Copper (dusts and mists, as Cu)
Synonyms & Trade Names
Copper metal dusts, Copper metal fumesExposure 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.]Physical Description
Reddish, lustrous, malleable, odorless solid.Molecular Weight
63.5Boiling Point
4703°FMelting Point
1981°FSolubility
InsolubleVapor Pressure
0 mmHg (approx)Ionization Potential
NASpecific Gravity
8.94Flash Point
NAUpper Exposive Limit
NALower Explosive Limit
NAIncompatibilities & Reactivities
Oxidizers, alkalis, sodium azide, acetyleneExposure Routes
inhalation, ingestion, skin and/or eye contactSymptoms
irritation eyes, nose, pharynx; nasal septum perforation; metallic taste; dermatitis; In Animals: lung, liver, kidney damage; anemiaTarget 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
- Page last reviewed:April 11, 2016
- Page last updated:April 11, 2016
- Content source:
- National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) Education and Information Division