Activated Hardwood Carbon (Charcoal) – Safety Data Sheet (SDS)

Link to Safety Data Sheet (PDF)

Quick Facts

• Product Name: Activated Hardwood Carbon

• Synonyms: Charcoal, activated powdered carbon

• Composition/CAS: Charcoal 99–100% (CAS 7440-44-0)

• Use: Adsorbent, color removal, filter aid

• Supplier/Emergency: Carbon Chemistry Ltd.; CHEMTREC CCN832309 (+1 800-424-9300)

Hazards & Safety

• GHS Classification: Combustible Dust

• Signal Word/Pictogram: Warning / none shown

• Hazard Statement: May form combustible dust concentrations in air.

First Aid Measures

• Eyes: Rinse with running water for ≥15 minutes; seek care if irritation persists.

• Skin: Wash thoroughly; remove and launder contaminated clothing.

• Inhalation: Move to fresh air; support breathing as needed.

• Ingestion: Call physician/poison control; do not induce vomiting unless directed.

• Notes: Treat symptoms and reduce exposure.

Fire & Explosion Data

• Key Hazard: Dust may explode if dispersed in air in confined spaces.

• Extinguishing Media: Water, dry powder/dry sand, alcohol-resistant foam, dry chemical, CO₂.

• Sensitivity: Not sensitive to mechanical impact or static discharge (per SDS).

• Firefighting: Wear SCBA; cool unopened containers; prevent runoff to drains.

Handling & Storage

• Minimize dust generation; use adequate ventilation/local exhaust.

• Keep containers closed; store to prevent accidental bursting and wind dispersal.

• Note: Activated carbon can reduce oxygen in closed containers—use caution when opening.

Exposure & PPE

• Exposure Limits (ACGIH/OSHA): Not listed in this SDS.

• Controls: Local exhaust; provide eyewash/safety shower.

• PPE: Safety glasses; protective gloves/clothing as needed; respiratory protection if ventilation is insufficient.

Physical & Chemical Properties

• State/Appearance: Black, odorless powder (solid)

• pH: Neutral

• Water Solubility: Insoluble

• Autoignition: ~452 °C (845.6 °F)

• Specific Gravity (4 °C): ~3.51 (water = 1)

• Many other properties: not available/not applicable in SDS.

Stability & Reactivity

• Stability: Stable under recommended conditions.

• Incompatible Materials: Oxidizing agents.

• Decomposition Products: Carbon oxides on thermal decomposition.

Toxicology & Ecology

• Dust may cause mechanical eye irritation.

• Not listed as carcinogenic; not a sensitizer; no specific mutagenicity/reproductive toxicity data indicated.

• No specific ecological data provided in SDS.

Transport & Disposal

• US DOT/IMDG/IATA: Not regulated for transport.

• Disposal: Dispose as solid waste per local/regional regulations; avoid dust formation and environmental release; recycling preferred where possible.

Regulatory Status

• TSCA: All components listed.

• SARA 302/304/313: Not subject to reporting.

• SARA 311/312: Fire hazard—Yes; Acute/Chronic health—No; Reactivity—No.

• CERCLA/CWA: None listed.

• Prop 65: Not listed.

• Canada: All components on DSL; WHMIS 2015 controlled product.

• HMIS/NFPA (page 5): HMIS—Health 0, Flammability 1, Physical Hazard 0; NFPA—Health 0, Fire 1, Instability 0.