September 2010
NIOSH Publication Number 2010-168c

Copper (dusts and mists, as Cu)

Synonyms & Trade Names
Copper metal dusts, Copper metal fumes
CAS No.
7440-50-8
RTECS No.
GL5325000
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 ID125G
Physical Description
Reddish, lustrous, malleable, odorless solid.
MW:
63.5
BP:
4703°F		 MLT: 1981°F
Sol:
Insoluble
VP:
0 mmHg (approx)
IP:
NA
Sp.Gr:
8.94
Fl.P:
NA
UEL:
NA
LEL:
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   See ICSC CARD: 0240   See MEDICAL TESTS: 0057