Common Name: Copper CAS Number: 7440-50-8 DOT Number: None Date: July, 1986 ----------------------------------------- HAZARD SUMMARY * Copper dust or fumes can affect you when breathed in. * Eye contact with particles of Copper Metal can cause a severe reaction that can lead to blindness. * Exposure to dust or fumes can irritate the eyes, nose and throat. * Copper fumes may cause "metal fume fever". This is a flu-like illness with symptoms of metallic taste, fever and chills, aches, chest tightness and cough. * Copper may cause an allergic skin rash. IDENTIFICATION Copper is a reddish-brown metal. It is widely used in the electrical industry, plumbing, heating, roofing and building construction. It is also used in chemical and pharmaceutical machinery. REASON FOR CITATION * Copper is on the Hazardous Substance List because it is regulated by OSHA and cited by ACGIH. HOW TO DETERMINE IF YOU ARE BEING EXPOSED * Exposure to hazardous substances should be routinely evaluated. This may include collecting personal and area air samples. You can obtain copies of sampling results from your employer. You have a legal right to this information under OSHA 1910.20. * If you think you are experiencing any work-related health problems, see a doctor trained to recognize occupational diseases. Take this Fact Sheet with you. ----------------------------------------- WORKPLACE EXPOSURE LIMITS OSHA: The legal airborne permissible exposure limit (PEL) is 1.0 mg/m3 for Copper dusts and mists and 0.1 mg/m3 for Copper Fume averaged over an 8-hour workshift and measured as Copper. ACGIH: The recommended airborne exposure limit is 1.0 mg/m3 for Copper dusts and mists and 0.2 mg/m3 for Copper fume averaged over an 8-hour workshift and measured as Copper. * Copper may form metal fumes which present different hazards than the substance itself. WAYS OF REDUCING EXPOSURE * Where possible, enclose operations and use local exhaust ventilation at the site of chemical release. If local exhaust ventilation or enclosure is not used, respirators should be worn. * Wear protective work clothing. * Wash thoroughly immediately after exposure to Copper dust or fumes. * Post hazard and warning information in the work area. In addition, as part of an ongoing education and training effort, communicate all information on the health and safety hazards of Copper to potentially exposed workers. This Fact Sheet is a summary source of information of all potential and most severe health hazards that may result from exposure. Duration of exposure, concentration of the substance and other factors will affect your susceptibility to any of the potential effects described below. ------------------------------------------ Metal, metal compounds and alloys are often used in "hot" operations in the work-place. These may include, but are not limited to, welding, brazing, soldering, plating, cutting, and metalizing. At the high temperatures reached in these operations, metals often form metal fumes which have different health effects and exposure standards than the original metal or metal compound and require specialized controls. Your workplace can be evaluated for the presence of particular fumes which may be generated. HEALTH HAZARD INFORMATION Acute Health Effects The following acute (short-term) health effects may occur immediately or shortly after exposure to Copper: * Eye contact with particles of Copper metal can lead to a severe reaction. This can damage vision and cause blindness. * Exposure to dust or fumes can irritate the eyes, nose and throat. It may cause coughing and nose bleeds. * Copper fumes may cause "metal fume fever" with symptoms of metallic taste, chills and fever, aches, cough, and chest tightness. The symptoms may be delayed for several hours after exposure and usually last a day or two. Chronic Health Effects The following chronic (long-term) health effects can occur at some time after exposure to Copper and can last for months or years: Cancer Hazard * There is evidence that workers in Copper smelters have an increased risk of lung cancer, but this is thought to be due to Arsenic Trioxide exposure and not Copper. Reproductive Hazard * According to the information presently available to the New Jersey Department of Health, Copper has been tested and has not been shown to affect reproduction. Other Long-Term Effects * Repeated exposure can cause chronic irritation of the nose and may cause ulcers. * Copper may cause a skin allergy. If allergy develops, very low future exposures can cause itching and a skin rash. * Repeated exposures can cause thickening of the skin and may cause a greenish color to the skin and hair. * Repeated, very high Copper exposures can damage the liver. MEDICAL Medical Testing If symptoms develop or overexposure is suspected, the following may be useful: * Serum and urine Copper levels. Any evaluation