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NIOSH

COBALT

ICSC: 0782

Co
Atomic mass: 58.9
(powder)
ICSC # 0782 		CAS # 7440-48-4
RTECS # GF8750000
EC # 027-001-00-9
April 21, 2004 Validated

TYPES OF HAZARD/ EXPOSURE

ACUTE HAZARDS/ SYMPTOMS

PREVENTION

FIRST AID/
FIRE FIGHTING

FIRE Dust may ignite on contact with air or oxygen.
NO contact with oxidants.
Special powder, dry sand, NO other agents.
EXPLOSION Finely dispersed particles form explosive mixtures in air. Risk of fire and explosion on contact with oxidants or acetylene.
Prevent deposition of dust; closed system, dust explosion-proof electrical equipment and lighting.

EXPOSURE
PREVENT DISPERSION OF DUST! AVOID ALL CONTACT!

•INHALATION Cough. Shortness of breath. Sore throat. Wheezing.
Local exhaust or breathing protection.
Fresh air, rest. Refer for medical attention.
•SKIN
Protective gloves. Protective clothing.
Remove contaminated clothes. Rinse and then wash skin with water and soap.
•EYES Redness.
Safety goggles, or eye protection in combination with breathing protection.
First rinse with plenty of water for several minutes (remove contact lenses if easily possible), then take to a doctor.
•INGESTION Abdominal pain. Vomiting.
Do not eat, drink, or smoke during work.
Rinse mouth. Give plenty of water to drink.

SPILLAGE DISPOSAL

STORAGE

PACKAGING & LABELLING

Sweep spilled substance into containers; if appropriate, moisten first to prevent dusting. Carefully collect remainder, then remove to safe place. Do NOT let this chemical enter the environment. Personal protection: P3 filter respirator for toxic particles.
Separated from strong oxidants.

Xn symbol
R: 42/43-53
S: 2-22-24-37-61
ICSC: 0782 Prepared in the context of cooperation between the International Programme on Chemical Safety & the Commission of the European Communities (C) IPCS CEC 1994. No modifications to the International version have been made except to add the OSHA PELs, NIOSH RELs and NIOSH IDLH values.

COBALT

ICSC: 0782

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PHYSICAL STATE; APPEARANCE:
SILVER-GREY POWDER .

PHYSICAL DANGERS:
Dust explosion possible if in powder or granular form, mixed with air .

CHEMICAL DANGERS:
The substance may spontaneously ignite on contact with air or acetylene, when finely divided. Reacts with strong oxidants , causing fire and explosion hazard.

OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE LIMITS:
TLV: 0.02 mg/m3 as TWA; A3; BEI issued; (ACGIH 2004).
MAK: (inhalable fraction) Sah;
Carcinogen category: 2; Germ cell mutagen group: 3A;
(DFG 2003).
OSHA PEL†: TWA 0.1 mg/m3
NIOSH REL: TWA 0.05 mg/m3
NIOSH IDLH: 20 mg/m3 (as Co) See: 7440484


ROUTES OF EXPOSURE:
The substance can be absorbed into the body by inhalation.

INHALATION RISK:
A harmful concentration of airborne particles can be reached quickly when dispersed.

EFFECTS OF SHORT-TERM EXPOSURE:
The substance (as fume or dust) is mildly irritating to the respiratory tract .

EFFECTS OF LONG-TERM OR REPEATED EXPOSURE:
Repeated or prolonged contact may cause skin sensitization. Repeated or prolonged inhalation exposure may cause asthma. Lungs may be affected by repeated or prolonged exposure. This substance is possibly carcinogenic to humans.

PHYSICAL
PROPERTIES

Boiling point: 2870°C
Melting point: 1493°C
Density: 8.9
g/cm3
Solubility in water:
none

ENVIRONMENTAL
DATA

The substance is toxic to aquatic organisms. Bioaccumulation of this chemical may occur in fish and in molluscs.

N O T E S

Depending on the degree of exposure, periodic medical examination is suggested. The symptoms of asthma often do not become manifest until a few hours have passed and they are aggravated by physical effort. Rest and medical observation are therefore essential. Anyone who has shown symptoms of asthma due to this substance should avoid all further contact with this substance. Do NOT take working clothes home.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION



ICSC: 0782 COBALT
(C) IPCS, CEC, 1994
IMPORTANT LEGAL NOTICE: Neither NIOSH, the CEC or the IPCS nor any person acting on behalf of NIOSH, the CEC or the IPCS is responsible for the use which might be made of this information. This card contains the collective views of the IPCS Peer Review Committee and may not reflect in all cases all the detailed requirements included in national legislation on the subject. The user should verify compliance of the cards with the relevant legislation in the country of use. The only modifications made to produce the U.S. version is inclusion of the OSHA PELs, NIOSH RELs and NIOSH IDLH values.
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