Material Safety Data Sheet: Atomized Copper Powder

Identification

Product Name: Atomized Copper Powder
Chemical Formula: Cu
Other Names: Electrolytic Copper Powder, Copper Metal Powder
Recommended Uses: Metallurgy, electrical contacts, brazing, friction products, specialty alloys
Supplier/Manufacturer: [Supplier Name]
Emergency Phone: [Emergency Contact Number]

Hazard Identification

Classification: Hazardous according to OSHA Hazard Communication Standard, Combustible Dust, Acute Toxicity (Oral/Dermal—in certain forms), Skin/Eye Irritation, Aquatic Hazard
Hazard Statements: Inhalation of dust can harm lungs; may trigger irritation and allergic skin reactions. Fine powder can form explosive dust clouds. Risk of environmental harm with large spills.
Symptoms: Eye redness, coughing, respiratory irritation, skin rash, metallic taste
Pictograms: Exclamation mark, Health hazard, Environment
Signal Word: Warning
Precautionary Statements: Avoid breathing dust, Wear personal protective equipment, Prevent release to environment, Store in dry place

Composition / Information on Ingredients

Chemical Name: Copper
CAS Number: 7440-50-8
Concentration: 98–100% Copper (trace elements such as oxygen, lead may exist in ppm)
Impurities: Common trace elements identified via supplier SDS certification
Description: Reddish, metallic, odorless powder, variable particle size based on grade

First Aid Measures

Inhalation: Get person to fresh air. Seek medical attention if breathing becomes difficult or persistent cough develops. Copper dust can aggravate asthma.
Eye Contact: Immediate gentle rinsing with water for at least 15 minutes, keeping eyelids open. Do not rub. Seek medical care if irritation persists.
Skin Contact: Remove contaminated clothing, wash skin thoroughly with soap and water. Seek care if rash appears or irritation continues.
Ingestion: Rinse mouth with water. Do not induce vomiting unless advised by medical professional. Copper can bring nausea, abdominal pain, and vomiting if swallowed.
Note for Physicians: Treat symptomatically; watch for delayed pulmonary effects.

Fire-Fighting Measures

Suitable Extinguishing Media: Class D fire extinguisher, dry sand, or graphite powder. Water can cause violent reactions with molten copper or powder cloud.
Unsuitable Media: Never use water or foam on burning copper powder.
Hazards During Fire: Copper dust clouds ignite or explode between 125–430 g/m³ air. Creates toxic fumes of copper oxide if oxidized.
Special Protective Equipment: Firefighters wear self-contained breathing apparatus and full gear.
Advice for Firefighters: Evacuate area, control dust dispersion. Remove sources of ignition before starting clean-up.

Accidental Release Measures

Personal Precautions: Evacuate unprotected people. Wear respiratory protection, gloves, protective clothing. Eliminate ignition sources.
Environmental Precautions: Contain spilled powder, prevent entry to drains, soil, or rivers.
Methods for Clean-Up: Use non-sparking tools, pick up using HEPA vacuum or gently sweep, collect into closed, labeled containers.
Prevention of Dust Formation: Wet mop if compatible, but never use pressurized air.
Waste Disposal: Handle as hazardous waste, following local rules.
Reporting: Notify authorities if major environmental contamination occurs.

Handling and Storage

Handling Procedures: Handle under local exhaust. Keep container sealed and labeled. Minimize dust and static buildup.
Safe Storage Conditions: Store in tightly closed containers in cool, dry, well-ventilated area. Ground all equipment. Keep away from acids, oxidizers, and sources of ignition.
Incompatibilities: Avoid exposure to ammonia, halogens, acetylene, chlorinated rubber.
Hygiene: Wash hands before eating, drinking, or smoking. Remove potentially contaminated clothing before leaving workplace.
Bulk Storage: Minimize stack heights to avoid compaction or risk of dust release upon movement.

