Material Safety Data Sheet - Cupric Oxide

Identification

Product Name: Cupric Oxide
SYNONYMS: Copper(II) oxide, Black copper oxide
Chemical Formula: CuO
Molecular Weight: 79.55 g/mol
CAS Number: 1317-38-0
Use: Applications include pigments, welding and brazing, catalysts, batteries, and as a fungicide.
Manufacturer Contact: Seek company-specific emergency phone, address, and detailed contact details, or use regional poison control centers for emergencies.

Hazard Identification

GHS Classification: Acute Toxicity (Oral) Category 4; Acute Toxicity (Inhalation) Category 4; Eye Irritation Category 2A; Skin Irritation Category 2; Hazardous to Aquatic Environment, Long-Term Hazard Category 1
Signal Word: Warning
Hazard Statements: Harmful if swallowed or inhaled. May cause skin and serious eye irritation. Toxic to aquatic life with long lasting effects. Prolonged overexposure may affect liver and kidneys.
Pictograms: Exclamation Mark, Environment
Precautionary Statements: Use personal protective equipment. Avoid release to environment. Do not eat, drink, or smoke during use. Wash thoroughly after handling.
Routes of Exposure: Inhalation, ingestion, skin and eye contact.

Composition / Information on Ingredients

Substance: Cupric Oxide
Chemical Identity: CuO
PURITY: 98%–100%
Impurities: May contain trace levels (<0.1%) of lead, iron, or other metals depending on the source.
REACH Registration Number: Included with supplier documentation where required.
EC Number: 215-269-1

First Aid Measures

Inhalation: Move person to fresh air. Seek medical attention if symptoms like coughing, shortness of breath, or sore throat appear.
Skin Contact: Remove contaminated clothing and wash skin thoroughly with soap and water. Medical help may be necessary if rash or irritation persists.
Eye Contact: Rinse carefully with water for several minutes. Remove contact lenses if present and easy to do, then keep rinsing. Seek medical help if irritation develops.
Ingestion: Rinse mouth and drink water, avoid inducing vomiting. Get medical advice immediately.
Symptoms: May include headache, nausea, irritation of nose, throat or eyes, dizziness, and in some cases, blue-green coloration of vomit or feces.

Fire-Fighting Measures

Suitable Extinguishing Media: Dry chemical, foam, carbon dioxide, water spray.
Hazards: Cupric oxide does not burn but toxic copper fumes may form at high temperatures.
Protective Equipment: Full firefighting gear, self-contained breathing apparatus.
Special Information: Avoid low areas as gases may accumulate, aggressively ventilate after fire is under control.
Decomposition Products: Copper oxides, possibly copper fumes.

Accidental Release Measures

Personal Precautions: Wear protective clothing, gloves, eye protection, and dust respirator to prevent inhalation or skin contact.
Environmental Precautions: Prevent further leakage or spillage if safe to do so. Do not allow product to reach drains or surface water.
Cleanup Methods: Sweep up with minimum dust generation. Place in sealed, labeled containers for proper disposal.
Spill Response: Use vacuum or wet techniques for large spills if possible, rather than dry sweeping. Dispose of material according to regulations.
Ventilation: Evacuate personnel and ventilate area.

Handling and Storage

Handling: Avoid dust formation and inhalation. Wash thoroughly after handling and do not eat or drink when working with the product. Use only with adequate ventilation.
Storage: Keep in tightly closed containers in a dry, cool, and well-ventilated space, away from food, acids, and combustible materials.
Incompatibility: Store separate from strong acids, ammonium salts, magnesium, reducing agents. Avoid storing near moisture or heat sources.
Hygiene: Remove contaminated clothing and wash before reuse. Maintain clean storage area, label containers clearly.

Exposure Controls and Personal Protection

Exposure Limits: OSHA PEL: 0.1 mg/m³ (Copper fume as Cu), ACGIH TLV: 0.2 mg/m³ (inhalable copper dust and mists).
Engineering Controls: Use local exhaust ventilation to limit airborne levels.
Personal Protective Equipment: Dust mask or NIOSH-approved respirator, chemical-resistant gloves, protective goggles, long-sleeved clothing, and closed footwear.
Environmental Controls: Equipment for containment and clean up in case of release. Keep workplace clean, prevent accumulation of dust and waste.

