Sun, 03 May 2026 14:58:46 +0000

Water Meets Calcium Oxide: A Hazard You Never Forgot to See In industrial settings, chemical reactions often unfold quietly—until they don’t. One such reaction, where water meets calcium oxide (CaO), may seem simple at first glance, but its consequences are far from harmless. Often overlooked in safety discussions, the interaction between calcium oxide and water produces heat and caustic byproducts, posing real risks to workers and facilities alike. This article explores this critical hazard in detail and why awareness and prevention should never be forgotten. ### What Happens When Water Meets Calcium Oxide? Calcium oxide, also known as quicklime, is a highly reactive alkaline compound commonly used in construction, water treatment, and chemical processing. When water comes into contact with CaO, it triggers an exothermic reaction that generates significant heat—sometimes exceeding 300°C (572°F). This reaction releases limescale and hydroxycarbons, creating a caustic, slaked lime paste with a high pH (often above 12).