NIOSH logo and tagline

Graphite (natural)

Synonyms & Trade Names
Black lead, Mineral carbon, Plumbago, Silver graphite, Stove black [Note: Also see specific listing for Graphite (synthetic).]
CAS No.
7782-42-5
RTECS No.
DOT ID & Guide
Formula
C
Conversion
IDLH
1250 mg/m3
See: 7782425
Exposure Limits
NIOSH REL
TWA 2.5 mg/m3 (resp)
OSHA PEL
TWA 15 mppcf See Appendix C (Mineral Dusts) See Appendix G
Measurement Methods
NIOSH 0500 , 0600
See: NMAM or OSHA Methods
Physical Description
Steel gray to black, greasy feeling, odorless solid.
Molecular Weight
12.0
Boiling Point
Sublimes
Melting Point
6602°F (Sublimes)
Solubility
Insoluble
Vapor Pressure
0 mmHg (approx)
Ionization Potential
NA
Specific Gravity
2.0-2.25
Flash Point
NA
Upper Explosive Limit
NA
Lower Explosive Limit
NA
Combustible Solid
Incompatibilities & Reactivities
Very strong oxidizers such as fluorine, chlorine trifluoride & potassium peroxide
Exposure Routes
inhalation, skin and/or eye contact
Symptoms
Cough, dyspnea (breathing difficulty), black sputum, decreased pulmonary function, lung fibrosis
Target Organs
respiratory system, cardiovascular system
Personal Protection/Sanitation
(See protection codes)
Skin:No recommendation
Eyes:No recommendation
Wash skin:No recommendation
Remove:No recommendation
Change:No recommendation
First Aid
(See procedures)
Eye:Irrigate immediately

Breathing:Fresh air
Respirator Recommendations

NIOSH

Up to 12.5 mg/m3:
(APF = 5) Any quarter-mask respirator.
Click here for information on selection of N, R, or P filters.

Up to 25 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 62.5 mg/m3:
(APF = 25) Any powered, air-purifying respirator with a high-efficiency particulate filter.
(APF = 25) Any supplied-air respirator operated in a continuous-flow mode

Up to 125 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 supplied-air respirator that has a tight-fitting facepiece and is operated in a continuous-flow mode
(APF = 50) Any self-contained breathing apparatus with a full facepiece
(APF = 50) Any supplied-air respirator with a full facepiece

Up to 1250 mg/m3:
(APF = 2000) Any supplied-air respirator that has a full facepiece and is 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

Important additional information about respirator selection

See also
INTRODUCTION   ICSC CARD: 0893   MEDICAL TESTS: 0112
Page last reviewed: October 30, 2019