Safety and Hazards
Information on safety and hazards for this compound, including safety/hazards properties, reactivity, incompatibilities, management techniques, first aid treatments, and more. For toxicity and related information, please see the Toxicity section.
Hazards Identification
This section identifies the hazards of the chemical presented on the safety data sheet (SDS) and the appropriate warning information associated with those hazards. The information in this section includes, but are not limited to, the hazard classification of the chemical, signal word, pictograms, hazard statements and precautionary statements.
GHS Classification
GHS (Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals) is a United Nations system to identify hazardous chemicals and to inform users about these hazards. GHS has been adopted by many countries around the world and is now also used as the basis for international and national transport regulations for dangerous goods. The GHS hazard statements, class categories, pictograms, signal words, and the precautionary statements can be found on the PubChem GHS page.
Not Classified
Reported as not meeting GHS hazard criteria by 3180 of 3535 companies
Aggregated GHS information provided per 3535 reports by companies from 27 notifications to the ECHA C&L Inventory.
Reported as not meeting GHS hazard criteria per 3180 of 3535 reports by companies.
There are 24 notifications provided by 355 of 3535 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.ECHA C&L website.
This chemical does not meet GHS hazard criteria for 100% (12 of 12) of all reports.
Not Classified
Reported as not meeting GHS hazard criteria by 12 of 12 companies. For more detailed information, please visit ECHA C&L website.
Aggregated GHS information provided per 12 reports by companies from 1 notifications to the ECHA C&L Inventory.
Reported as not meeting GHS hazard criteria per 12 of 12 reports by companies.
There are 0 notifications provided by 0 of 12 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.ECHA C&L website.
Hazard Classes and Categories
The Hazard Classes and Categories are aligned with GHS (Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals) hazard statement codes. The percentage data in the parenthesis from ECHA indicates that the hazard classes and categories information are consolidated from multiple companies. Also, see the detailed explanation from the above GHS classification section.
Not Classified
Not Classified
EPA Safer Chemical
EPA labels products so that consumers can easily choose ones that are safer for people and the environment. When consumers see the Safer Choice label on a product, they can be confident that the ingredients have been through a rigorous EPA review. The label means that EPA scientists have evaluated every ingredient in the product to ensure it meets Safer Choice's stringent criteria. When people use Safer Choice products, they are protecting their families and the environment by making safer chemical choices.
Chemical: Calcium carbonate
Green circle - The chemical has been verified to be of low concern based on experimental and modeled data.
Health Hazards
Description of the chemical's health hazards (e.g., toxicity, corrosivity, and flammability) that can have negative impacts on our short- or long-term health.
Excerpt from NIOSH Pocket Guide for Calcium carbonate:
Exposure Routes: Inhalation, skin and/or eye contact
Symptoms: Irritation eyes, skin, respiratory system; cough
Target Organs: Eyes, skin, respiratory system (NIOSH, 2024)
Fire Hazards
Fire hazard means any situation, process, material or condition which may cause a fire or explosion or provide a ready fuel supply to increase the spread or intensity of the fire or explosion and which poses a threat to life or property. This section provides information on fire hazards involving this chemical.
Not combustible.
Hazards Summary
This section provides an overview of the key hazards information of this compound.
No adverse effects associated with exposure to calcium carbonate have been identified. [Harber, p. 354] Important natural forms are calcite and aragonite, which may be contaminated with magnesium, iron, chromium, manganese, sulfur, zinc, lead, and sometimes crystalline silica. Chemically produced calcium carbonate is 98-99% pure. [CHEMINFO]
Fire Potential
This section describes fire potential of this chemical (e.g., whether it is combustible or flammable).
Not combustible.
Safety and Hazard Properties
This section lists the chemical's safety and hazard characteristics, such as the explosive/flammable limits, critical temperature and pressure, exposure limits, etc.
Flammable Limits
The flammable limits (or the flammability limits) are the minimum and maximum concentrations of fuel vapor or gas in a fuel vapor or gas/gaseous oxidant mixture (usually expressed in percent by volume) defining the concentration range (flammable or explosive range) over which propagation of flame will occur on contact with an ignition source. Also called explosive (or explosivity) limits.
