Calcium Carbide:
More than 60 people, primarily children, were hospitalized in Bhopal following severe injuries sustained from the use of makeshift “calcium carbide guns” during Diwali celebrations.
- Calcium Carbide is a compound with the chemical formula CaC2.
- It is a grayish-black lump or crystalline powder with a garlic-like odor.
- It is manufactured by heating a lime and carbon mixture to 2000 to 2100°C (3632 to 3812°F) in an electric arc furnace.
- It is primarily known for its use in the production of acetylene gas through hydrolysis.
- Calcium carbide reacts vigorously with water to produce acetylene Acetylene is a colourless, odourless, extremely flammable gas.
- It is used as a reducing agent and in steel manufacturing and metal cutting.
- Several countries use calcium carbide as an artificial ripening agent.
- It can cause serious health issues such as dizziness, frequent thirst, irritation, weakness, difficulty in swallowing, vomiting, skin ulcers, etc.
- Additionally, acetylene gas is equally hazardous to those handling it.
- There are chances that calcium carbide may come in direct contact with fruits during application and leave residues of arsenic and phosphorus on fruits.
- It is banned under the Prevention of Food Adulteration Rules, 1955, and also under the Food Safety and Standards (Prohibition and Restrictions on Sales) Regulations, 2011, made thereunder.
