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).]
CAS No.
1317-38-0 (CuO)
RTECS No.
DOT ID & Guide
Formula
CuO/​Cu
Conversion
IDLH
100 mg/m3 (as Cu)
See: 1317380
Exposure Limits
NIOSH REL
TWA 0.1 mg/m3
OSHA PEL
TWA 0.1 mg/m3
Measurement Methods
NIOSH 7029 , 7300 , 7301 , 7303;
OSHA ID121 , ID125G , ID206
See: NMAM or OSHA Methods
Physical Description
Finely divided black particulate dispersed in air. [Note: Exposure may occur in copper & brass plants and during the welding of copper alloys.]
Molecular Weight
79.5
Boiling Point
Decomposes
Melting Point
1879°F (Decomposes)
Solubility
Insoluble
Vapor Pressure
0 mmHg (approx)
Ionization Potential
NA
Specific Gravity
6.4 (CuO)
Flash Point
NA
Upper Explosive Limit
NA
Lower Explosive Limit
NA
CuO: Noncombustible Solid
Incompatibilities & Reactivities
CuO: Acetylene, zirconium [Note: See Copper (dusts and mists) for properties of Copper metal.]
Exposure Routes
inhalation, skin and/or eye contact
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
Target Organs
Eyes, skin, respiratory system (increased risk with Wilson's disease)
Personal Protection/Sanitation
(See protection codes)
Skin:No recommendation
Eyes:No recommendation
Wash skin:No recommendation
Remove:No recommendation
Change:No recommendation
First Aid
(See procedures)


Breathing:Respiratory support
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

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