Frequently Asked Product Safety Questions
Over the years, Columbian Chemicals has received the following frequently asked safety, health and environmental questions. We hope that you will be able to find your answer to questions concerning the safe handling of carbon black in this list; however, in case the answers are not sufficient to meet your needs, please contact us, and we will be happy to put you in touch with one of our experts in our Safety, Health and Environmental Department.
FAQs
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For further information on Product Safety, please contact Gilles Moninot, Manager of Product Safety and Stewardship gmoninot@columbianchemicals..com
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On What International Chemical Inventories is Carbon Black Listed?
Carbon black, CAS number 1333-86-4, appears on the following inventories:
- Europe (EU): EINECS (European Inventory of Existing Commercial Chemical Substances), EINECS-RN: 215-609-9.
- Australia: AICS (Australian Inventory of Chemical Substances)
- Canada: CEPA (Canadian Environmental Protection Act), domestic substance list (DSL).
- Japan: MITI (Ministry of International Trade and Industry) List of Existing Chemicals Substances. 10-3074/5-3328 and 10-3073/5-5222 (Section-Structure No./Class Reference No.)
- Korea: TCC-ECL (Toxic Chemical Control Law Existing Chemical List. KE-04882
- China: Chinese Existing Chemicals Inventory
- Philippines: Philippine Inventory of Chemical Substances under the Environment Management Bureau, Department of Environment and Natural Resource
- United States: SARA (Super Fund Amendments and Reauthorization Act), Sections 311/312 apply if carbon black is present at any one time in amounts equal to or greater than 10,000 pounds. Under Section 311/312 – MSDS requirements, carbon black is determined to be hazardous according to the following EPA hazard categories:
- Immediate health hazard: No
- Delayed (chronic) health hazard: Yes
- Sudden release of pressure hazard: No
- Reactive hazard: No
The information presented within this publication is based on Columbian's research and the research of others but niether its accuracy nor completeness is guaranteed. Columbian disclaims all representations and warranties regarding accuracy, performance, stability, reliability, or use, express or implied, including implied warranteis of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose. The user is responsible for determining the suitability of any product for a specific purpose and the manner in which the product is used.
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What Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Restrictions Are There For Carbon Black?
Carbon black has limited and restricted application sanctions in the FDA regulations. There are only a few sections in Title 21 of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) that specifically mention the use of carbon black. Most of Columbian’s products are furnace grade blacks. The use of furnace grade carbon blacks in indirect food contact applications are found in the following FDA regulations, with the specific restrictions described as requested:
- Part 177, Section 177.2400 (b)(4) - Perfluorocarbon cured elastomers (Restrictions: Not to exceed 15 parts per 100 parts of the terpolymer.)
- Part 177, Section 177.2600 (c)(4)(v) - Rubber articles intended for repeated use - Fillers (Restrictions: Total carbon black not to exceed 50 percent by weight of rubber product; furnace combustion black content not to exceed 10 percent by weight of rubber products intended for use in contact with milk or edible oils.)
The use of carbon black as a colorant in polymers for food contact applications is described below. Columbian has high purity furnace grade black and that have been found to be compliant with the requirements of section 178.3297 described below.
- Part 178, Section 178.3297 – Colorants for Polymers (Restrictions: containing total polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons not to exceed 0.5 parts per million, and benzo[a]pyrene not to exceed 5.0 parts per billion, as determined by a method entitled ``Determination of PAH Content of Carbon Black,'' dated July 8, 1994).
The information presented within this publication is based on Columbian's research and the research of others but niether its accuracy nor completeness is guaranteed. Columbian disclaims all representations and warranties regarding accuracy, performance, stability, reliability, or use, express or implied, including implied warranteis of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose. The user is responsible for determining the suitability of any product for a specific purpose and the manner in which the product is used.
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In what European Countries are Columbian's Carbon Black Products Acceptable For Use In Food Contact Applications?
Many of Columbian’s Carbon Black Products have been evaluated for the requirements of the national standards listed below.
- Austria: 61. Farbenverordnung § 10 (1975); Publication Bundesgesetzblatt fur die Republik Osterreich Jahrgang 1975.
- Belgium: Arrêt royal du 25.08.1976 Annex 3 Chapitre III; Publication - Belgisch Staatsblad - Moniteur Belge 24.09.1976 P12059
- Council of Europe: Draft resolution on paper and board used in food contact applications; Publication - Draft 8-5/93.
- France: Circulaire No.176, 02.12.1959 concerning plastics and packaging material; Publication - Journal Officiel du 30.12.1959
- Germany: 178.Mitteilung der BGA B GesundhBl.31,363 (09/88) and 82. Mitteilung d.BGA B GesundhBl.15,268 (1972).
