NIOSH lists cough, dyspnea, black sputum, decreased pulmonary function, and lung fibrosis as symptoms associated with natural graphite exposure and identifies the respiratory and cardiovascular systems as target organs.
Source: CDC/NIOSH: NIOSH Pocket Guide — Graphite (natural) ↗Dust entry
Natural graphite dust
Respirable dust from natural graphite, a carbon mineral profile covered by the NIOSH Pocket Guide.
Airborne form
dust
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
coughbreathing difficultyblack sputumdecreased pulmonary functionlung fibrosis
Evidence
Controls
- dust containment
- local exhaust ventilation
- exposure monitoring
- hygiene controls
- appropriate respiratory protection