should include a careful history of past and present symptoms with an exam. Medical tests that look for damage already done are not a substitute for controlling exposure. Request copies of your medical testing. You have a legal right to this information under OSHA 1910.20. Mixed Exposures Copper metal often contains Arsenic as an impurity. Consult the New Jersey Department of Health Hazardous Substance Fact Sheet on Arsenic if you are exposed to Copper dust or fumes. Conditions Made Worse By Exposure "Wilsons Disease" is a rare condition that interferes with the bodies ability to get rid of Copper. If you have this illness, consult your doctor about Copper exposure. WORKPLACE CONTROLS AND PRACTICES Unless a less toxic chemical can be substituted for a hazardous substance, ENGINEERING CONTROLS are the most effective way of reducing exposure. The best protection is to enclose operations and/or provide local exhaust ventilation at the site of chemical release. Isolating operations can also reduce exposure. Using respirators or protective equipment is less effective than the controls mentioned above, but is sometimes necessary. In evaluating the controls present in your workplace, consider: (1) how hazardous the substance is, (2) how much of the substance is released into the workplace and (3) whether harmful skin or eye contact could occur. Special controls should be in place for highly toxic chemicals or when significant skin, eye, or breathing exposures are possible. Good WORK PRACTICES can help to reduce hazardous exposures. The following work practices are recommended: * Workers whose clothing has been contaminated by Copper dust or fumes should change into clean clothing promptly. * Do not take contaminated work clothes home. Family members could be exposed. * Contaminated work clothes should be laundered by individuals who have been informed of the hazards of exposure to Copper dust or fumes. * Eye wash fountains should be provided in the immediate work area for emergency use. * Use a vacuum or a wet method to reduce dust during clean-up. Do not dry sweep. * Do not eat, smoke, or drink where Copper is handled, processed, or stored, since the chemical can be swallowed. Wash hands carefully before eating or smoking. * On skin contact with Copper dust or fumes, immediately wash or shower to remove the chemical. At the end of the workshift, wash any areas of the body that may have contacted Copper, whether or not known skin contact has occurred. * When vacuuming, a high efficiency particulate absolute (HEPA) filter should be used, not a standard shop vacuum. PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT WORKPLACE CONTROLS ARE BETTER THAN PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT. However, for some jobs (such as outside work, confined space entry, jobs done only once in a while, or jobs done while workplace controls are being installed), personal protective equipment may be appropriate. The following recommendations are only guidelines and may not apply to every situation. Clothing * Avoid skin contact with Copper. Wear protective gloves and clothing. Safety equipment suppliers/manufacturers can provide recommendations on the most protective glove/clothing material for your operation. * All protective clothing (suits, gloves, footwear, headgear) should be clean, available each day, and put on before work. Eye Protection * Wear dustproof goggles when working with powders or dust, unless full facepiece respiratory protection is worn. Respiratory Protection IMPROPER USE OF RESPIRATORS IS DANGEROUS. Such equipment should only be used if the employer has a written program that takes into account workplace conditions, requirements for worker training, respirator fit testing and medical exams, as described in OSHA 1910.134. * Where the potential exists for exposures over 0.1 mg/m3 as Copper fume or 1 mg/m3 as Copper dusts and mists, use a MSHA/NIOSH approved full facepiece respirator with a high efficiency particulate filter. Greater protection is provided by a powered-air purifying respirator. Particulate filters must be checked every day before work for physical damage, such as rips or tears, and replaced as needed. * If while wearing a filter, cartridge or canister respirator, you can smell, taste, or otherwise detect Copper, or in the case of a full facepiece respirator you experience eye irritation, leave the area immediately. Check to make sure the respirator-to-face seal is still good. If it is, replace the filter, cartridge, or canister. If the seal is no longer good, you may need a new respirator. * Be sure to consider all potential exposures in your workplace. You may need a combination of filters, prefilters, cartridges, or canisters to protect against different forms of a chemical (such as vapor and mist) or against a mixture of chemicals. * Where the potential for