Calcium hydroxide

Other names: Calcium hydroxide, Milk of lime, slaked lime, Lime

Harm score: 4 (Slightly harmful chemistry)

Calcium hydroxide, also known as calcium hydroxide, lime milk, slaked lime or simply lime, is an inorganic chemical that is widely used in many industries. It is a white crystalline powder that is chemically a compound of two ions - a calcium ion and two hydroxide ions. It is strongly basic in nature and is therefore also often classified as a base.

An important segment where calcium hydroxide is widely used is the construction industry. In this sector, it is mainly used as a component of mortars and plasters or as a basic material in the production of lime milk, which is then used, for example, in wall disinfection. Calcium hydroxide is also an important component of certain types of cement. Another major sector where calcium hydroxide is used is the food industry. Here it is used as an additive in the manufacture of confectionery, bakery products or as an acidity regulator. In the cosmetics industry, lime milk is used as a base for various face masks and creams. It is also used locally in agriculture to lime low pH soils. In the medical field, for example, it is used as an antacid or in dentistry as a root canal material.