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NIOSH

COPPER

ICSC: 0240

Cu
Atomic mass: 63.5
(powder)
ICSC # 0240 		CAS # 7440-50-8
RTECS # GL5325000
September 24, 1993 Validated

TYPES OF HAZARD/ EXPOSURE

ACUTE HAZARDS/ SYMPTOMS

PREVENTION

FIRST AID/
FIRE FIGHTING

FIRE Combustible.
NO open flames.
Special powder, dry sand, NO other agents.
EXPLOSION


EXPOSURE
PREVENT DISPERSION OF DUST!

•INHALATION Cough. Headache. Shortness of breath. Sore throat.
Local exhaust or breathing protection.
Fresh air, rest. Refer for medical attention.
•SKIN Redness.
Protective gloves.
Remove contaminated clothes. Rinse and then wash skin with water and soap.
•EYES Redness. Pain.
Safety goggles.
First rinse with plenty of water for several minutes (remove contact lenses if easily possible), then take to a doctor.
•INGESTION Abdominal pain. Nausea. Vomiting.
Do not eat, drink, or smoke during work.
Rinse mouth. Refer for medical attention.

SPILLAGE DISPOSAL

STORAGE

PACKAGING & LABELLING

Sweep spilled substance into containers. Carefully collect remainder. Then remove to safe place. (Extra personal protection: P2 filter respirator for harmful particles).
Separated from - See Chemical Dangers.

ICSC: 0240 Prepared in the context of cooperation between the International Programme on Chemical Safety & the Commission of the European Communities (C) IPCS CEC 1994. No modifications to the International version have been made except to add the OSHA PELs, NIOSH RELs and NIOSH IDLH values.

COPPER

ICSC: 0240

I

M

P

O

R

T

A

N

T


D

A

T

A

PHYSICAL STATE; APPEARANCE:
RED POWDER, TURNS GREEN ON EXPOSURE TO MOIST AIR.

PHYSICAL DANGERS:


CHEMICAL DANGERS:
Shock-sensitive compounds are formed with acetylenic compounds, ethylene oxides and azides. Reacts with strong oxidants like chlorates, bromates and iodates, causing explosion hazard.

OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE LIMITS:
TLV: (Fume) 0.2 mg/m3; TLV: (Dusts & mists as Cu) 1 mg/m3 (ACGIH 2007).
MAK: 0.1 mg/m3 (Inhalable fraction)
Peak limitation category: II(2) Pregnancy risk group: C
(DFG 2007).
OSHA PEL*: TWA 1 mg/m3 *Note: The PEL also applies to other copper compounds (as Cu) except copper fume.
NIOSH REL*: TWA 1 mg/m3 *Note: The REL also applies to other copper compounds (as Cu) except Copper fume.
NIOSH IDLH: 100 mg/m3 (as Cu) See: 7440508


ROUTES OF EXPOSURE:
The substance can be absorbed into the body by inhalation and by ingestion.

INHALATION RISK:
Evaporation at 20°C is negligible; a harmful concentration of airborne particles can, however, be reached quickly when dispersed.

EFFECTS OF SHORT-TERM EXPOSURE:
Inhalation of fumes may cause metal fume fever. See Notes.

EFFECTS OF LONG-TERM OR REPEATED EXPOSURE:
Repeated or prolonged contact may cause skin sensitization.

PHYSICAL
PROPERTIES

Boiling point: 2595°C
Melting point: 1083°C
Relative density (water = 1): 8.9
Solubility in water:
none

ENVIRONMENTAL
DATA


N O T E S

The symptoms of metal fume fever do not become manifest until several hours.
Card has been partially updated in January 2008: see Occupational Exposure Limits.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION



ICSC: 0240 COPPER
(C) IPCS, CEC, 1994
IMPORTANT LEGAL NOTICE: Neither NIOSH, the CEC or the IPCS nor any person acting on behalf of NIOSH, the CEC or the IPCS is responsible for the use which might be made of this information. This card contains the collective views of the IPCS Peer Review Committee and may not reflect in all cases all the detailed requirements included in national legislation on the subject. The user should verify compliance of the cards with the relevant legislation in the country of use. The only modifications made to produce the U.S. version is inclusion of the OSHA PELs, NIOSH RELs and NIOSH IDLH values.
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