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Chemical Sampling Information (CSI)
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General Description

Synonyms: Channel black; Lamp black; Furnace black; Thermal black; Acetylene black

OSHA IMIS Code Number: 0527

Chemical Abstracts Service (CAS) Registry Number: 1333-86-4

NIOSH Registry of Toxic Effects of Chemical Substances (RTECS) Identification Number: FF5800000

NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards, Carbon Black: chemical description, physical properties, potentially hazardous incompatibilities, and more
Exposure Limits

OSHA Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL):
General Industry: 29 CFR 1910.1000 Z-1 Table -- 3.5 mg/m3 TWA

Construction Industry: 29 CFR 1926.55 Appendix A -- 3.5 mg/m3 TWA

Maritime: 29 CFR 1915.1000 Table Z-Shipyards -- 3.5 mg/m3 TWA
American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) Threshold Limit Value (TLV): 3.5 mg/m3 TWA; Appendix A4 - Not Classifiable as a Human Carcinogen

National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) Recommended Exposure Limit (REL): 3.5 mg/m3 TWA; Limit poly aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) to 0.1 mg/m3 TWA; Appendix A - NIOSH Potential Occupational Carcinogens; Appendix C - Supplementary Exposure Limits

Health Factors

Carcinogenic Classification:
International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC): Group 2B, possibly carcinogenic to humans [856 KB PDF, 149 pages]
NIOSH Immediately Dangerous To Life or Health Concentration (IDLH): 1750 mg/m3

Potential Symptoms: Cough, sore throat; eye irritation; in the presence of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons: [potential occupational carcinogen]; chronic bronchitis, pneumoconiosis; SKIN IRR

Health Effects: Cumulative lung damage (HE10)

Affected Organs: Respiratory system, eyes, skin

Notes:
  1. Although several epidemiological studies have reported a positive association between the concentration of ambient particulate matter and cardiac morbidity, recent animal studies have not supported adverse effects of carbon black on the heart, although there may be effects of other carbon-containing particulates, such as fly ash or diesel soot.
  2. Some carbon blacks containing over 8% volatiles may pose an explosion hazard if finely dispersed.
Date Last Revised: 05/24/2004

Literature Basis:
  • NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards: Carbon Black.
  • International Chemical Safety Cards (WHO/IPCS/ILO): Carbon black.
  • Gurgueira, S.A., Lawrence, J., Coull, B., Murthy, G.G. and Gonzalez-Flecha, B.: Rapid increases in the steady-state concentration of reactive oxygen species in the lungs and heart after particulate air pollution inhalation. Environ. Health Perspect. 110(8): 749-755, 2002.
  • Harber, P., Muranko, H., Solis, S., Torossian, A. and Merz, B.: Effect of carbon black exposure on respiratory function and symptoms. J. Occup. Environ. Med. 45(2): 144-155, 2003.
  • Pohanish, R.P. (editor): Carbon Black. In, Sittig's Handbook of Toxic and Hazardous Chemicals and Carcinogens, Fourth Ed., Vol. 1. Norwich, NY: Noyes Publications, William Andrew Publishing, 2002, pp. 488-490.
  • Szozda, R.: Pneumoconiosis in carbon black workers. J. UOEH 18(3): 223-228, 1996.
  • Vincent, R., et al.: Inhalation toxicology of urban ambient particulate matter: acute cardiovascular effects in rats. Res. Rep. Health Eff. Inst. (104): 5-54, 2001.
  • Watkinson, W.P., Campen, M.J. and Costa, D.L.: Cardiac arrhythmia induction after exposure to residual oil fly ash particles in a rodent model of pulmonary hypertension. Toxicol. Sci. 41(2): 209-216, 1998.
  • Wellenius, G.A., et al.: Electrocardiographic changes during exposure to residual oil fly ash (ROFA) particles in a rat model of myocardial infarction. Toxicol. Sci. 66(2): 327-335, 2002.

Monitoring Methods used by OSHA

Laboratory Sampling/Analytical Method:
  • sampling media: Tared Low Ash Polyvinyl Chloride (LAPVC) Filter 5 microns pore size closed face
    maximum volume: 960 Liters
    maximum flow rate: 2.0 L/min
    current analytical method: Gravimetric
    method reference: OSHA Analytical Method (OSHA ID-196)
    method classification: Partially Validated
    notes: Submit as a separate sample. If the filter is not overloaded, samples may be collected up to an 8-hour period. If poly aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are suspected to be present, take and submit separate samples on glass fiber filters per OSHA Method 58.

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Page last updated: 11/12/2004

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