Noncombustible Solid
OSHA Standards
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards are rules that describe the methods that employers must use to protect their employees from hazards. These standards limit the amount of hazardous chemicals workers can be exposed to, require the use of certain safe practices and equipment, and require employers to monitor hazards and keep records of workplace injuries and illnesses.
Permissible Exposure Limit: Table Z-1 8-Hr Time Weighted Avg: 15 mg/cu m, total dust. /Calcium carbonate, RN 1317-65-3/
Permissible Exposure Limit: Table Z-1 8-Hr Time Weighted Avg: 5 mg/cu m, respirable fraction. /Calcium carbonate, RN 1317-65-3/
NIOSH Recommendations
The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) recommendations for chemical safety concerning this compound.
Recommended Exposure Limit: 10 Hour Time-Weighted Average: 10 mg/cu m (total); 5 mg/cu m (respirable fraction).
First Aid Measures
This section describes the initial care that should be given to an individual who has been exposed to the chemical. The information in this section includes the description of the symptoms or effects of exposure to the chemical, necessary first-aid instructions by relevant routes of exposure (inhalation, skin and eye contact, and ingestion), and recommendations for immediate medical care and special treatment needed, when necessary.
Fresh air.
Rinse skin with plenty of water or shower.
Rinse with plenty of water (remove contact lenses if easily possible).
Rinse mouth.
First Aid
First aid measures for exposure to this chemical through various routes (for example, ingestion, inhalation, skin contact, and eye contact).
Excerpt from NIOSH Pocket Guide for Calcium carbonate:
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 WASH - If this chemical contacts the skin, wash the contaminated skin with soap and water.
Breathing: FRESH AIR - If a person breathes large amounts of this chemical, move the exposed person to fresh air at once. Other measures are usually unnecessary. (NIOSH, 2024)
(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 wash - If this chemical contacts the skin, wash the contaminated skin with soap and water.
Breathing: Fresh air
Fire Fighting
This section provides fire fighting information, including fire fighting procedures and hazards.
In case of fire in the surroundings, use appropriate extinguishing media.
Fire Fighting Procedures
This section provides information on the actions to be taken in the event of a fire emergency involving this chemical, to prevent the spread of and extinguish fires.
In case of fire in the surroundings, use appropriate extinguishing media.
Accidental Release Measures
This section provides recommendations on the appropriate response to spills, leaks, or releases, including containment and cleanup practices to prevent or minimize exposure to people, properties, or the environment. It may also include recommendations distinguishing between responses for large and small spills where the spill volume has a significant impact on the hazard.
Spillage Disposal
Methods for containment and safety measures to protect workers dealing with a spillage of this chemical.
Personal protection: particulate filter respirator adapted to the airborne concentration of the substance. Sweep spilled substance into covered containers.
Cleanup Methods
Procedures for cleanup of chemical spill or hazardous waste
Personal protection: particulate filter respirator adapted to the airborne concentration of the substance. Sweep spilled substance into covered containers.
Disposal Methods
Disposal methods or procedures for this chemical or hazardous waste containing it.
SRP: The most favorable course of action is to use an alternative chemical product with less inherent propensity for occupational exposure 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, aquatic, and plant life; and conformance with environmental and public health regulations.
Preventive Measures
Preventive measures to take to avoid suffering negative health effects from this chemical.
SRP: The scientific literature for the use of contact lenses by industrial workers is inconsistent. The benefits or detrimental effects of wearing contact lenses depend not only upon the substance, but also on factors including the form of the substance, characteristics and duration of the exposure, the uses of other eye protection equipment, and the hygiene of the lenses. However, there may be individual substances whose irritating or corrosive properties are such that the wearing of contact lenses would be harmful to the eye. In those specific cases, contact lenses should not be worn. In any event, the usual eye protection equipment should be worn even when contact lenses are in place.
Do not eat, drink, or smoke during work.
Handling and Storage
This section provides guidance on the safe handling practices and storage conditions for this chemical. The information in this section includes precautions for safe handling, such as recommendations for handling incompatible chemicals, minimizing the release of the chemical into the environment, and providing advice on general hygiene practices (e.g., eating, drinking, and smoking in work areas is prohibited). In addition, this section provides recommendations on the conditions for safe storage (including any incompatibilities) as well as advice on specific storage requirements (e.g., ventilation requirements).
