[Cob] Please heed dangers of quicklime

[ocean]

An important difference to note:  hydrated lime and "quick" lime are 
completely different materials.

Calcium Hydroxide or "hydrated lime" (CaH2O2) can be mixed into 
concrete, or mixed with sand and water to form mortar - a relatively 
safe procedure, though the caustic nature of this lime must be 
observed.  (Don't allow wet hydrated lime mixtures to make contact with 
unprotected skin, eyes, etc.)

Calcium Oxide or "quicklime" (CaO) is a a very different material which 
liberates a huge amount of kinetic energy/heat when "slaked" (i.e. 
mixed with water) If not slaked/hydrated properly, quicklime can burn 
holes in plastic barrels or even explode, covering you with very 
caustic lime and blinding you if it gets in your eyes!

Please, Charmaine, could you describe the proper safe way to hydrate 
quicklime?  I'm nervous about how little we natural builders seem to 
know about this dangerous material...

Thanks,
Ocean


On Jan 11, 2005, at 9:05 PM, Anenhaienton wrote:

> Hello, I am wondering if anyone can tell me where I
> can buy quick lime or hydrated lime suitable for
> making plaster. I have called every local hardware
> store, building center and even the concrete companies
> and no one seems to know what I am talking about. They
> only carry agricultural lime. I am in northern New
> York and can also cross the border into southern
> ontario. Any help is appreciated.
>
> -Anenhaienton