Activated Carbon (All Grades)

SECTION 2: Hazards identification

EMERGENCY OVERVIEW: Dust is irritating to respiratory tract. Wet dust reduces oxygen available for breathing. Can cause eye irritation. Low hazard for usual industrial or commercial handling. May cause pneumoconiosis and staining. Can decompose at high temperatures forming toxic gases. Inhalation: Product may be mildly irritating to the nose, throat and respiratory tract and may cause coughing and sneezing. Excessive contact with powder may cause drying of mucous membranes of nose and throat due to absorption of moisture and oils. See "Other Health Effects" Section. Skin Contact: This product may cause irritation due to abrasive action. Contact may cause drying of the skin due to absorption of moisture and oils. May cause defatting, drying and cracking of the skin. Prolonged, confined (especially under the finger nails, under rings or watch bands) or repeated exposure may cause skin irritation. Prolonged and repeated contact may lead to dermatitis. Skin Absorption: Not likely to be absorbed through the skin. Eye Contact: This product may cause irritation due to abrasive action. Ingestion: Ingestion of large doses can have cathartic (laxative) effects.

Other Health Effects

Effects (irritancy) on the skin and eyes may be delayed. Strict adherence to first aid measures following any exposure is essential. In general, long-term exposure to high concentrations of dust may cause increased mucous flow in the nose and respiratory system airways. This condition usually disappears after exposure stops. Controversy exists as to the role exposure to dust has in the development of chronic bronchitis (inflammation of the air passages into the lungs). Other factors such as smoking and general air pollution are more important, but dust exposure may contribute. (4) May cause asphyxiation, pneumoconiosis and staining. Wet dust reduces oxygen available for breathing. Asphyxia is characterized by increased breathing volume, accelerated pulse rate, muscular incoordination, faulty judgement, emotional instability, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, bewilderment, gasping respiration and unconsciousness. Pneumoconiosis is the deposition of dust in the lungs and the tissue's reaction to its presence. When exposure to the dust is severe or prolonged, the lungs' defenses are overwhelmed.