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NIOSH

GRAPHITE (NATURAL)

ICSC: 0893

Plumbago
Black lead
Mineral carbon
C
ICSC # 0893 		CAS # 7782-42-5
RTECS # MD9659600
June 10, 1997 Validated

TYPES OF HAZARD/ EXPOSURE

ACUTE HAZARDS/ SYMPTOMS

PREVENTION

FIRST AID/
FIRE FIGHTING

FIRE Combustible under specific conditions.
NO open flames.
Powder, water spray, foam, carbon dioxide.
EXPLOSION Finely dispersed particles form explosive mixtures in air.
Prevent deposition of dust; closed system, dust explosion-proof electrical equipment and lighting.
In case of fire: keep drums, etc., cool by spraying with water.
EXPOSURE
PREVENT DISPERSION OF DUST!

•INHALATION Cough.
Ventilation, local exhaust, or breathing protection.
Fresh air, rest.
•SKIN Roughness.
Protective gloves.
Rinse and then wash skin with water and soap.
•EYES
Safety spectacles, or eye protection in combination with breathing protection if powder.
First rinse with plenty of water for several minutes (remove contact lenses if easily possible), then take to a doctor.
•INGESTION

Rinse mouth. Rest.

SPILLAGE DISPOSAL

STORAGE

PACKAGING & LABELLING

Sweep spilled substance into containers; if appropriate, moisten first to prevent dusting. Then wash away with plenty of water. Wash away remainder with plenty of water. (Extra personal protection: P1 filter respirator for inert particles).
Separated from strong oxidants. Dry. Keep in a well-ventilated room.

ICSC: 0893 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.

GRAPHITE (NATURAL)

ICSC: 0893

I

M

P

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T

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D

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PHYSICAL STATE; APPEARANCE:
BLACK FLAKES, LUMPS, POWDER , CHIPS.

PHYSICAL DANGERS:
Dust explosion possible if in powder or granular form, mixed with air.

CHEMICAL DANGERS:
The substance is a strong reducing agent and reacts with oxidants.

OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE LIMITS:
TLV: 2 mg/m3
(Respirable fraction)
as TWA (ACGIH 2008).
MAK: 4 mg/m3 (Inhalable fraction); 1.5 mg/m3 (Respirable fraction);
Pregnancy risk group: C
(DFG 2008).
OSHA PEL†: TWA 15 mppcf
NIOSH REL: TWA 2.5 mg/m3 (resp)
NIOSH IDLH: 1250 mg/m3 See: 7782425


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

INHALATION RISK:
Evaporation at 20°C is negligible; a nuisance-causing concentration of airborne particles can, however, be reached quickly.

EFFECTS OF SHORT-TERM EXPOSURE:


EFFECTS OF LONG-TERM OR REPEATED EXPOSURE:
Lungs may be affected by repeated or prolonged exposure to dusts , resulting in graphite pneumoconiosis.

PHYSICAL
PROPERTIES

Sublimation point: 3652°C
Relative density (water = 1): 2.09-2.23
Solubility in water: insoluble

ENVIRONMENTAL
DATA


N O T E S

See Synthetic graphite CAS 7440-44-0. Synthetic and natural graphite may be mixed and many graphite products contain deliberate additives such as cristobalite, clay, coal, and petroleum products. Natural Graphite is usually found associated with impurities such as mica, iron oxide, granite and free silica. Content can range 2-25%.
Card has been partially updated in November 2008: see Occupational Exposure Limits.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION



ICSC: 0893 GRAPHITE (NATURAL)
(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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