MSDS — Electrolytic Copper

Identification

Product Name: Electrolytic Copper
Synonyms: High-Purity Copper, Copper Cathode
CAS Number: 7440-50-8
Molecular Formula: Cu
Recommended Use: Electrical conductors, electroplating, wire production, industrial applications
Manufacturer/Supplier: Must have reliable contact information, including emergency telephone line
Emergency Overview: Metal, reddish solid, unusually high density, not typically encountered in powder form for general users

Hazard Identification

OSHA Hazard Classification: Copper metal counts as nonhazardous under normal handling, but powder or dust presents issues
Routes of Exposure: Skin, eyes, inhalation, ingestion (with powder or dust only)
Hazard Statements: Eye irritation, possible respiratory tract irritation, dust may cause discomfort, not generally flammable, under certain industrial conditions risk increases
Pictograms: Exclamation mark for irritation risk
Precautionary Statements: Avoid breathing dust particles, wash after handling, use personal protective equipment if needed, avoid contact with eyes and prolonged skin exposure

Composition / Information on Ingredients

Chemical Name: Copper
Concentration: Over 99.9% pure copper
Impurities: Could contain trace elements (lead, silver, nickel, arsenic, selenium) depending on source, levels typically below regulatory limits
Other Components: No ingredients hazardous according to OSHA definitions. Small inclusion of oxides or residual process chemicals possible

First Aid Measures

Inhalation: Remove to fresh air. If symptoms show up, seek medical attention. Dust sparks coughing, throat irritation, rarely more severe acute symptoms
Skin Contact: Wash skin well with water and soap. Remove contaminated clothing. Copper metal unlikely to cause persistent irritations
Eye Contact: Flush with water for minimum 15 minutes, lifting upper and lower lids, medical attention if irritation continues
Ingestion: Rinse mouth; seek medical aid if a large amount ingested (unlikely for bulk metal). Copper ingestion risks gastrointestinal upset, nausea, and vomiting, but requires atypically high exposure

Fire-Fighting Measures

Suitable Extinguishing Media: Use dry chemical, CO₂ or foam for fires involving other materials. Bulk copper does not burn, but dust clouds can ignite in rare scenarios
Special Hazards: Fine dust can combust; molten copper pours at high heat (above 1,085°C) may cause splatter injuries
Required Protection: Wear full gear, use self-contained breathing apparatus. Prevent runoff from entering water systems due to copper ion toxicity
Thermal Decomposition: Heated copper does not emit hazardous gases but will oxide on surface; keep away from strong acids to avoid toxic vapor

Accidental Release Measures

Personal Precautions: For solid pieces, use gloves. For dust, wear eye and respiratory protection. Ventilate area
Environmental Precautions: Prevent entry into waterways and drains. Copper particles harm aquatic organisms
Clean Up: Collect mechanically for reuse or disposal. Large spills: vacuum up powders, dampen to avoid airborne dust
Decontamination: Rinse area with plenty of water, collect residue, ensure no trace of dust remains in breathing zones

Handling and Storage

Handling: Use gloves for rough handling, avoid generating dust. Take special care during cutting, welding, or grinding processes
Storage: Store in dry, well-ventilated spaces. Keep away from acids, strong oxidizers, ammonium salts
Special Packaging: No unique packaging required except for powdered or granulated forms, which need airtight containers to reduce oxidation
Other Recommendations: For workplace safety, prevent continuous skin contact, avoid transfer of dust to food or cigarettes

Exposure Controls and Personal Protection

Occupational Limits: OSHA PEL for copper dust and mist: 1 mg/m³; ACGIH TLV: 1 mg/m³ (dust/mist), 0.2 mg/m³ (fume)
Engineering Controls: Local exhaust ventilation if dust is present. Machining or grinding: use dust collection equipment
Personal Protective Equipment: Gloves (nitrile, latex, cotton), safety glasses or goggles, NIOSH-approved respirator for dust
Hygiene: Wash hands after handling, remove work clothing before leaving facility, do not eat or smoke near copper dust

Physical and Chemical Properties

Appearance: Reddish, metallic solid
Odor: None
Melting Point: 1,085°C (1,984°F)
Boiling Point: 2,567°C (4,653°F)
Density: 8.96 g/cm³
Solubility: Insoluble in water
Other Info: Not volatile, low reactivity with air at room temperature, highly conductive (both thermally and electrically), nonmagnetic

Stability and Reactivity

Chemical Stability: Stable under normal use
Incompatible Materials: Strong acids, oxidizers, ammonium nitrate result in potentially dangerous reactions
Hazardous Decomposition Products: None under moderate heating. Copper oxides form with strong heat. Mixing with acids releases hydrogen and may generate toxic copper salts
Polymerization: Will not occur under any typical working conditions
Reactivity: Remains unreactive with air, water, most solvents; forms patina over time with moist air or acids

Toxicological Information

Routes of Exposure: Inhalation (main risk is for fine dust or fume), ingestion, skin and eye contact for metal pieces
Acute Toxicity: Dust or fume inhalation causes metal fume fever, coughing, headache, nausea; coarse copper or minor skin contact rarely harmful
Chronic Toxicity: Chronic dust inhalation can reduce respiratory health, very high long-term exposure tied to liver and kidney problems in rare cases, more relevant for fine or fume forms
Symptoms: Eyes: redness, pain. Skin: mild irritation for susceptible people. Inhalation: cough, throat irritation, possible metallic taste
Sensitization/Carcinogenicity: Not listed as carcinogenic by IARC, NTP or OSHA. Allergy to copper extremely rare

Ecological Information

Ecotoxicity: Copper metal is toxic to aquatic organisms even at low concentrations, especially if released as dust, powder, or through acid rain runoff
Mobility: Insoluble in water, but copper ions from oxidation travel readily through soil and groundwater, causing contamination
Persistence/Degradability: Does not degrade, metal remains for decades in environment, accumulates in soil and sediment
Bioaccumulation: Copper can bioconcentrate in aquatic plants and animals, causing food chain effects
Other Effects: Copper accumulates in bottom sediments, harming freshwater ecosystems and interfering with aquatic invertebrates’ metabolism

Disposal Considerations

Waste Disposal: Recycle whenever possible, copper retains economic value, minimizing landfill disposal
Compliance: Dispose of in accordance with local, state, and federal regulations on heavy metal waste
Precaution: Never wash copper dust or particles down the drain, due to impact on drinking water and aquatic environments
Spillage Remediation: Collect spills as solid waste, store in secure containers for proper recycling or disposal, keep records for traceability

Transport Information

UN Number: Not classified as dangerous for transport under bulk solid form
Transport Hazard Class: Not regulated as hazardous by DOT, IMO, IATA
Packing Group: Not applicable
Special Precautions: Use strong packaging for powders to prevent leaks; avoid mixing with acids, ammonium salts, oxidizers during transport
Labeling Requirements: For bulk shipments, mark with copper grade, purity, and batch code for traceability

Regulatory Information

US Regulations: SARA 313 toxic chemical subject; RCRA hazardous waste for certain forms; OSHA not hazardous in solid form but regulated for dust and fumes
International: EINECS No. 231-159-6; included in Canadian DSL; covered under EU REACH registration
Right-to-Know Acts: Listed under many state chemical inventories for workplace exposure
Environmental Protection: Subject to reporting if released in significant quantity, constraints on disposal, storage, handling under EPA and other environmental authority rules