Physical and Chemical Properties

Appearance: Black, fine, powder or crystalline solid.
Odor: Odorless
pH: Not applicable
Melting Point: 1,320°C
Boiling Point: Decomposes before boiling
Solubility: Insoluble in water, soluble in acids, ammonium chloride, aqueous ammonia.
Specific Gravity: 6.31
Vapor Pressure: Not applicable
Partition Coefficient (n-octanol/water): Not available
Evaporation Rate: Not applicable
Flammability: Non-combustible
Particle Size: Varies depending on grade, usually micron scale.

Stability and Reactivity

Stability: Stable under normal conditions of use and storage.
Reactivity: May react with strong acids to give off toxic copper fumes. Reduces by hydrogen to metallic copper.
Hazardous Reactions: Avoid contact with strong reducing agents, magnesium, moist air may increase corrosion.
Decomposition: Releases toxic copper oxides or fumes if overheated.
Polymerization: Will not occur.

Toxicological Information

Acute Oral Toxicity: LD50 (rat) ~470 mg/kg
Acute Inhalation Toxicity: LC50 (rat, 4hr) > 2.75 mg/L
Skin Sensitization: May cause skin irritation on prolonged contact.
Chronic Exposure: Long-term, high-level inhalation may cause copper poisoning, potentially leading to gastrointestinal distress, liver and kidney injuries.
Other Effects: Dust exposure can lead to respiratory irritation (cough, sore throat), headaches, and nausea.
Carcinogenicity: Not listed as a known carcinogen by IARC, NTP, or OSHA.
Mutagenicity / Reproductive Effects: Not reported in conventional use, but prudent safety practices advised.
Note: Pre-existing medical conditions involving liver, kidneys, respiratory system may worsen by exposure.

Ecological Information

Aquatic Toxicity: Highly toxic to fish, aquatic invertebrates, and algae. EC50 (Daphnia magna, 48hr): 0.073 mg/L.
Persistence and Degradability: Stable, does not break down easily; persistence in soils and sediment.
Bioaccumulation: Copper bioaccumulates in aquatic organisms and can disrupt food chains.
Mobility in Soil: Tends to bind to particulates and does not migrate easily through soil.
Other Hazards: Can contribute to long-term contamination in aquatic environments, enhancing toxic effects for many species.

Disposal Considerations

Waste Treatment: Dispose of material as hazardous waste. Avoid dumping into sewer, waterways, or soil.
Containers: Fully rinse and triple-wash containers before recycling or landfilling, as required by local guidance.
Disposal Method: Incineration or landfilling should follow applicable local, state, federal guidelines.
Special Precautions: Use certified handlers and disposal sites, maintain records of disposal for traceability.
Regulatory Waste Codes: U075 (RCRA hazardous waste code for copper containing wastes in the US).

Transport Information

UN Number: Not classified as hazardous for land transport.
Proper Shipping Name: Cupric Oxide
Transport Hazards: Not considered dangerous goods under most transit regulations, but consult IATA, ADR, IMDG as local guidelines may differ.
Packaging: Use secure, sealed, and clearly labeled packaging, protected against spillage and dust release.
Special Provisions: Ship with safety documentation, handle as environmentally hazardous substance.
Transport Category: Varies by country and carrier’s policies regarding environmental hazards.

Regulatory Information

OSHA: Listed hazardous substance.
TSCA: Listed on US Toxic Substances Control Act Inventory.
SARA Title III: Copper compounds subject to reporting under Section 313.
REACH: Registered as a substance of very high concern in the EU for some uses, subject to registration and notification.
Other Regulations: Subject to local, state, national, and regional requirements, including workplace safety and environmental rules.
Labeling Requirements: GHS hazard pictograms, signal word, hazard statements, and precautionary statements required.
WHMIS (Canada): Classified as hazardous.
Proposition 65 (CA): Copper compounds not currently listed.