MSDS - Copper Concentrate
MSDS - Copper Concentrate
Copper Concentrate
Product Use: Copper concentrate is used for the production of metallic copper and copper alloys.
Composition:
Composition Main Elements
Material
Dry Ag Pb Zn Cu Iron Bi S
% 32 to 80* 3 to 10.5 3.5 to 6.2 21.0 to 26.0 20.0 to 28.0 0.5 to 1.50 28 to 36
*oz/TMS
NOTE: LEOs for individual jurisdictions may differ from OSHA PELs. Check with your local authorities for the LEOs.
applicable in your jurisdiction.
Occupational Safety and Health Administration
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. OEL – Occupational Exposure Limit, PEL –
Permissible Exposure Limit
Exposure Limit (Recommended Exposure Limit).
Sulfur (as sulfide): ACGIH TLV, OSHA PEL: 5.0 ppm (SO2LD50 and LC50: not available.
Cobre (como polvo metálico): Vía oral LD50: 1.0 mg/kg (ratas)
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Iron (as pyrite): ACGIH TLV: Iron oxide (dust, fume): 5 mg/m3(Fe). LD50 and LC50: not available. The OSHA PEL for fumes of
Iron Oxide is 10 mg/m3. The ACGIH TLV and the NIOSH REL for iron oxide dust and fumes is 5 mg/m3.
Zinc: ACGIH TLV: substance that does not contain asbestos and less than 1% silica. The OSHA PEL for Zinc Oxide dust is 15 mg/m3.
(total) and 5 mg/m3 (respirable); the OSHA PEL for Zinc Oxide fumes is 5 mg/m3. The ACGIH TLV for Zinc oxide dust is 10.
mg/m3y the ACGIH TLV for zinc oxide fumes is 5 mg/m3 with a Short Term Exposure Limit - STEL (Short Term Exposure Limit)
Term) of 5 mg/m3.
Silica (amorphous): Oral route LD50: 22500 mg/kg (rats), 15000 mg/kg (mice).
Silica (crystalline): Oral route LD50: 3160 mg/kg (rats).
Lead (metal and inorganic compounds): ACGIH TLV: 0.05 mg/m3. LD50 and LC50: not available.
Bismuth: Oral Route (LD50): 5000 mg/kg (rats), 10000 mg/kg (mice).
Copper Concentrate
General: In the powdered form in which this product is marketed, the metals present as sulfides are
relatively insoluble in the body. However, high operating temperatures such as oxygen cutting, arc welding
electric on contaminated surfaces, smelting of concentrates, can generate metallic oxide fumes. These oxides
are soluble in body fluids, the particle size of these metal fumes is within the range
respirable, which increases the possibility of inhalation and deposition of these fumes in the body. The main route of
exposure may occur through the inhalation of fumes from metal oxides, primarily composed of oxides of
copper, lead and some zinc oxide. NOTE: The toxicological properties of this material have not been fully assessed.
investigated. The information contained in this Information Sheet is based on technical and scientific literature about
the compounds that make up this material.
Ingestion, Inhalation.
Acute Health Effects: Copper concentrate is a heavy dark green material, powder.
extremely thin, which is not flammable or combustible under normal transport or storage conditions. Without
embargo when heated strongly in air, it can ignite, releasing Sulfur Dioxide (SO2What is a gas
toxic and irritating to the upper respiratory tract, skin, and eyes, also releases fumes of Copper, Iron, Lead, and Zinc oxides.
In contact with strong acids, it can generate Hydrogen Sulfide (H₂S)2S), which is a flammable and highly toxic gas. The
Inhalation or ingestion of copper concentrate can cause acute and chronic effects on health. Possibility of
Cancer and reproductive hazards due to lead content. Fire emergency personnel must use
full protective clothing and self-contained breathing apparatus. The working conditions and practices that generate dust
and fumes must be controlled or avoided. Dust and fumes can cause negative effects on health. The fumes
Zinc Oxide causes metal fume fever (a temporary condition similar to the flu).
Chronic Health Effects: Caution: the toxicological properties of this material have not been fully
investigated. The information contained in this MSDS sheet is based on information from technical and scientific literature.
about the constituents of this material.
Carcinogenic effects: Arsenic (effect proven by IARC, NTP, OSHA), Silica (effect assumed by IARC, NTP), Lead
possible effect by EPA, IARC, Copper, Iron, Zinc, Bismuth, and Silver (not classified as carcinogens by IARC)
ACGIH), Aluminum (not classified by ACGIH); Mutagenic Effects: not applicable; Teratogenic Effects: Lead (assumed
by OSHA). Possible toxicity to: blood, kidneys, liver, lungs or endocrine, nervous and reproductive systems.