Safe Storage
Measures to take for safe storage of this chemical.
Separated from acids, aluminium, ammonium salts, fluorine and magnesium.
Storage Conditions
Conditions for safe storage of this compound, including any incompatible chemicals and specific storage requirements (e.g., ventilation requirements).
Separated from acids, aluminium and ammonium salts.
Exposure Control and Personal Protection
This section provides information on the exposure limits, engineering controls, and personal protective measures that can be used to minimize worker exposure. The information in this section includes OSHA Permissible Exposure Limits (PELs), American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) Threshold Limit Values (TLVs), and any other exposure limit used or recommended by the chemical manufacturer, importer, or employer preparing the safety data sheet, where available. In addition, this section contains information on appropriate engineering controls (e.g., use local exhaust ventilation, or use only in an enclosed system) as well as recommendations for personal protective measures to prevent illness or injury from exposure to chemicals, such as personal protective equipment (PPE) (e.g., appropriate types of eye, face, skin or respiratory protection needed based on hazards and potential exposure).
Recommended Exposure Limit (REL)
The recommended exposure limit (REL) is the maximum amount or concentration of a chemical that a worker may be exposed to. The RELs are guidelines established and recommended by the NIOSH (National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health). The RELs can be given in three ways. [1] Time-weighted average (REL-TWA): average exposure based on up to10h/day, 40h/week work schedule. [2] Short-term exposure limit (REL-STEL): a 15-minute TWA exposure that should not be exceeded at any time during a workday. [3] Ceiling limit (REL-C): absolute exposure limit that should not be exceeded at any time.
10 mg/m³ (total dust), 5 mg/m³ (respirable fraction)
TWA 10 mg/m3 (total) TWA 5 mg/m3 (resp)
Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL)
The permissible exposure limit (PEL) is the maximum amount or concentration of a chemical that a worker may be exposed to under OSHA regulations. The PEL can be given in three ways. [1] Time-weighted average (PEL-TWA): average exposure based on an 8h/day, 40h/week work schedule. [2] Short-term exposure limit (PEL-STEL): a 15-minute TWA exposure that should not be exceeded at any time during a workday. [3] Ceiling limit (PEL-C): absolute exposure limit that should not be exceeded at any time.
15.0 [mg/m3](total dust), 5 mg/m3(respirable fraction)
15 mg/m³ (total dust), 5 mg/m³ (respirable fraction)
TWA 15 mg/m3 (total) TWA 5 mg/m3 (resp)
Immediately Dangerous to Life or Health (IDLH)
The Immediately Dangerous to Life or Health air concentration values (IDLH values) characterize high-risk exposure concentrations and conditions and are used as a component of respirator selection criteria. IDLH values are established (1) to ensure that the worker can escape from a given contaminated environment in the event of failure of the respiratory protection equipment and (2) to indicate a maximum level above which only a highly reliable breathing apparatus, providing maximum worker protection, is permitted.
N.D.
See: IDLH INDEX
Threshold Limit Values (TLV)
The threshold limit value (TLV) of a chemical is an airborne concentration at which a worker can be exposed day after day for a working lifetime without adverse effect. There are three types of TLVs for chemicals. [1] Threshold limit value - time-weighted average (TLV-TWA): average exposure on the basis of a 8h/day, 40h/week work schedule. [2] Threshold limit value - short-term exposure limit (TLV-STEL): a 15-minute TWA exposure that should not be exceeded at any time during a workday, even if the 8-hour TWA is within the TLV-TWA. [3] Threshold limit value - ceiling limit (TLV-C): absolute exposure limit that should not be exceeded at any time. TLVs are developed by the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienist. While TLVs are widely accepted occupational exposure limits, they are not standards enforced by the U.S. Government.
Substances whose adopted documentation and TLV's were withdrawn. Substance: Calcium carbonate (471-34-1); Year Withdrawn: 2007; Reason: Insufficient data.
