Carbon black
Synonyms & Trade Names
Acetylene black, Channel black, Furnace black, Lamp black, Thermal blackExposure Limits
NIOSH REL
TWA 3.5 mg/m3 Ca TWA 0.1 mg PAHs/m3 [Carbon black in presence of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs)] See Appendix A See Appendix COSHA PEL
TWA 3.5 mg/m3Physical Description
Black, odorless solid.Molecular Weight
12.0Boiling Point
SublimesMelting Point
SublimesSolubility
InsolubleVapor Pressure
0 mmHg (approx)Ionization Potential
NASpecific Gravity
1.8-2.1Flash Point
NAUpper Exposive Limit
NALower Explosive Limit
NAIncompatibilities & Reactivities
Strong oxidizers such as chlorates, bromates & nitratesExposure Routes
inhalation, skin and/or eye contactSymptoms
Cough; irritation eyes; in presence of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons: [potential occupational carcinogen]Target Organs
respiratory system, eyesCancer Site
[lymphatic cancer (in presence of PAHs)]Personal Protection/Sanitation
(See protection codes)Skin:No recommendation
Eyes:Prevent eye contact
Wash skin:Daily
Remove:No recommendation
Change:No recommendation
Respirator Recommendations
NIOSH/OSHA
Up to 17.5 mg/m3:
(APF = 5) Any quarter-mask respirator.
Click here for information on selection of N, R, or P filters.
Up to 35 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 87.5 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 175 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 1750 mg/m3:
(APF = 1000) Any supplied-air respirator 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
In presence of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons:
NIOSH
At concentrations above the NIOSH REL, or where there is no REL, at any detectable concentration:
(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