high exposures exists, use a MSHA/NIOSH approved supplied-air respirator with a full facepiece operated in the positive pressure mode or with a full facepiece, hood, or helmet in the continuous flow mode, or use a MSHA/NIOSH approved self-contained breathing apparatus with a full facepiece operated in pressure-demand or other positive pressure mode. Common Name: Copper DOT Number: None DOT Emergency Guide code: No Citation CAS Number: 7440-50-8 ---------------------------------------- NJ DOH Hazard rating FLAMMABILITY Not Found REACTIVITY Not Found ---------------------------------------- DO NOT USE WATER TOXIC FUMES ARE PRODUCED IN FIRE ---------------------------------------- Hazard Rating Key: 0=minimal; 1=slight; 2=moderate; 3=serious; 4=severe FIRE HAZARDS * Use dry chemicals appropriate for extinguishing metal fires. Do not use water. * TOXIC FUMES ARE PRODUCED IN FIRE. * If employees are expected to fight fires, they must be trained and equipped as stated in OSHA 1910.156. SPILLS AND EMERGENCIES * Collect powdered material in the most convenient and safe manner and deposit in sealed containers. * It may be necessary to contain and dispose of Copper as a HAZARDOUS WASTE. Contact your state Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) or your regional office of the federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for specific recommendations. ========================================== FOR LARGE SPILLS AND FIRES immediately call your fire department. ========================================== HANDLING AND STORAGE * Prior to working with Copper you should be trained on its proper handling and storage. * Store in tightly closed containers in a cool well-ventilated area away from ACETYLENE GAS because flammable Hydrogen is produced. * Copper must be stored to avoid contact with OXIDIZERS such as PERCHLORATES, PEROXIDES, PERMANGANATES, CHLORATES, and NITRATES; CHEMICALLY ACTIVE METALS such as POTASSIUM, SODIUM, MAGNESIUM, and ZINC since violent reactions occur. FIRST AID Eye Contact * Immediately flush with large amounts of water for at least 15 minutes, occasionally lifting upper and lower lids. Consult an ophthalmologist (eye specialist) immediately. Skin Contact * Remove contaminated clothing. Wash contaminated skin with water. PHYSICAL DATA Water Solubility: Copper fume: Insoluble Copper dust and mist: Slightly to Highly soluble. ------------------------------------------ Not intended to be copied and sold for commercial purposes. ------------------------------------------ NEW JERSEY DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH Right to Know Program CN 368, Trenton, NJ 08625-0368 ------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------ ECOLOGICAL INFORMATION Copper is a commonly occurring element in our natural water. At low concentrations it is an essential element for both plants and animals. At slightly higher concentrations it is toxic to aquatic life. The toxicity of copper and its compounds to aquatic life varies with the physical and chemical conditions of the water. Factors such as water hardness, alkalinity and pH influence copper toxicity. ACUTE (SHORT-TERM) ECOLOGICAL EFFECTS Acute toxic effects may include the death of animals, birds, or fish, and death or low growth rate in plants. Acute effects are seen two to four days after animals or plants come in contact with a toxic chemical substance. Copper and its compounds have high acute toxicity to aquatic life. No data are available on the short-term effects of copper to plants, birds, or land animals. CHRONIC (LONG-TERM) ECOLOGICAL EFFECTS Chronic toxic effects may include shortened lifespan, reproductive problems, lower fertility, and changes in appearance or behavior. Chronic effects can be seen long after first exposure(s) to a toxic chemical. Copper and its compounds have high chronic toxicity to aquatic life. No data are available on the long-term effects of copper to plants, birds, or land animals. WATER SOLUBILITY Copper and its salts are highly soluble in water. Concentrations of 1,000 milligrams and more will mix with aliter of water. DISTRIBUTION AND PERSISTENCE IN THE ENVIRONMENT Copper is highly persistent in water, with a half-life greater than 200 days. The half-life of a pollutant is the amount of time it takes for one-half of the chemical to be degraded. BIOACCUMULATION IN AQUATIC ORGANISMS Some substances increase in concentration, or bioaccumulate, in living organisms as they breathe contaminated air, drink contaminated water, or eat contaminated food. These chemicals can become concentrated in the tissues and internal organs of animals and humans. The concentration of copper found in fish tissues is expected to be considerably higher than the average concentration of copper in the water from which the fish was taken. SUPPORT DOCUMENT: AQUIRE Database, ERL-Duluth, U.S. EPA.