Withdrawn [2007] - Insufficient data.
Inhalation Risk
Risk of exposure to this chemical through inhalation. Note that the terms "risk" and "hazard" have different meanings. A hazard is something that has the potential to cause harm, while risk is the likelihood of harm taking place, based on exposure to that hazard.
A nuisance-causing concentration of airborne particles can be reached quickly when dispersed, especially if powdered.
Effects of Short Term Exposure
This section provides health effects of short-term exposure to this compound. The short-term exposure (also called acute exposure) is a short contact with a chemical. It may last a few seconds or a few hours. For example, it might take a few minutes to clean windows with ammonia, use nail polish remover or spray a can of paint. The fumes someone might inhale during these activities are examples of acute exposures.
May cause mechanical irritation to the respiratory tract and eyes.
Effects of Long Term Exposure
This section provides health effects of long-term exposure to this compound. The long-term exposure (also called chronic exposure) is continuous or repeated contact with a toxic chemical over a long period of time (months or years). If a chemical is used every day on the job, the exposure would be chronic. Over time, some chemicals, such as PCBs and lead, can build up in the body. Chronic exposures can also occur at home. Some chemicals in household furniture, carpeting or cleaners can be sources of chronic exposure.
Health effects of the substance have been investigated but none have been found
Allowable Tolerances
The tolerances of a chemical (usually a pesticide) are the maximum amount of chemical residues allowed to remain in or on fruits, vegetables, grains, and other foods, as part of the process of regulating pesticides. In some countries tolerances are called maximum residue limits (MRLs).
Residues of calcium carbonate are exempted from the requirement of a tolerance when used in accordance with good agricultural practice as inert (or occasionally active) ingredients in pesticide formulations applied to growing crops or to raw agricultural commodities after harvest. Use: solid diluent, carrier.
Residues of calcium carbonate are exempted from the requirement of a tolerance when used in accordance with good agricultural practice as inert (or occasionally active) ingredients in pesticide formulations applied to animals. Use: solid diluent, carrier.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Personal protective equipment (PPE) to use when handling this chemical.
Excerpt from NIOSH Pocket Guide for Calcium carbonate:
Skin: No recommendation is made specifying the need for personal protective equipment for the body.
Eyes: No recommendation is made specifying the need for eye protection.
Wash skin: No recommendation is made specifying the need for washing the substance from the skin (either immediately or at the end of the work shift).
Remove: No recommendation is made specifying the need for removing clothing that becomes wet or contaminated.
Change: No recommendation is made specifying the need for the worker to change clothing after the workshift. (NIOSH, 2024)
Use local exhaust.
Protective gloves. Wear safety spectacles.
Respirator Recommendations
This section provides a list of allowable respirators to be used for this chemical, according to the NIOSH's Respirator Selection Recommendations.
Inhalation Prevention
Precautionary measures to avoid inhalation of this chemical.
Avoid inhalation of dust. Use local exhaust.
Skin Prevention
Precautionary measures to avoid skin exposure to this chemical.
Protective gloves.
Eye Prevention
Precautionary measures to avoid eye exposure to this chemical.
Wear safety goggles.
Ingestion Prevention
Precautionary measures to avoid ingestion of this chemical.
Do not eat, drink, or smoke during work.
Stability and Reactivity
This section describes the stability and reactivity hazards of the chemical. For some compounds, related information may also be found in the "Stability/Shelf Life" section under Experimental Properties (if available).
Air and Water Reactions
Special alerts if this chemical reacts with air, water, or moisture.
No rapid reaction with air. No rapid reaction with water.
Reactive Group
List of reactive groups that this chemical belongs to, according to CAMEO Chemicals at the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).
Carbonate Salts
Reactivity Profile
Description of the chemical's potential reactivity with other chemicals, air, and water. Also it includes any other intrinsic reactive hazards (such as polymerizable or peroxidizable).
CALCIUM CARBONATE is non-combustible. Decomposes at high temperature (825 °C) to give gaseous carbon dioxide and calcium oxide (quicklime). Incompatible with acids, alum, ammonium salts, fluorine, magnesium. Reacts with acids and acidic salts to generate gaseous carbon dioxide with effervescence (bubbling). The reaction with concentrated solutions of acids is rapid and exothermic. The effervesence can create extensive foaming. Ignites on contact with fluorine.