Uncontrolled prolonged or repetitive exposures: possible damage to internal organs.
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Lead: Group 2B: possible human carcinogen (IARC, EPA); Group A3: animal carcinogen (ACGIH). Metallic lead: no
classified as a carcinogen, but is on the list of teratogenic and reproductive toxins (CE). affected organs by
about acute and chronic exposures (NIOSH 90-117): blood, gastrointestinal systems, central nervous system and renal. The
acute overexposure symptoms develop abruptly and are similar to those of overexposure
crónicas: anemia, cansancio, debilidad, nausea, vómitos, dolores abdominales, constipación, confusión, convulsiones,
muscle weakness, muscle and joint pain. The effects of overexposure are more likely than
occur in children more than in adults. Organs affected by chronic overexposure: blood, kidneys, digestive systems.
nervous and reproductive.
Sulfur (as sulfide): Sulfur dioxide is produced during the smelting of sulfides, which irritates the respiratory tract.
superior, exposure to high concentrations causes damage to the lungs and even death. The affected organs
about acute or chronic exposures (NIOSH 90-117): respiratory system, skin, and eyes.
Iron Sulfide (as Iron): It can cause benign pneumoconiosis (siderosis). The organs affected by excess.
acute or chronic exposures (NIOSH 90-117): respiratory system.
Silica (amorphous): Organs affected by acute or chronic overexposures: (NIOSH 90-117): respiratory system.
Possible signs after chronic exposures: respiratory difficulty. Prolonged exposures can cause silicosis.
(pulmonary fibrosis).
Silica (crystalline): Carcinogen Group 2A (IARC), evidence of human cancer is limited to crystalline silica. The silica
this product has low content, but it contains fractions of crystalline and amorphous silica. Organs affected by over
acute and chronic exposures (NIOSH 90-117): respiratory system. Signs or symptoms of chronic exposure: difficulty
respiratory.
Copper: Essential for human health. Exposure to extremely fine fumes or dust (0.075 to 0.12 mg/m3)
they can cause metal fume fever, a temporary condition similar to the flu. Organs affected by excess
acute and chronic exposures (NIOSH 90-117): respiratory system, skin, livers, and kidneys.
Zinc: Essential for health. The inhalation of vaporized oxides produced by the concentrate when heated nearby.
or above the melting point can cause metal fume fever, a temporary condition similar to flu.
Silver (metal or salts): It can produce argyria (bluish-black skin pigmentation) due to silver metal deposited in the
eyes, mucous membranes and skin. Argyria is more of a cosmetic effect than a disease. A generalized argyria.
It can be the result of the ingestion or inhalation of metallic silver (1 to 5 grams). Silverosis in the tract can also be reported.
respiratory. The organs affected by acute or chronic overexposure (NIOSH 90-117): nasal cavities, skin, and eyes.
Bismuth: It can cause damage to the kidneys. Industrially, it is considered one of the least toxic heavy metals.
It can also cause: diarrhea, skin reactions, and sometimes serious skin irritations (exodermatitis).
The dust from this concentrate irritates the nose, throat, and respiratory tract. Inhalation or ingestion of high concentrations
dust from this concentrate can result in the adsorption of Lead and possible Lead poisoning. The symptoms
include headache, nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, fatigue, sleep disturbances, weight loss, anemia,
pain in legs, arms, and joints. Prolonged exposures can cause damage to the central nervous system
(example: fatigue, headaches, tremors, hypertension), gastrointestinal disturbances, anemia, blood dysfunction
and possible reproductive effect. Pregnant women should be protected from excessive exposures to prevent the
lead diffusion through the placenta and causing neurological disorders in the infant. Lead is classified as
a carcinogen A3 by ACGIH and as a carcinogen A2 by IARC (See Toxicological Information, Section 11).
Toxicity: People with the following pre-existing conditions need special attention:
Sulfur: chronic respiratory diseases.
Copper: Wilson's disease (copper retention in the blood).
Silica (crystalline and amorphous): Tuberculosis.
Zinc (sulfide): skin problems, respiratory disorders.
Lead: anemia, pregnant women or those in breastfeeding stages, perform blood lead measurements.
Contact with the Eye: Remove contact lenses if present. Rinse with plenty of water, including underneath the
eyelids to remove dust particles for at least 20 minutes. If irritation persists seek medical attention
doctor.
