Copper fume (as Cu)

Synonyms & Trade Names

Black copper oxide fume, Copper monoxide fume, Copper(II) oxide fume, Cupric oxide fume [Note: Also see specific listing for Copper (dusts and mists).]

Physical Description

Finely divided black particulate dispersed in air. [Note: Exposure may occur in copper & brass plants and during the welding of copper alloys.]

Incompatibilities & Reactivities

CuO: Acetylene, zirconium [Note: See Copper (dusts and mists) for properties of Copper metal.]

Symptoms

irritation eyes, upper respiratory system; metal fume fever: chills, muscle ache, nausea, fever, dry throat, cough, lassitude (weakness, exhaustion); metallic or sweet taste; discoloration skin, hair

Respirator Recommendations

NIOSH/OSHA

Up to 1 mg/m³:
(APF = 10) Any particulate respirator equipped with an N95, R95, or P95 filter (including N95, R95, and P95 filtering facepieces) except quarter-mask respirators. The following filters may also be used: N99, R99, P99, N100, R100, P100.
Click here for information on selection of N, R, or P filters.
(APF = 10) Any supplied-air respirator

Up to 2.5 mg/m³:
(APF = 25) Any supplied-air respirator operated in a continuous-flow mode
(APF = 25) Any powered, air-purifying respirator with a high-efficiency particulate filter.

Up to 5 mg/m³:
(APF = 50) Any air-purifying, full-facepiece respirator with an N100, R100, or P100 filter.
Click here for information on selection of N, R, or P filters.
(APF = 50) Any supplied-air respirator that has a tight-fitting facepiece and is operated in a continuous-flow mode
(APF = 50) Any powered, air-purifying respirator with a tight-fitting facepiece and a high-efficiency particulate filter
(APF = 50) Any self-contained breathing apparatus with a full facepiece
(APF = 50) Any supplied-air respirator with a full facepiece

Up to 100 mg/m³:
(APF = 2000) Any supplied-air respirator that has a full facepiece and is operated in a pressure-demand or other positive-pressure mode

Emergency or planned entry into unknown concentrations or IDLH conditions:
(APF = 10,000) Any self-contained breathing apparatus that has a full facepiece and is operated in a pressure-demand or other positive-pressure mode
(APF = 10,000) Any supplied-air respirator that has a full facepiece and is operated in a pressure-demand or other positive-pressure mode in combination with an auxiliary self-contained positive-pressure breathing apparatus

Escape:
(APF = 50) Any air-purifying, full-facepiece respirator with an N100, R100, or P100 filter.
Click here for information on selection of N, R, or P filters.
Any appropriate escape-type, self-contained breathing apparatus

Important additional information about respirator selection