What Is Calcium Chloride Used For?
General Info May 22nd, 2009You may not know it by name, but calcium chloride can be found in refrigeration plants, on roads and in concrete. This exceedingly useful chemical is even used in the medical field for everything from promoting bone health to preventing a magnesium overdose. It is often an additive in calcium supplements, though the most popular supplement is calcium carbonate.
Medically, calcium chloride can be injected intravenously to treat low calcium (Hypocalcemia), Black Widow Spider bites, hives, magnesium intoxication, acute lead colic or cardiac arrest. When patients pass out during open heart surgery, a dose of this can wake them up. In some patients who are experiencing weak myocardial contractions, boosting calcium levels can succeed where epinephrine failed. Naturally, the presence of calcium balances the presence of everything from potassium and magnesium to stomach acids. If a patient is experiencing an adverse reaction to Cardizem, a Calcium Channel Blocker drug like calcium chloride can intervene and prevent a heart attack. Biologists sometimes use this compound in genetics to increase cell membrane permeability to ensure DNA uptake.
Industrially, there are a number of uses for calcium chloride as well. In a fish tank that includes algae, snails, hard tube worms and coral, it is necessary to add calcium to the water and this compound is one of the quickest dissolving forms to increase calcium levels. In chemistry, it can be added to liquids to remove suspended water, absorb water vapor or pack drying tubes. Like sodium chloride, this compound will melt ice, hold the dust down on the roads, speed up the setting of concrete and lower the freezing point of water, making it a good fill for tires to increase traction. You may also see this compound used as an additive in plastic, fire extinguishers or scaffolding in blast furnaces, as well as a thinner in fabric softener and a drainage aid for wastewater treatment.
There are some dangers in dealing with calcium chloride, however. You will want to wear goggles, gloves and masks when handling it directly to avoid skin irritation or inhalation. Ingesting dry pellets can burn the mouth and esophagus. If an injection is administered, then veins may become irritated and it may result in sloughing and necrosis if it touches surrounding tissues, so great care must be taken. Additionally, kidney failure patients may have adverse reactions to changing calcium levels, phosphate solutions or products containing aluminum.
Koopuwa is a premium antioxidant beverage made with cupuacu, acai, pomegranate, and blueberry juices - both delicious and powerful in it's health benefits. Revolutionize your health today - Order Now!