Skin Contact: Remove contaminated clothing and wash the affected area with soap and water. Wash contaminated clothing.
Before using it. Seek medical attention if irritation develops.
Inhalation: Remove the victim from the area of exposure to a ventilated place immediately, in case of respiratory arrest.
start artificial respiration. Oxygen can be administered if breathing is difficult. Seek medical attention
immediately. Possible damage to the upper respiratory tract and lung tissues. Keep the patient in
observation for probable development of pulmonary edema. May develop throat irritation, cough, or difficulty.
respiratory. If irritation and cough persist, or if other symptoms develop, seek medical attention.
Ingestion: Do not induce vomiting. If the victim is conscious and able to swallow, rinse the mouth with water and drink 1 cup.
of water or milk to dilute the contents of the stomach. Spontaneous vomiting: keep the head below the level of the
hips to avoid aspiration, rinse the mouth with water and drink 1 cup of water or milk. If the victim is
If unconscious, do not induce vomiting and do not give anything by mouth. Seek medical attention immediately. Page 3 of 6
SECTION 6. FIRE AND EXPLOSION HAZARDS
Fire Hazards: Wet form: non-flammable. Powders: flammable when exposed to heat, flames, or by reaction.
chemistry with oxidizers such as: bromates, chlorates, peroxides, acids, permanganate, lithium. Combustion can produce
irritating gases (hydrogen, hydrides, and extremely toxic gases).
Explosion Hazards: Dusts: Possible explosion if the concentration rises to critical values in the presence of
open flames and ignition sources. Possible explosion in confined spaces due to mechanical impact.
Combustion Products: Sulfur dioxide (SO2Hydrogen sulfide (H2S), Metal oxide fumes. The dioxide
Sulfur is a strong respiratory irritant.
Extinguishing Means: Use any extinguishing means according to the fire conditions in the surroundings, such as
water, carbon dioxide, chemical powder or foam.
Fire Fighting (Instructions): NAERG (North American Emergency Response Guide): Guide 171. Fires
minors: dry chemical extinguishers, CO2, water or foam. Major fires: water, mist or foam. Remove the
containers of the area if it can be done without risk. Do not disperse the material with high-pressure water. Restrict locally.
the water used to combat the fire for subsequent disposal. Firefighting personnel must use
self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) and full protective clothing.
Handling: Do not ingest or inhale the dust. Always practice personal hygiene. Avoid eating, drinking, or smoking in the areas of
Work. Wash your hands well after handling this material and before eating, drinking, or smoking in the designated areas.
appropriately. Some sulfide concentrates can slowly oxidize when stored and generate Carbon Dioxide
Sulfur and depleting the oxygen contained in a confined space, creating asphyxiation conditions. The atmosphere in a
Confined space containing concentrates must be verified before entry, check the oxygen content in the
air, if the oxygen content is insufficient use self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA). Use clothing of
adequate protection., the area must be thoroughly ventilated or self-contained breathing equipment must be used.
contained, if the conditions ensure it.
Storage Precautions: Avoid excessive heat. Store in a cool, dry place. Avoid contact with
acids, oxidizers, combustible materials, and other incompatible materials. Minimize dust generation and the
accumulation. If there is suspicion of reactions of the concentrate with these materials, the entire work area must be evacuated;
Personnel entering this work area must use positive pressure self-contained breathing apparatus.
(SCBA). Ensure proper ventilation of the storage areas to keep the air clean and with
dust and fume concentrations below the Permissible Exposure Limits
Auto Ignition: Some sulfide concentrates can oxidize and generate heat, which accumulates in the piles of
storage. If the material is to be stored for an extended period of time, the temperature must be monitored.
If heating of the concentrate is detected, it must be isolated from air or oxygen in one of the following ways:
Leave the storage batteries intact, do not open them or try to spread them.
2. Press or compact the surface of the stacks.
3. Water the pile. Use an organic binder if necessary; this may cause the formation of
hard lumps and subsequent problems in sintering. Suggestions for organic agglomeration include:
Aero Spray 70A, Coherex, Igepal CA-720 and Lignin Sulfonate.
4. For small piles, cover them with a tarp to prevent the material from being exposed to the air.
5. If the material is located inside buildings or boat warehouses, keep all doors
as closed as possible.
Personal Protection: Safety Goggles, Coveralls (fire resistant). Sealed safety glasses must be
used to prevent eye contact with dust generated or where there was a possibility that such contact could occur
occur. Do not use synthetic clothing when working with molten copper: if the clothing melts, it will burn the skin. Use boots and
work gloves, dust respirator. Use an approved respirator (NIOPSH, HEPA) when the work environment
exceeds occupational exposure limits. Workers must wash immediately when the skin starts to Page 4 of 6
to become contaminated and at the end of each work shift. The work clothes must be removed immediately if they are contaminated.
