# NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards
Graphite (natural) | CAS 7782-42-5
C | RTECS MD9659600
Synonyms & Trade Names Black lead, Mineral carbon, Plumbago, Silver graphite, Stove black [Note: Also see specific listing for Graphite (synthetic).] | DOT ID & Guide
Exposure Limits | NIOSH REL: TWA 2.5 mg/m3 (resp)
OSHA PEL†: TWA 15 mppcf
IDLH 1250 mg/m3 | Conversion
Physical Description Steel gray to black, greasy feeling, odorless solid.
MW: 12.0 | BP: Sublimes | MLT: 6602°F (Sublimes) | Sol: Insoluble
VP: 0 mmHg (approx) | IP: NA |  | Sp.Gr: 2.0-2.25
Fl.P: NA | UEL: NA | LEL: NA |
Combustible Solid
Incompatibilities & Reactivities Very strong oxidizers such as fluorine, chlorine trifluoride & potassium peroxide
Measurement Methods NIOSH 0500, 0600
Personal Protection & Sanitation Skin: No recommendation Eyes: No recommendation Wash skin: No recommendation Remove: No recommendation Change: No recommendation | First Aid (See procedures) Eye: Irrigate immediately Breathing: Fresh air
Respirator Recommendations NIOSH Up to 12.5 mg/m3: (APF = 5) Any dust respirator Up to 25 mg/m3: (APF = 10) Any dust respirator except single-use and quarter-mask respirators/(APF = 10) Any supplied-air respirator Up to 62.5 mg/m3: (APF = 25) Any powered, air-purifying respirator with a dust filter/(APF = 25) Any supplied-air respirator operated in a continuous-flow mode Up to 125 mg/m3: (APF = 50) Any air-purifying, full-facepiece respirator with a high-efficiency particulate filter/(APF = 50) Any powered, air-purifying respirator with a tight-fitting facepiece and a high-efficiency particulate filter/(APF = 50) Any supplied-air respirator that has a tight-fitting facepiece and is operated in a continuous-flow mode/(APF = 50) Any self-contained breathing apparatus with a full facepiece/(APF = 50) Any supplied-air respirator with a full facepiece Up to 1250 mg/m3: (APF = 2000) Any supplied-air respirator that has a full facepiece and is operated in a pressure-demand or other positive-pressure mode Emergency or planned entry into unknown concentrations or IDLH conditions: (APF = 10,000) Any self-contained breathing apparatus that has a full facepiece and is operated in a pressure-demand or other positive-pressure mode/(APF = 10,000) Any supplied-air respirator that has a full facepiece and is operated in a pressure-demand or other positive-pressure mode in combination with an auxiliary self-contained positive-pressure breathing apparatus Escape: (APF = 50) Any air-purifying, full-facepiece respirator with a high-efficiency particulate filter/Any appropriate escape-type, self-contained breathing apparatus
Exposure Routes inhalation, skin and/or eye contact
Symptoms Cough, dyspnea (breathing difficulty), black sputum, decreased pulmonary function, lung fibrosis
Target Organs respiratory system, cardiovascular system
See also: INTRODUCTION