- Italy: Decredo Ministeriale 21.03.1973 - Allegato IV, Sezione 4 Punto 3; Publication - Gazetto Uffiziale n.104 del.
- Spain: 30787 Resolucion 04.11.1982 Annexo 3; Publication - Boletin Oficial del Estado Num. 282 24.11.1982.
- United Kingdom: No regulation for colourants; Publication - Criteria for the selection of colourants for food contact plastics Edition 1995.
- Netherlands: Verpakkingen-gebruiksartikelen (Warenwet) 21.08.1991 Dee1A Hoofdstuk I., Publication - Nederlandse Staatscourant 167, 30.09.91.
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Do Columbian’s Carbon Black Products Contain Ozone Depleting Substances, Halogenated Organics, flame retardants, azo Dyes, Volatile Organic Compounds Phthalates or Asbestos?
Ozone depleting substances, halogenated organic compounds, flame retardants, azo dyes, volatile organic compounds, phthalates and asbestos and not used as feedstock in the production of Columbian’s Carbon Black products. These products are not intentionally added to Columbian’s products. Analysis has not been performed for these substances. These substances are not anticipated to be present in Columbian Chemicals products.
The information presented within this publication is based on Columbian's research and the research of others but niether its accuracy nor completeness is guaranteed. Columbian disclaims all representations and warranties regarding accuracy, performance, stability, reliability, or use, express or implied, including implied warranteis of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose. The user is responsible for determining the suitability of any product for a specific purpose and the manner in which the product is used.
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Are Columbian’s Carbon Black Products of Plant or Animal Origin?
Columbian Chemicals products are made from feedstocks of mineral origin and are not made from feedstocks of plant or animal origin.
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What is the PAH Content of a Specific Columbian Carbon Black Grade?
Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons are found in Columbian Chemicals products in quantities ranging from ppm levels to less than ppb levels. These compounds are tightly bound and not believed to be biologically available. To request analysis for a specific product please select a link below.
The information presented within this publication is based on Columbian's research and the research of others but niether its accuracy nor completeness is guaranteed. Columbian disclaims all representations and warranties regarding accuracy, performance, stability, reliability, or use, express or implied, including implied warranteis of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose. The user is responsible for determining the suitability of any product for a specific purpose and the manner in which the product is used.
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What is the Heavy Metal Content of a Specific Columbian Carbon Black Grade?
From our extensive database of the heavy metal content of our products we do not anticipate the individual heavy metal content to exceed 10 ppm by ICP analysis. To request the heavy metals analysis for a specific grade select one of the links below.
The information presented within this publication is based on Columbian's research and the research of others but niether its accuracy nor completeness is guaranteed. Columbian disclaims all representations and warranties regarding accuracy, performance, stability, reliability, or use, express or implied, including implied warranteis of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose. The user is responsible for determining the suitability of any product for a specific purpose and the manner in which the product is used.
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How Can I Get Data for Columbian’s Carbon Black Products Entered Into the IMDS System For My Company?
To request entry of data for a specific grade into IMDS contact Gilles Moninot gmoninot@columbianchemicals.com. Please specify the grade of product in question.
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What TSCA Reporting Requirements are There for Columbian’s Carbon Black Products?
Carbon black, CAS Number 1333-86-4, is a listed substance in the Environmental Protection Agencies (EPA) Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA). However, it is not subject to any rules or orders under TSCA sections 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, or 12(b).
The information presented within this publication is based on Columbian's research and the research of others but niether its accuracy nor completeness is guaranteed. Columbian disclaims all representations and warranties regarding accuracy, performance, stability, reliability, or use, express or implied, including implied warranteis of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose. The user is responsible for determining the suitability of any product for a specific purpose and the manner in which the product is used.
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How Can I Request a Technical Data Sheet for a Columbian Carbon Black Product?
To request a technical data sheet for a specific contact David Bourque dbourque@columbianchemicals.com.
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What is the WHMIS Code For Carbon Black?
The WHIMIS code for carbon black is D2A.
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What EPCRA Requirements are There for Carbon Black?
SARA (Super Fund Amendments and Reauthorization Act), Sections 311/312 apply if carbon black is present at any one time in amounts equal to or greater than 10,000 pounds. Under Section 311/312 – MSDS requirements, carbon black is determined to be hazardous according to the following EPA hazard categories:
Immediate health hazard: No
Delayed (chronic) health hazard: Yes
Sudden release of pressure hazard: No
Reactive hazard: No
The information presented within this publication is based on Columbian's research and the research of others but niether its accuracy nor completeness is guaranteed. Columbian disclaims all representations and warranties regarding accuracy, performance, stability, reliability, or use, express or implied, including implied warranteis of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose. The user is responsible for determining the suitability of any product for a specific purpose and the manner in which the product is used.
