The Truth Behind Calcium Hydroxide Usage

Calcium hydroxide is one of the chemical compounds that are not associated in calcium supplement manufacturing because of the presence of acidic properties. It takes the form of either white powder or colorless crystal which is produced when another chemical compound which is the calcium oxide is quenched with water. It can also be produced by the mixture of the aqueous (water-based) solution of sodium hydroxide and the aqueous solution of calcium chloride.

When processed under heat, it decomposes into water and calcium oxide. One of the products, which is the lime water (formed by a suspension of fine particles of calcium hydroxide in water) is considered to be a medium-strength base which reacts viciously with acids as well as assails many metals in the presence of water.

Due to its sturdy basic properties, calcium hydroxide is used on various applications, such as the following:

• When in the form of lime, it is used as a sewage treatment and for the improvement of acid soils.

• It is an active ingredient in the production of plaster, whitewash, and mortar.

• It also acts as an alkaline which is used as a non-lye substitute in lye-free hair relaxers.

It is also used as a reagent in the following applications:

• For the reef aquarium as a bio-available calcium additive solution for organisms inside the aquarium that uses calcium such as snails, algae, corals, and hard tube worms.

• For the tanning industry as a neutralizer on extra acids.

• For the petroleum refining application as an ingredient for manufacturing oil additives such as sulphatic and fanatic.

• For the chemical application as an ingredient in manufacturing calcium stearate.

• For water processing such as alcoholic and soda drinks.

• For clearing magnesium and carbonate contents of calcium in manufacturing salt for food.

It is also used as a filler on the following applications:

• Solid oil manufacturing.
• Brake pad manufacturing.
• Ebonite production.
• Dry mix preparation for decorating and painting.
• Pesticide mix manufacturing.
• Polikar manufacturing (a drug that is used as a preservative for vegetables and fruits during storage period).

• It is also used in paste which is employed in tooth’s root canal procedure which reduces inflammation as well as acting as a disinfectant within the infected area.

However, since it contains acidic properties, calcium hydroxide overdose can lead to dangerous consequences such as breathing difficulties, internal bleeding, hypotension, skeletal muscle paralysis, and an increase in the blood’s pH level, which can cause damage to the body’s internal organs.