Calcium chloride is an inorganic salt composed of calcium and chlorine, represented by the chemical formula \(\text{CaCl}_2\). It appears as a white crystalline solid and is highly soluble in water, making it a common ingredient across various industries. This compound is used in applications ranging from de-icing roads to acting as a desiccant, which absorbs moisture from the air. The question of whether it is safe to drink depends entirely on the concentration and the context of its use.
Where Calcium Chloride is Commonly Encountered
The public most frequently encounters calcium chloride as a food additive, where it is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. In the food industry, it functions as a firming agent, especially in canned fruits and vegetables like pickles and tomatoes, helping to maintain a crisp texture. It is also added to milk during cheesemaking to improve curd formation and is sometimes used as a low-sodium flavor enhancer.
Calcium chloride is also a common component in many bottled waters and sports drinks, where it is listed as an electrolyte. It helps replenish minerals lost through physical activity and maintain fluid balance in the body. The average daily intake from food additives is estimated to be in the range of 160 to 345 milligrams, which aligns with its GRAS regulatory status.
How the Body Processes Small Amounts
When consumed in the small amounts found in food and fortified beverages, calcium chloride dissociates completely in the stomach’s acidic environment. It breaks down into its constituent ions: calcium ions (\(\text{Ca}^{2+}\)) and chloride ions (\(\text{Cl}^-\)). These ions are essential electrolytes that the body is equipped to absorb and utilize.
The calcium ions are absorbed in the small intestine, contributing to the body’s overall calcium supply, which is necessary for bone health, muscle function, and nerve signaling. Chloride ions are the most abundant negatively charged ions (anions) in the body and play a crucial role in maintaining proper fluid balance and acid-base equilibrium. The kidneys are responsible for maintaining a healthy balance of these electrolytes by excreting any excess calcium or chloride.
Immediate Dangers of Concentrated Solutions
The safety profile of calcium chloride changes drastically when ingested in a concentrated, non-diluted form, such as industrial products or dehumidifier fluid. Concentrated solutions pose a significant risk because the process of dissolving solid calcium chloride in water releases heat, which can cause thermal burns. Ingesting the solid material or a highly concentrated solution can lead to chemical and heat-related injury to the mouth, throat, esophagus, and stomach.
Beyond the corrosive effects, highly concentrated solutions of the salt are hypertonic, meaning they have a higher concentration of solutes than the body’s cells. This hypertonicity draws water out of the digestive tract tissues, causing severe irritation and gastrointestinal distress, including vomiting and abdominal pain. In extreme cases of large ingestion, the massive influx of calcium into the bloodstream can lead to hypercalcemia, resulting in seizures, heart rhythm disturbances, and even death. Due to these severe hazards, non-food grade or highly concentrated solutions must never be consumed, and accidental ingestion requires immediate medical attention.