Calcium

Toxicological Summary

Workers - Hazard via inhalation route

Systemic effects

Long term exposure

Hazard assessment conclusion:

hazard unknown but no further hazard information necessary as no exposure expected

Acute/short term exposure

Hazard assessment conclusion:

hazard unknown but no further hazard information necessary as no exposure expected

DNEL related information

Local effects

Long term exposure

Hazard assessment conclusion:

DNEL (Derived No Effect Level)

Value:

1 mg/m³

Most sensitive endpoint:

irritation (respiratory tract)

DNEL related information

Overall assessment factor (AF):

1

Dose descriptor:

NOAEC

Acute/short term exposure

Hazard assessment conclusion:

DNEL (Derived No Effect Level)

Value:

4 mg/m³

Most sensitive endpoint:

irritation (respiratory tract)

DNEL related information

Overall assessment factor (AF):

1

Dose descriptor starting point:

NOAEC

Workers - Hazard via dermal route

Systemic effects

Long term exposure

Hazard assessment conclusion:

hazard unknown but no further hazard information necessary as no exposure expected

Acute/short term exposure

Hazard assessment conclusion:

hazard unknown but no further hazard information necessary as no exposure expected

DNEL related information

Local effects

Long term exposure

Hazard assessment conclusion:

hazard unknown but no further hazard information necessary as no exposure expected

Acute/short term exposure

Hazard assessment conclusion:

hazard unknown but no further hazard information necessary as no exposure expected

Workers - Hazard for the eyes

Local effects

Hazard assessment conclusion:

hazard unknown but no further hazard information necessary as no exposure expected

Additional information - workers

Testing is not technically feasible because of elemental Ca reactivity in air or water. Based on the known chemistry of alkaline earth metals, Ca metal reacts with water, evolving hydrogen gas. In powdered form the reaction with water is extremely rapid. In the Ca-water reaction calcium dihydroxide (Ca(OH)₂) is formed. Therefore, testing of elemental Ca is not technically feasible for toxicological endpoints. Based on the use applications of elemental Ca and general knowledge on its reactivity, the two most prominent forms in relation towards exposure for human are calcium oxide and calcium dihydroxide. Therefore, the properties of these compounds were used when relevant to evaluate the effects of calcium for human health.

Calcium as an ionic form is an essential element which is regulated by homeostasis in the human body; calcium levels within different compartments of the body are tightly regulated. Calcium is regarded as a safe and as a mineral it is not metabolized. Ample of information related to roles of calcium in the human body has been published and as fifth abundant element in the human body, it is well known.

However, in industrial setting metallic calcium may cause dust and fume emissions and form calcium oxide and subsequently upon first contact on external surfaces calcium hydroxide. Therefore, in chemical safety assessment of human health for relevant parts comprises information from calcium oxide and calcium dihydroxide (see section 9 of CSR). There are occupational recommendations for calcium oxide and calcium dihydroxide dust exposure (Committee on Occupational Exposure Limits 2008). For basic metabolism and evaluation of actions within the human body information of ionic form of calcium is used which is the most prominent form of free calcium in the body (see section 5.1.1 of CSR).

General Population - Hazard via inhalation route

Systemic effects

Long term exposure

Hazard assessment conclusion:

hazard unknown but no further hazard information necessary as no exposure expected

Acute/short term exposure

Hazard assessment conclusion:

exposure based waiving

DNEL related information

Local effects

Long term exposure

Hazard assessment conclusion:

hazard unknown but no further hazard information necessary as no exposure expected

Acute/short term exposure

Hazard assessment conclusion:

hazard unknown but no further hazard information necessary as no exposure expected

DNEL related information

General Population - Hazard via dermal route

Systemic effects

Long term exposure

Hazard assessment conclusion:

hazard unknown but no further hazard information necessary as no exposure expected

Acute/short term exposure

Hazard assessment conclusion:

hazard unknown but no further hazard information necessary as no exposure expected

DNEL related information

Local effects

Long term exposure

Hazard assessment conclusion:

hazard unknown but no further hazard information necessary as no exposure expected

Acute/short term exposure

Hazard assessment conclusion:

exposure based waiving

General Population - Hazard via oral route

Systemic effects

Long term exposure

Hazard assessment conclusion:

hazard unknown but no further hazard information necessary as no exposure expected

Acute/short term exposure

Hazard assessment conclusion:

hazard unknown but no further hazard information necessary as no exposure expected

DNEL related information

General Population - Hazard for the eyes

Local effects

Hazard assessment conclusion:

hazard unknown but no further hazard information necessary as no exposure expected

Additional information - General Population

Calcium metal is used in industrial settings mainly in metallurgical processes; therefore exposure for general population is unlikely (see chapter 9 of CSR).The life cycle of Ca metal in these processes ends with reaction on use; therefore there is no exposure to Ca (metal form) after it is introduced into these processes.