Material Safety Data Sheet

4. First Aid Measures
Inhalation: Remove to fresh air and provide rest. Get medical attention if breathing difficulties develop
or persist.
Ingestion: If fully conscious, give one or two cups of water. If large quantities were ingested, consult a
physician if gastrointestinal problems develop.
Eye: Flush with excess water preferably with an eyewash. Avoid rubbing the eyes. If irritation persists,
consult a physician.
Skin: Wash thoroughly with soap and water.
5. Fire Fighting Measures
Special Fire Fighting Procedures: Use a fine water spray, mist, or fog, dry chemical, or CO
2
. Avoid
methods that may stir up dust clouds, introduce air to a smoldering pile, or cause the burning particles
of carbon to fly over the area, spreading the fire. With adequate venting, slowly soak the carbon
thoroughly with water or other suppressant. Use containment berms to slow water flow and allow
carbon to settle out behind barrier and separate water.
Protective Equipment for Firefighters: Use self-contained breathing apparatus and full protective gear.
Unusual Fire Hazard: Activated carbon is difficult to ignite. Carbon fires generally burn slowly with a dull
glow rather than with flames or smoke, and may be difficult to detect. Smoldering piles, whether
confined or not, may be cool on the edges or exterior but hot enough to ignite in the interior when
disturbed and the hot spots exposed to air.
Hazardous Decomposition or By-products: During combustion, high levels of carbon monoxide can be
produced. Material allowed to smolder for long periods of time in enclosed spaces may produce carbon
monoxide which may reach a lower explosive limit for carbon monoxide (12.5% in air).
Combustible dust. May form combustible dust concentrations in air. All powdered activated carbons are
classified as weakly explosive (Dust explosion class St1). Given the necessary conditions of a strong
ignition source, right concentrations of airborne carbon dust, adequate oxygen levels, and confinement,
the potential for a deflagration event exists. Keep storage vessels cool and avoid air flow through hot
product and exposure to strong ignition sources where product is confined. If carbon is exposed, mist
and saturate with water while avoiding airborne dust. Dilute airborne dust concentrations with water
mist or ignition–proof ventilation.
NFPA Rating: Flammability Hazard: 1 Reactivity Hazard: 0 Health Hazard: 1
6. Accidental Release Measures
In all cases, first eliminate or plan to avoid strong ignition sources. (If a fire or explosion is or could be
the cause of the release, call 911.) Activated carbon is a weakly explosive combustible dust. In any case,
do not use compressed air or any method to disperse the spill which creates additional substantial
airborne dust which may direct the dust to ignition sources.
Personal precautions: Personnel should wear NIOSH-approved dust mask, eye protection, and suitable
clothing.
Clean-up and containment: