Graphite, all forms except graphite fibers

Synonyms

AG 1500; AS 1; AT 20; ATJ-S; ATJ-S graphite; Aerodag G; Aquadag; Black lead; C.I. 77265; C.I. Pigment Black 10; CB 50; CPB 5000; Canlub; Ceylon Black Lead; DC 2; EG 0; EXP-F; Electrographite; Fortafil 5Y; GK 2; GK 3; GP 60; GP 60S; GP 63; GS 2; GY 70; Grafoil; Grafoil GTA; Graphite; Graphite (all forms except graphite fibers); Graphitic acid; Graphnol N 3M; H 451; Hitco HMG 50; IG 11; Korobon; MG 1; MPG 6; Mineral carbon; PG 50; Papyex; Plumbago; Plumbago (graphite); Pyro-Carb 406; Rocol X 7119; S 1; S 1 (Graphite); SKLN 1; Schungite; Shungite; Silver graphite; Stove Black; Swedish Black Lead; Ucar 38; VVP 66-95; [ChemIDplus]

Category

Other Mineral Dusts

Description

Steel gray to black, greasy feeling, odorless solid; [NIOSH]

Sources/Uses

Natural graphite is a crystalline form of carbon that is known as plumbago. The "flake" form of natural graphite is used in refractory ceramics, pencils, lubricants, and brake linings. Carbon can be converted into graphite by a high temperature process called "graphitization." Synthetic graphite does not contain the mineral impurities present in natural graphite. [Rom, p. 531] Natural graphite is often contaminated with quartz, mica, iron oxide, and granite. [ACGIH]

Comments

Severe symptomatic cases of graphite pneumoconioses were reported in the past. Heavy exposures occurred in workers manufacturing carbon electrodes for metallurgy. Studies of graphite miners have shown x-ray changes from mixed exposures to carbon and silica. [Harber, p. 356] Graphite pneumoconiosis is similar to coal workers' pneumoconiosis, and some cases progress to massive fibrosis. [Rom, p. 531] "The data indicate that the higher the crystalline silica content of the graphite dust, the more likely the disease will increase in severity.” [ACGIH]

Biomedical References

Insufficient data

2 mg/m3, respir. fraction(all forms except graphite fibers)

15 mppcf (based on impinger samples counted by light field techniques)

1.5 mg/m3 (respirable fraction), 4 mg/m3 (inhalable fraction)

1250 mg/m3

Excerpts from Documentation for IDLHs

Basis for revised IDLH: The available toxicological data contain no evidence that an acute exposure to a high concentration of graphite would impede escape or cause any irreversible health effects within 30 minutes.

Yes

Diseases

Occupational diseases associated with exposure to this agent:

• Pneumoconioses, other

Processes

Industrial Processes with risk of exposure:

• Mining