NIOSH Publication No. 2005-151:

NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards

September 2005

Calcium cyanamide

CAS
156-62-7

CaCN2

RTECS
GS6000000
Synonyms & Trade Names

Calcium carbimide, Cyanamide, Lime nitrogen, Nitrogen lime [Note: Cyanamide is also a synonym for Hydrogen cyanamide, NH2CN.]
DOT ID & Guide
1403 / 138 (with >0.1% calcium carbide)

Exposure
Limits

NIOSH REL: TWA 0.5 mg/m3
OSHA PEL†: none
IDLH
N.D. See: IDLH INDEX
Conversion
Physical Description
Colorless, gray, or black crystals or powder. [fertilizer] [Note: Commercial grades may contain calcium carbide.]
MW: 80.1
BP: Sublimes
MLT: 2444°F
Sol: Insoluble
VP: 0 mmHg (approx)
IP: NA

Sp.Gr: 2.29
Fl.P: NA
UEL: NA
LEL: NA

Noncombustible Solid, but a fire risk if it contains calcium carbide.
Incompatibilities & Reactivities

Water [Note: May polymerize in water or alkaline solutions to dicyanamide. Decomposes in water to form acetylene & ammonia.]
Measurement Methods
NIOSH 0500
See: NMAM or OSHA Methods
Personal Protection & Sanitation
(See protection)
Skin: Prevent skin contact
Eyes: Prevent eye contact
Wash skin: When contaminated
Remove: When wet or contaminated
Change: Daily
Provide: Eyewash, Quick drench
First Aid
(See procedures)
Eye: Irrigate immediately
Skin: Soap flush immediately
Breathing: Respiratory support
Swallow: Medical attention immediately
Respirator Recommendations
Not available.
Important additional information about respirator selection
Exposure Routes
inhalation, ingestion, skin and/or eye contact
Symptoms
Irritation eyes, skin, respiratory system; headache, dizziness, rapid breathing, low blood pressure, nausea, vomiting; skin burns, sensitization; cough; Antabuse-like effects
Target Organs
Eyes, skin, respiratory system, vasomotor system
See also: INTRODUCTION