Synonyms: Channel black; Lamp black; Furnace black; Thermal black; Acetylene black

OSHA IMIS Code Number: 0527

Chemical Abstracts Service (CAS) Registry Number: 1333-86-4

NIOSH Registry of Toxic Effects of Chemical Substances (RTECS) Identification Number: FF5800000

NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards - Carbon Black: Chemical description, physical properties, potentially hazardous incompatibilities, and more

National Toxicology Program (NTP) carcinogenic classification: Not listed

International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) carcinogenic classification: Group 2B [856 KB PDF, 149 pages] (possibly carcinogenic to humans)

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) carcinogenic classification: Not listed

EPA Inhalation Reference Concentration (RfC): Not established

Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) Inhalation Minimal Risk Level (MRL): Not established

NIOSH Immediately Dangerous to Life or Health (IDLH) concentration: 1,750 mg/m³

Notes on Other Potential Health Effects and Hazards

1. Carbon black is combustible, and some carbon blacks containing over 8% volatiles may pose an explosion hazard if finely dispersed (NIOSH/IPCS 2010).
2. Based on the results from several epidemiological studies, no association between exposure to carbon black and lung cancer was found (ACGIH 2011).
3. Three studies of female rats that inhaled carbon black and three additional studies of female rats exposed intratracheally found significant increases in the incidence of malignant lung tumors, providing sufficient evidence that carbon black can cause cancer in animals (Heinrich et al. 1995; Nikula et al. 1995; Driscoll et al. 1996). IARC (2010) noted that the human epidemiological evidence was inconsistent. Two of the three studies of carbon black production workers observed excess risk for lung cancer. The Working Group concluded that there was inadequate evidence from epidemiological studies to assess whether carbon black causes cancer in humans.
4. Carbon black has been shown to be a known rat carcinogen (EPA 2003).

Date Last Revised: 10/3/2012

Literature Basis

• ACGIH: Documentation of the Threshold Limit Values (TLVs) and Biological Exposure Indices (BEIs) - Carbon Black. 2011.
• Driscoll, KE, Carter, JM, Howard, BW et al.: Pulmonary inflammatory, chemokine, and mutagenic responses in rats after subchronic inhalation of carbon black. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol. 136:372-380, 1996.
• EPA: Integrated Risk Information System - Diesel Exhaust. 2003.
• Heinrich, U, Fuhst, R, Rittinghausen, S et al.: Chronic inhalation exposure of Wistar rats and two different strains of mice to diesel engine exhaust, carbon black, and titanium dioxide. Inhal Toxicol. 7:533-556, 1995.
• IARC: Monograph 93 - Carbon Black [856 KB PDF, 149 pages]. 2010.
• NIOSH: Criteria for a Recommended Standard - Occupational Exposure to Carbon Black. 1978.
• NIOSH: Occupational Health Guideline for Carbon Black.
• NIOSH/IPCS: International Chemical Safety Cards - Carbon Black. May 7, 2010.
• Nikula, KJ, Snipes, MB, Barr, EB et al.: Comparative pulmonary toxicities and carcinogenicities of chronically inhaled diesel exhaust and carbon black in F344 rats. Fundam Appl Toxicol. 25:80-94, 1995.

Laboratory Sampling/Analytical Method:

• sampling media: Tared Low Ash Polyvinyl Chloride (LAPVC) Filter 5 microns pore size closed face
  maximum volume: 960 Liters
  maximum flow rate: 2.0 L/min
  current analytical method: Gravimetric
  method reference: OSHA Analytical Method (OSHA ID-196)
  method classification: Partially Validated
  notes: Submit as a separate sample. If the filter is not overloaded, samples may be collected up to an 8-hour period. If poly aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are suspected to be present, take and submit separate samples on glass fiber filters per OSHA Method 58.

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