Calcium Carbide Side Effects on Human
Calcium carbide (CaC2) can have several harmful side effects on human health when not handled properly:
Skin and eye irritation: Contact with calcium carbide can cause severe skin irritation, rashes, burning, and redness. It can also cause severe eye irritation and burns with likely permanent damage.
Respiratory issues: Exposure to calcium carbide can irritate the lungs, causing shortness of breath and coughing. High exposure may lead to fluid buildup in the lungs, causing severe breathing difficulties. Long-term exposure can cause bronchitis with symptoms like shortness of breath, phlegm, and coughing.
Digestive problems: Calcium carbide is alkaline and can cause irritation in the mouth, throat, and abdominal region. Ingesting fruits ripened with calcium carbide may lead to nausea, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing.
Neurological effects: Consuming large amounts of fruits with accumulated acetylene gas from calcium carbide ripening may cause nervous system problems like dizziness, fatigue, and confusion. Prolonged exposure can reduce oxygen supply to the brain and cause hypoxia.
Other effects: Calcium carbide exposure can lead to thirst, weakness, skin damage, cardiac issues, and kidney failure. It may also contain toxic impurities like arsenic and phosphorous compounds that can cause additional health problems
Calcium carbide is a hazardous chemical that should be handled with great care. Ingesting fruits ripened with calcium carbide or inhaling its fumes can lead to various acute and chronic health issues. Safer alternatives like ethylene gas should be used for artificial fruit ripening.