Copper

Formula Cu
Structure
Description Reddish, lustrous metal, odorless.
Uses Fungicide, electrical wiring, coinage.

Registry Numbers and Inventories.
CAS 7440-50-8
EC (EINECS/ELINCS) 231-159-6
EC Risk Phrase R 36/38
EC Safety Phrase S 26 36
RTECS GL5325000
RTECS class Tumorigen; Reproductive Effector; Human Data
UN (DOT) 3089
Merck 13,2545
Beilstein/Gmelin 16269 (G)
EPA OPP 22501
Swiss Giftliste 1 G-6697
Canada DSL/NDSL DSL
US TSCA Listed
Austrailia AICS Listed
New Zealand Listed
Korea ECL Listed

Properties.
Formula Cu
Formula mass 63.55
Melting point, °C 1083
Boiling point, °C 2595
Vapor pressure, mmHg 1 at 1628 C
Density 8.94 g/cm3 (20 C)
Solubility in water Insoluble
Surface tension 1290 erg/cm2 (112 C)
Thermal expansion 1.7E-5/K
Heat of fusion 13.6 kJ/mol
Heat of vaporization 305.5 kJ/mol

Hazards and Protection.
Storage Store in a tightly closed container. Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area away from incompatible substances. Do not expose to air.
WHMIS Does not meet criteria
Handling Use with adequate ventilation. Minimize dust generation and accumulation. Avoid contact with skin and eyes. Keep container tightly closed. Avoid ingestion and inhalation. Wash clothing before reuse.
Protection Eyes: Wear appropriate protective eyeglasses or chemical safety goggles as described by OSHA's eye and face protection regulations in 29 CFR 1910.133 or European Standard EN166. Skin: Wear appropriate gloves to prevent skin exposure. Clothing: Wear appropriate protective clothing to minimize contact with skin.
Respirators Follow the OSHA respirator regulations found in 29CFR 1910.134 or European Standard EN 149. Always use a NIOSH or European Standard EN 149 approved respirator when necessary.
Small spills/leaks Clean up spills immediately, using the appropriate protective equipment. Sweep up, then place into a suitable container for disposal. Avoid generating dusty conditions. Provide ventilation.
Disposal code 27
Stability Stable at room temperature in closed containers under normal storage and handling conditions. Explosive peroxides may form on concentration.
Incompatibilities Liquid copper explodes on contact with water. Reacts violently with ammonium nitrate, bromates, iodates, chlorates, ethylene oxide, hydrazoic acid, potassium oxide, dimethyl sulfoxide + trichloroacetic acid, hydrogen peroxide, sodium peroxide, sodium azide, sulfuric acid, hydrogen sulfide + air, and lead azide. Ignites on contact with chlorine, fluorine (above 121C), chlorine trifluoride, and hydrazinium nitrate (above 70C). Incompatible with 1-bromo-2-propyne, potassium dioxide, and actylenic compounds.
Decomposition Copper fumes.

Fire.
Fire fighting Wear a self-contained breathing apparatus in pressure-demand, MSHA/NIOSH (approved or equivalent), and full protective gear. Material can spontaneously ignite (pyrophoric) when exposed to air at normal or slightly elevated temperatures. Extinguishing media: Use extinguishing media most appropriate for the surrounding fire. In case of fire use water spray, dry chemical, carbon dioxide, or appropriate foam.
Fire potential Quite hazardous in powdered form.
Hazards Oxides from metallic fires are a severe health hazard. Fire may produce irritating, corrosive and/or toxic gases.
NFPA Health 1
  Flammability 1  
  Reactivity 0  

Health.
Exposure limit(s) OSHA PEL: TWA 1 mg/m3 NIOSH REL: TWA 1 mg/m3 *Note: PEL and REL also apply to other copper compounds (as Cu) except Copper fume. NIOSH IDLH: 100 mg/m3 (as Cu)
Poison_Class -
Exposure effects Prolonged or repeated skin contact may cause dermatitis. May cause liver and kidney damage. May cause lung damage.
   Ingestion Causes gastrointestinal irritation with nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. May cause liver and kidney damage.
   Inhalation Dust is irritating to the respiratory tract. Inhalation of fumes may cause metal fume fever, which is characterized by flu-like symptoms with metallic taste, fever, chills, cough, weakness, chest pain, muscle pain and increased white blood cell count.
   Skin Causes skin irritation. May cause skin discoloration.
   Eyes Causes eye irritation.

First aid
 
   Ingestion Induce vomiting. If victim is conscious and alert, give 2-4 cupfuls of milk or water. Never give anything by mouth to an unconscious person. Get medical aid.
   Inhalation Remove from exposure to fresh air immediately. If not breathing, give artificial respiration. If breathing is difficult, give oxygen. Get medical aid.
   Skin Flush skin with plenty of soap and water for at least 15 minutes while removing contaminated clothing and shoes. Get medical aid if irritation develops or persists.
   Eyes Flush eyes with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes, occasionally lifting the upper and lower eyelids. Get medical aid.

Transport.
UN number 3089
Response guide 170
Hazard class 4.1
Packing Group II; III  
USCG CHRIS Code CUX  
HS Code 7410 11 00