dusts.org
← All dusts

Dust entry

Copper dusts and mists

Airborne copper dust, metal fume, and mists generated during processing, grinding, welding, or handling copper and copper salts.

Airborne form

fumemist

The form describes what is suspended in air at the point of exposure. A material can produce more than one form, such as dust during handling and fume during heating.

Health effects

eye irritationnose irritationpharynx irritationnasal septum perforationdermatitiscold-like symptomsliver and kidney effects concern

Evidence

The current NIOSH Pocket Guide names copper dusts and mists as the substance form and lists inhalation, ingestion, skin, and eye contact routes with eye, nose, pharynx, and skin effects.

Source: html ↗ · saved source
Synonyms and Trade Names; Exposure Routes; Symptoms · 1
# Copper (dusts and mists, as Cu) ... Synonyms & Trade Names Copper metal dusts, Copper metal fumes ... Exposure Routes inhalation, ingestion, skin and/or eye contact. Symptoms irritation eyes, nose, pharynx; nasal septum perforation; metallic taste; dermatitis.

NIOSH identifies irritation of the eyes, nose, and pharynx; nasal septum perforation; metallic taste; and dermatitis among symptoms associated with copper dusts and mists.

Source: html ↗ · saved source
Exposure Limits; Exposure Routes; Symptoms; Target Organs · 1
NIOSH REL TWA 1 mg/m³. OSHA PEL TWA 1 mg/m³. Exposure Routes inhalation, ingestion, skin and/or eye contact. Symptoms irritation eyes, nose, pharynx; nasal septum perforation; metallic taste; dermatitis. Target Organs Eyes, skin, respiratory system, liver, kidneys (increased risk with Wilson's disease).

NIOSH lists a 1 mg/m³ REL and PEL and a revised IDLH of 100 mg/m³ as copper.

Source: html ↗ · saved source
Exposure Limits; Exposure Routes; Symptoms; Target Organs · 1
NIOSH REL TWA 1 mg/m³. OSHA PEL TWA 1 mg/m³. Exposure Routes inhalation, ingestion, skin and/or eye contact. Symptoms irritation eyes, nose, pharynx; nasal septum perforation; metallic taste; dermatitis. Target Organs Eyes, skin, respiratory system, liver, kidneys (increased risk with Wilson's disease).
Source: html ↗ · saved source
Immediately Dangerous to Life or Health Concentrations · 1
Revised IDLH: 100 mg Cu/m³

A NIOSH health-hazard evaluation reports cold-like symptoms, including chills and head stuffiness, after short-term exposure to powdered copper or copper-salt dust and mists.

Source: pdf ↗ · saved source
page 1 · Summary · 1
Short-term exposures to powdered copper or dust and mists of copper salts are associated with cold-like symptoms including sensations of chills and head stuffiness.

Controls