Exposure Controls and Personal Protection

Exposure Limits: OSHA PEL: 1 mg/m³ (dust and mist), NIOSH REL: 1 mg/m³
Engineering Controls: Local exhaust ventilation, dust collection systems
Personal Protective Equipment: Respirators (N95 or higher for dust), safety glasses/goggles, gloves (nitrile or equivalent), protective clothing to prevent skin contact
Workplace Monitoring: Scheduled air monitoring of dust concentration
Environmental Controls: Filters on exhaust vents; contain all process dust

Physical and Chemical Properties

Appearance: Fine, reddish-brown powder
Odor: None
Odor Threshold: Not applicable
pH: Insoluble in water
Melting Point: ~1,084°C (1,984°F)
Boiling Point: ~2,567°C (4,653°F)
Flash Point: Not applicable
Flammability: Combustible as fine powder, not as solid
Explosive Limits: Lower: 31 g/m³ air (approximate)
Vapor Pressure: Negligible at room temperature
Solubility: Insoluble in water
Specific Gravity: 8.96
Partition Coefficient: Not applicable
Auto-Ignition Temperature: ~700°C (dust form)

Stability and Reactivity

Chemical Stability: Stable in dry, cool conditions
Conditions to Avoid: Moisture, heat, static, sparks, friction, strong oxidizing agents, ammonia, acids
Materials to Avoid: Halogens, acetylene, hydrazine, chlorinated rubber
Decomposition Products: Copper oxides, toxic fumes
Hazardous Reactions: Violent with oxidizers, flammable gas with acetylene
Reactivity: Dust forms combustible clouds with air; not reactive as solid lump

Toxicological Information

Routes of Exposure: Inhalation, ingestion, skin, eyes
Acute Effects: Eye, skin, and respiratory irritation; ingesting powder may produce gastrointestinal upset, metallic taste, vomiting
Chronic Effects: Prolonged inhalation triggers metal fume fever, liver/kidney damage, anemia, skin or respiratory allergies in sensitive individuals
LD50 (Oral, Rat): ~3,000 mg/kg
Carcinogenicity: Not classified as human carcinogen (IARC 3)
Mutagenicity: Not expected to be mutagenic
Other Information: People with Wilson’s disease or compromised liver function face higher health risk from copper exposure

Ecological Information

Ecotoxicity: Toxic to aquatic organisms at moderate to high concentrations (fish and invertebrates). Accumulates in sediments; harms algae and plankton.
Persistence and Degradability: Metal, does not degrade; persists in environment
Bioaccumulation Potential: May bioaccumulate in aquatic life and soil organisms
Mobility in Soil: Limited; binds to organic matter and sediment
Other Adverse Effects: Runoff may harm plants, aquatic life, and disrupt soil ecology. Spills must not enter drains, rivers, or stormwater.

Disposal Considerations

Waste Treatment Methods: Dispose of in accordance with federal, state, and local regulations. Collected powder may be recycled or sent for hazardous waste landfill.
Contaminated Packaging: Decontaminate and reuse, or manage as hazardous waste.
Special Precautions: Do not release into sewer or environment. Avoid airborne dispersal during disposal operations.
Disposal Code: Consult local authorities for specific up-to-date codes.
Responsibility: Generator retains cradle-to-grave responsibility for safe disposal.

Transport Information

UN Number: Not regulated unless shipped as dangerous good (combustible dust hazard)
Shipping Name: Copper Powder
Transport Hazard Class: Not regulated for road, rail, sea, or air, but treat as combustible dust
Packing Group: Not assigned
Environmental Hazards: Shipping over water: take care to avoid accidental release
Special Precautions: Ensure strong, sealed containers, label dust hazard; segregate from incompatible cargo
Additional Guidance: Emergency Response Guidebook reference 171 (for Metals, Powder or Dust, N.O.S.)

Regulatory Information

OSHA: Regulated under Hazard Communication Standard
SARA Title III: Section 313, copper is a toxic chemical—reporting required for quantities above threshold
TSCA: Listed in TSCA Inventory
RCRA: Copper powder may be regulated waste if contaminated, per EPA hazardous waste listings
International: Listed under EU REACH, Canadian DSL, Australian AICS, Japanese ENCS
Labeling: Comply with GHS hazard communication, provide safety labeling and pictograms
Right to Know: Users and handlers must have access to current MSDS/SDS