It should be changed daily, washed before being used again if there is a reasonable possibility that it
the garment may be contaminated.
Leaks or Spills: Control the source of the leak if possible and safe. Restrict access to the area until it is safe.
completely clean. Clean up all spilled material immediately, observe precautions in Section 7. Use
personal protective equipment and cleaning methods that minimize dust generation (for example: vacuum cleaners)
solids, barriers, wet sweeping). Return the uncontaminated spilled material to the process or container if possible.
Place the contaminated material in properly labeled containers for recovery or disposal. Treat or
Dispose of all waste material in accordance with local, regional, or national requirements.
Staff Precautions: Staff responding to an accidental leak must wear protective clothing, gloves and
a respirator (see also Section 7). Sealed safety glasses may be required in certain circumstances
to prevent eye contact with dust. Workers should wash and change clothes after cleaning
from a leak to prevent contamination from copper concentrate dust. Large concentrations of dust or
smokes: use self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) to avoid inhaling the material. Small
concentrations: use full-face respirators with cartridges or equivalents approved by NIOSH/OSHA. Must be
use fire-resistant clothing near casting operations.
Environmental Precautions: The handling, shipping, storage, and processing of this material require controls.
and appropriate care to prevent leaks or gradual accumulation in terrestrial or aquatic environments. Wherever it is
Feasible, the spilled material must be cleaned up properly.
Waste Disposal: Recycle the process if possible. If the material cannot return to the process or be
recovered, dispose of in accordance with applicable local regulations.
Stability: The material is stable under normal temperature and pressure conditions.
Incompatibilities: Reacts with acids and oxidizers. Possible reactions: exothermic reaction, oxides, hydrides.
releasing flammable and toxic gases. Individual components have specific incompatibilities: strong oxidizers,
hydrogen peroxide, active metals, sodium, potassium, acetylene gas, magnesium, nitric acid, oxidizable materials, gases
ammoniacal, strong acids, nickel nitrate, wood and other fuels. Note: the list of products is not exhaustive.
revise technical documents to determine other incompatibilities with your process.
Hazardous decomposition products: May release hydrogen sulfide gas upon contact with strong acids.
this gas is highly toxic and flammable. This material can decompose at high temperatures into carbon dioxide gas
Sulfur, this gas is toxic and irritating, it can also release fumes of metal oxides.
Biodegradation product: Copper concentrate is insoluble in water and generally has a low bio-
availability. However, extensive exposures in terrestrial and aquatic environments can release metals
contents in bioavailable forms. These can cause a detriment to environmental conditions. The mobility of
copper, zinc, silver, bismuth, arsenic, and lead will depend on the medium. These can bond through inorganic unions or
organic, reducing their mobility and bioavailability in soil and water. Bioavailability can be controlled by
other factors such as pH or hardening.
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Biodegradation toxicity: Not applicable.
SECTION 11. TRANSPORTATION AND OTHER REGULATORY INFORMATION
The information in this Material Safety Data Sheet is based on the following references:
- American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists, Threshold Limit Values for Chemical Substances and
Physical Agents and Biological Exposure Indices - 2000
- International Agency for Research on Cancer, Monographs on the Evaluation of Carcinogenic Risk to Humans.
- U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, NIOSH Pocket
Guide to Chemical Hazards. WWW database, 2000.
- Clayton and Clayton, 1994, Patty's Industrial Hygiene and Toxicology, Fourth Edition.
- North American Emergency Response Guidebook Documents, Developed by the US Department of Transportation,
Transport Canada, and the Secretariat of Communications and Transportation of Mexico, 1996.
- TOMES plus Micromedex Inc. Environmental Health & Safety Series. WWW database, 2000.
Notes to the Reader: Despite the reasonable precautions that have been taken in the preparation of the information
contained in this sheet, this is offered solely for your information, consideration, and research. The Mining Company
MILPO S.A.A. does not extend any warranty and assumes no responsibility for the veracity of the content and expressly disclaims
all relevant obligation. This Material Safety Data Sheet provides guidelines for the
safe handling and processing of this product, this sheet cannot advise on all possible situations,
Therefore, the specific use of this product must be evaluated by the user to determine if precautions are needed.
Additional. Individuals exposed to this product must read and understand this information and be provided with
relevant training prior to working with this product.
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