Copper (dusts and mists, as Cu)

Synonyms & Trade Names
Copper metal dusts, Copper metal fumes
CAS No.
7440-50-8
RTECS No.
DOT ID & Guide
Formula
Cu
Conversion
IDLH
100 mg/m3 (as Cu)
See: 7440508
Exposure Limits
NIOSH REL
TWA 1 mg/m3 [*Note: The REL also applies to other copper compounds (as Cu) except Copper fume.]
OSHA PEL
TWA 1 mg/m3 [*Note: The PEL also applies to other copper compounds (as Cu) except copper fume.]
Measurement Methods
NIOSH 7029 , 7300 , 7301 , 7303 , 9102;
OSHA ID121 , ID125G
See: NMAM or OSHA Methods
Physical Description
Reddish, lustrous, malleable, odorless solid.
Molecular Weight
63.5
Boiling Point
4703°F
Melting Point
1981°F
Solubility
Insoluble
Vapor Pressure
0 mmHg (approx)
Ionization Potential
NA
Specific Gravity
8.94
Flash Point
NA
Upper Explosive Limit
NA
Lower Explosive Limit
NA
Noncombustible Solid in bulk form, but powdered form may ignite.
Incompatibilities & Reactivities
Oxidizers, alkalis, sodium azide, acetylene
Exposure Routes
inhalation, ingestion, skin and/or eye contact
Symptoms
irritation eyes, nose, pharynx; nasal septum perforation; metallic taste; dermatitis; In Animals: lung, liver, kidney damage; anemia
Target Organs
Eyes, skin, respiratory system, liver, kidneys (increased risk with Wilson's disease)
Personal Protection/Sanitation
(See protection codes)
Skin:Prevent skin contact
Eyes:Prevent eye contact
Wash skin:When contaminated
Remove:When wet or contaminated
Change:Daily
First Aid
(See procedures)
Eye:Irrigate immediately
Skin:Soap wash promptly
Breathing:Respiratory support
Swallow:Medical attention immediately
Respirator Recommendations

NIOSH/OSHA

Up to 5 mg/m3:
(APF = 5) Any quarter-mask respirator.
Click here for information on selection of N, R, or P filters.*

Up to 10 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 25 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 50 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 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

See also
INTRODUCTION   ICSC CARD: 0240   MEDICAL TESTS: 0057
Page last reviewed: October 30, 2019