Activated charcoal

2.1 Classification of the substance or mixture

Not classified (WHMIS 2015)

Hazard pictograms

Not applicable Hazards information Activated carbon is not considered hazardous as defined by OSHA Hazard Communication Standard 29 CFR 1910.1200

Further information

The « nuisance dust » exposure values that are listed (see section 8) apply to any inert substance capable of producing airborne particulates. Excessive concentrations of activated carbon may reduce visibility, cause unpleasant deposits in the eyes, ears, and nasal passages, or irritate the skin or mucous membranes by mechanical means. However, normal workplace exposure has not been determined to cause a significant health effect. Prolonged or repeated exposure to dust may cause eyes and respiratory tract irritation. Wet activated carbon depletes oxygen from air and, therefore, dangerously low levels of oxygen may be encountered. Whenever workers enter a vessel containing activated carbon, the vessel's oxygen content should be determined and work procedures for potentially low oxygen content should be followed. Contact with strong oxidizers such as ozone, liquid oxygen, permanganate etc., may result in fire. This product is non-toxic. Powder material may form an explosive dust/air mixture.