Material Safety Data Sheet: Copper Oxide

Identification

Product Name: Copper Oxide
Chemical Formula: CuO
Common Names: Black Copper Oxide, Cupric Oxide
CAS Number: 1317-38-0
Recommended Use: Used in ceramics, glass, electronics, agriculture, and as a pigment
Manufacturing or Supplier Information: Industrial chemical distributors and science supply companies
Emergency Contact Number: Provided by supplier per region

Hazard Identification

GHS Classification: Acute Toxicity (Oral and Inhalation) Category 4, Eye Irritation Category 2A
Signal Word: Warning
Hazard Statements: Harmful if swallowed, harmful if inhaled, causes serious eye irritation
Pictograms: Exclamation mark
Symptoms of Exposure: Irritation to eyes, skin, respiratory tract, headaches, nausea, cough, possible metal fume fever with excessive inhalation
Potential Health Effects: Prolonged or repeated exposure may affect liver and kidneys
Environmental Hazards: Very toxic to aquatic life with long-lasting effects

Composition / Information on Ingredients

Chemical Name: Copper Oxide
Synonyms: Cupric Oxide
CAS Number: 1317-38-0
Concentration: 98% or greater by weight
Impurities: Trace levels of copper(I) oxide, moisture
Molecular Weight: 79.55 g/mol

First Aid Measures

General: Move exposed person to fresh air, keep at rest, and seek medical attention if symptoms develop
Inhalation: Remove individual to well-ventilated area. If breathing difficulty occurs, seek immediate medical assistance
Skin Contact: Remove contaminated clothing, wash affected area well with soap and water
Eye Contact: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes, remove contact lenses if present, seek medical advice if irritation persists
Ingestion: Rinse mouth thoroughly, do not induce vomiting, seek prompt medical attention
Advice to Physician: Treat symptomatically; monitor for delayed pulmonary effects

Fire-Fighting Measures

Suitable Extinguishing Media: Dry chemical, carbon dioxide, foam, or water spray
Unsuitable Extinguishing Media: Do not use a direct water jet; may spread contamination
Special Hazards from Substance: Copper oxide does not burn, but toxic fumes of copper may be generated in a fire
Protective Equipment for Firefighters: Full protective gear and self-contained breathing apparatus
Specific Firefighting Procedures: Use caution, avoid inhaling fumes, control runoff to prevent environmental contamination

Accidental Release Measures

Personal Precautions: Use proper personal protective equipment (PPE), ventilate area, avoid generating dust
Environmental Precautions: Keep out of drains, sewers, waterways, and soil; contain spill to prevent extensive contamination
Methods for Clean-up: Carefully sweep up, shovel into appropriate container; minimize dust formation, dispose of according to regulations
Notification Procedures: Report large spills to proper authorities according to local, state, and federal guidelines

Handling and Storage

Precautions for Safe Handling: Avoid skin and eye contact, do not breathe dust or fumes, handle in well-ventilated area
Hygiene Practices: Wash hands before breaks and immediately after handling, use clean protective clothing
Storage Conditions: Store in cool, dry, well-ventilated place, in tightly closed, labeled containers
Incompatibilities: Keep apart from acids, organic substances, reducing agents, and flammable materials
Storage Temperature and Pressure Recommendations: Ambient temperature and pressure

Exposure Controls and Personal Protection

Control Parameters: OSHA PEL (TWA): 1 mg/m³ (fume), 1 mg/m³ (dust and mist) as Cu
Engineering Controls: Use local exhaust ventilation, process enclosures, and mechanical ventilation
Respiratory Protection: Approved respirator for dust if engineering controls are inadequate
Eye Protection: Chemical safety goggles or face shield
Skin Protection: Impervious gloves, protective clothing resistant to dust
Other Protective Equipment: Eye wash station, safety shower in work area; do not eat, drink, or smoke while handling

Physical and Chemical Properties

Appearance: Black, odorless, fine powder or crystalline solid
Odor: Odorless
Melting Point: 1,320°C
Boiling Point: Decomposes before boiling
Density: 6.31 g/cm³ at 25°C
Solubility: Insoluble in water, soluble in acids and ammonia solutions
pH (for aqueous suspension): Not applicable; insoluble
Flash Point: Not flammable
Vapor Pressure: Negligible at room temperature
Partition Coefficient: Not available
Evaporation Rate: Not applicable
Auto-ignition Temperature: Not flammable
Explosive Properties: Not explosive
Oxidizing Properties: Non-oxidizing material

Stability and Reactivity

Chemical Stability: Stable under normal ambient and anticipated storage and handling conditions
Reactivity: Not reactive under standard conditions
Conditions to Avoid: Moisture, excessive heat, contact with incompatible materials
Incompatible Materials: Reducing agents, acids, magnesium, aluminum, hydrogen peroxide
Hazardous Decomposition: Copper fumes, oxides of copper
Polymerization: Will not occur

Toxicological Information

Likely Routes of Exposure: Inhalation, ingestion, skin and eye contact
Acute Toxicity: Oral LD50 (rat): 350 mg/kg
Inhalation: Harmful, may cause irritation of respiratory tract, coughing, metal fume fever
Skin Contact: Irritation may result from repeated or prolonged exposure
Eye Contact: Causes severe irritation, redness, pain
Chronic Toxicity: Repeated exposure may cause anemia, liver, and kidney damage
Carcinogenicity: Not classified as carcinogen by IARC, NTP, or OSHA
Mutagenicity: No evidence in animal studies
Reproductive Toxicity: No evidence of reproductive effects
Other Health Effects: Inhalation may aggravate pre-existing respiratory conditions

Ecological Information

Ecotoxicity: Very toxic to aquatic organisms; may cause long-term adverse effects in the aquatic environment
Persistence and Degradability: Not readily biodegradable; persistent in soil and water
Bioaccumulative Potential: Bioaccumulation possible in aquatic organisms
Mobility in Soil: Low solubility, but may bind to sediments and soils
Other Adverse Effects: Copper compounds disrupt aquatic life, can affect fish, invertebrates, and algae

Disposal Considerations

Waste Disposal: Dispose of in accordance with local, regional, and national regulations; avoid discharge to the environment
Unused Product: Send to licensed hazardous waste disposal facility
Contaminated Packaging: Empty containers retain residue; handle as hazardous waste
Precautions for Disposal: Keep out of drains and watercourses; use appropriate containment

Transport Information

UN Number: Not regulated as dangerous goods for land, sea, or air transport under most regulations
Transport Hazard Class: Not classified
Packing Group: Not applicable
Special Transport Precautions: Prevent container damage, prevent release of dust during transport
Proper Shipping Name: Copper Oxide
Environmental Hazards: Marine pollutant in some jurisdictions

Regulatory Information

US OSHA: Listed as hazardous, specific exposure limits for copper dusts/fumes
TSCA (Toxic Substances Control Act): Listed
SARA Title III: Subject to reporting as hazardous substance
EPA CERCLA: Copper compounds have a reportable quantity
EU REACH Registration: Registered high-volume chemical
Canadian WHMIS: Classified as D2A (toxic) material
Other Regulations: Subject to additional state, provincial, or national requirements depending on use or disposal