to human data for CaO and Ca(OH)2 showing the absence of sensitizing properties. Due to insufficient detail the quality of these studies/observations can not be judged.
Acetylene is not considered relevant for two reasons. First, C2H2 will be released in gas form when calcium carbide decomposes on the moist skin. Secondly, acetylene has been used for over 100 years as an anesthetic and industrial chemical, and few complications of using this gas have surfaced (US EPA, HPV review 2006).
Justification for selection of skin sensitisation endpoint:
Sensitizing properties were assessed in a weight of evidence approach taking into account hazard data on calcium and acetylene. The risk assessment of calcium carbide is driven by local effects (respiratory irritation).
Respiratory sensitisation
Endpoint conclusion
- Endpoint conclusion:
- no study available
- Additional information:
Based on the known composition of the test substance and available results on the possible skin sensitizing properties of the test substance and its components it can be anticipated that the test substance is not a skin sensitizer.
Justification for classification or non-classification
Based on the known composition of the test substance and available results on the possible skin sensitizing properties of the test substance and its components it can be anticipated that the test substance is not a skin sensitizer.
Information on Registered Substances comes from registration dossiers which have been assigned a registration number. The assignment of a registration number does however not guarantee that the information in the dossier is correct or that the dossier is compliant with Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006 (the REACH Regulation). This information has not been reviewed or verified by the Agency or any other authority. The content is subject to change without prior notice.
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