This rule was remanded by the U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals and the limits are not currently in force.
Data regarding the acute toxicity of calcium cyanamide are sparse.
Most cases of industrial calcium cyanamide poisoning involve primary skin irritation or sensitizing dermatitis. Skin irritation develops in the form of an erythematous rash over the surfaces of the body that are exposed to the substance or those body surfaces irritated by clothing or perspiration. Some individuals develop a macular rash on exposure, and this may progress to the weeping stage. The Agency concludes that this limit will substantially reduce the significant risks of material health impairment in the form of eye and skin irritation, sensitizing dermatitis, and the occurrence of Antabuse-like effects, which were possible at the levels of exposure formerly permitted by the absence of an OSHA limit.