Hazardous Reactivities and Incompatibilities
This compound may undergo hazardous reactions with other chemicals. Therefore, it is considered incompatible with those chemicals and should not be used with them.
Calcium carbonate ... ignite and burn fiercely in contact with fluorine. /Fluorine: metal salts/
When a mixture of magnesium and calcium carbonate is heated in a current of hydrogen, a violent explosion occurs. /Magnesium: hydrogen and calcium carbonate/
Calcium carbonate reacts with acids with evolution of carbon dioxide and heat (reported to be about 19 kJ/mol in hydrochloric acid).
Acids, alum, ammonium salts, mercury & hydrogen, fluorine, magnesium.
Regulatory Information
This section lists the regulations related to the safety, health, and environment of the chemical and its associated products. The regulatory information, which may encompass national and/or regional regulations pertaining to the chemical or mixtures, is presented solely for informational purposes. For additional details, please consult the links to the information sources provided under each data entry.
Chemical: Carbonic acid, calcium salt (1:1)
2002/2076
2008/127, Reg. (EU) 2017/195, Reg. (EU) 2020/1160, Reg. (EU) 2021/1448, Reg. (EU) 2021/745, Reg. (EU) No 369/2012, Reg. (EU) No 540/2011
Status: Active Update: 28-04-2023 https://echa.europa.eu/registration-dossier/-/registered-dossier/16050
Calcium carbonate: Does not have an individual approval but may be used under an appropriate group standard
FIFRA Requirements
The Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) is the Federal statute that governs the registration, distribution, sale, and use of pesticides in the United States.
Residues of calcium carbonate are exempted from the requirement of a tolerance when used in accordance with good agricultural practice as inert (or occasionally active) ingredients in pesticide formulations applied to growing crops or to raw agricultural commodities after harvest. Use: solid diluent, carrier.
Residues of calcium carbonate are exempted from the requirement of a tolerance when used in accordance with good agricultural practice as inert (or occasionally active) ingredients in pesticide formulations applied to animals. Use: solid diluent, carrier.
FDA Requirements
FDA requirements regarding this chemical and products containing it. FDA Requirements means any requirements of the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act (FDCA), as amended, and any rules or regulations promulgated thereunder which are or may be applicable to the manufacture, sale, labeling or distribution of the products regulated by FDA (e.g., drugs, biologics, dietary supplements, foods, cosmetics, tobacco products, etc.).
Certification of this color additive when used as a color additive in drugs is not necessary for the protection of the public health, and therefore batches thereof are exempt from the certification pursuant to section 721(c) of the act.
An ingredient whose use in food or food packaging is subject to a prior sanction or approval within the meaning of section 201(s)(4) of the Act is exempt from classification as a food additive. ... Substances classified as stabilizers, when migrating from food-packaging material shall include: ... calcium carbonate.
Substance added directly to human food affirmed as generally recognized as safe (GRAS).
Drug products containing certain active ingredients offered over-the-counter (OTC) for certain uses. A number of active ingredients have been present in OTC drug products for various uses, as described below. However, based on evidence currently available, there are inadequate data to establish general recognition of the safety and effectiveness of these ingredients for the specified uses: calcium carbonate is included in antidiarrheal drug products.
For more FDA Requirements (Complete) data for CALCIUM CARBONATE (8 total), please visit the HSDB record page.
Other Safety Information
Miscellaneous safety information for this chemical that is not shown in other sections, such as history, incidents, special reports, and so on.
IMAP assessments - Carbonic acid, calcium salt (1:1): Human health tier I assessment
IMAP assessments - Carbonic acid, calcium salt (1:1): Environment tier I assessment
Special Reports
Special reports on the safety and hazard of this chemical. Most of them are government documents and review articles.
Optimal Calcium Uptake. Current Bibliographies in Medicine 94-4. Public Services Division/National Library of Medicine. 775 citations from January, 1990-April, 1994.[Available from, as of April 4, 2003: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/pubs/cbm/calcium.html]