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Will Columbian’s Carbon Black Products Meet the CONEG Requirements?
The metals: Cadmium, Hexavalent Chromium (or total Chromium) and Mercury are not intentionally added to Columbian Chemicals Company's products. From Columbian’s extensive database of the heavy metal content of it’s product we do not anticipate the heavy metal content for any individual heavy metal to exceed 10 ppm by ICP analysis.
The information presented within this publication is based on Columbian's research and the research of others but niether its accuracy nor completeness is guaranteed. Columbian disclaims all representations and warranties regarding accuracy, performance, stability, reliability, or use, express or implied, including implied warranteis of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose. The user is responsible for determining the suitability of any product for a specific purpose and the manner in which the product is used.
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Do Columbian’s Carbon Black Products Meet the Requirements for EN 71 Requirements?
From Columbian’s extensive database of the heavy metal content of it’s product we do not anticipate the heavy metal content for any individual heavy metal to exceed 10 ppm by ICP analysis. This general statement provided or specific data that may be obtained is not intended to imply or infer that Columbian Chemical’s products comply with EN 71. This information is provided for the customer to make an interpretation of the standard and determine if the end product complies with EN 71.
The information presented within this publication is based on Columbian's research and the research of others but niether its accuracy nor completeness is guaranteed. Columbian disclaims all representations and warranties regarding accuracy, performance, stability, reliability, or use, express or implied, including implied warranteis of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose. The user is responsible for determining the suitability of any product for a specific purpose and the manner in which the product is used.
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Are Columbian’s Carbon Black Products Regulated by Any US State Right-to-Know Standards?
Carbon black CAS # 1333-86-14 is listed or regulated under the right to know standards in the states of New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Massachusetts.
The information presented within this publication is based on Columbian's research and the research of others but niether its accuracy nor completeness is guaranteed. Columbian disclaims all representations and warranties regarding accuracy, performance, stability, reliability, or use, express or implied, including implied warranteis of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose. The user is responsible for determining the suitability of any product for a specific purpose and the manner in which the product is used.
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How Do I Request My Company Data Form to be Filled Out by a Columbian Representative?
To request a product information form to be filled out by a Columbian representative please send an electronic version of your form to Gilles Moninot gmoninot@columbianchemicals.com and specify the Columbian product for which you need information.
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Is Carbon Black a California Proposition 65 Listed Chemical?
On February 21, 2003, the California Environmental Protection Agency’s Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (“OEHHA”) published a notice placing “carbon black (airborne, unbound particles of respirable size)” on its list of substances “known to the State to cause cancer” for purposes of the Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act of 1986, otherwise known as Proposition 65. A copy of the notice, effective February 21, 2003, is attached.
Significantly, the Proposition 65 listing only pertains to airborne, unbound carbon black particles of respirable size. The notice expressly states that “exposure to carbon black, per se, does not occur when it remains bound within a product matrix such as rubber, ink or paint” and that “for the purposes of Proposition 65, carbon black particles 10 micrometers (um) or less shall be considered respirable”.
Proposition 65 requires a “person responsible” for a knowing and intentional exposure to a listed chemical (here, “carbon black (airborne, unbound particles of respirable size)”) to warn any persons exposed in California to the listed chemical prior to exposure. The warning obligation begins 12 months from the listing date (February 21, 2004). While we do not believe that any current non-occupational uses of carbon black result in exposure to the chemical as listed by OEHHA, users should evaluate their uses and reach their own conclusions based on their individual circumstances to determine whether warnings or any other regulatory response is required.
In its carbon black listing announcement, OEHHA stated that it was acting because carbon black had previously been classified by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (“IARC”) as a carcinogen. Specifically, IARC classified carbon black as a 2B carcinogen (possibly carcinogenic to humans) after studies showed that certain rats developed lung tumors when exposed to carbon black, under conditions of lung overload. Such rat-lung tumors are seen under similar conditions from a wide range of poorly soluble particles, and are thought by many scientists to be a rat-specific phenomenon. The International Carbon Black Association (ICBA) and Columbian Chemicals Company are currently sponsoring scientific research that is expected to shed more light on the rat tumor response.
Columbian Chemicals Company is committed to keeping you informed of developments in this area. Despite this action by OEHHA, we continue to believe that available scientific evidence indicates carbon black is not carcinogenic to humans, and does not present a health hazard when handled in accordance with good housekeeping and safe workplace practices as described in our Material Safety Data Sheets (“MSDS”).
The information presented within this publication is based on Columbian's research and the research of others but niether its accuracy nor completeness is guaranteed. Columbian disclaims all representations and warranties regarding accuracy, performance, stability, reliability, or use, express or implied, including implied warranteis of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose. The user is responsible for determining the suitability of any product for a specific purpose and the manner in which the product is used.
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