Editing Graphite (section)

=== Occupational safety ===

Potential [[health effect]]s include: 
*[[Inhalation]]: No inhalation hazard in manufactured and shipped state. Dust and fumes generated from the material can enter the body by inhalation. High concentrations of dust and fumes may irritate the throat and respiratory system and cause coughing. Frequent inhalation of fume/dust over a long period of time increases the risk of developing lung diseases. Prolonged and repeated overexposure to dust can lead to [[pneumoconiosis]]. Pre-existing pulmonary disorders, such as [[emphysema]], may possibly be aggravated by prolonged exposure to high concentrations of graphite dusts.
*Eye contact: Dust in the eyes will cause irritation. Exposed may experience eye tearing, redness, and discomfort.
*Skin contact: Under normal conditions of intended use, this material does not pose a risk to health. Dust may irritate skin.
*[[Ingestion]]: Not relevant, due to the form of the product in its manufactured and shipped state. However, ingestion of dusts generated during working operations may cause nausea and vomiting.
*Potential physical / chemical effects: Bulk material is non-combustible. The material may form dust and can accumulate electrostatic charges, which may cause an [[Electric spark|electrical spark]] (ignition source). High dust levels may create potential for explosion.

====United States====
The [[Occupational Safety and Health Administration]] (OSHA) has set the legal limit ([[permissible exposure limit]]) for graphite exposure in the workplace as a time weighted average (TWA) of 15{{nbsp}}million particles per cubic foot (1.5&nbsp;mg/m<sup>3</sup>) over an 8-hour workday. The [[National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health]] (NIOSH) has set a [[recommended exposure limit]] (REL) of TWA 2.5&nbsp;mg/m<sup>3</sup> respirable dust over an 8-hour workday. At levels of 1250&nbsp;mg/m<sup>3</sup>, graphite is [[IDLH|immediately dangerous to life and health]].<ref>{{Cite web|title = CDC – NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards – Graphite (natural)|url = https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/npg/npgd0306.html|website = www.cdc.gov|access-date = 2015-11-03}}</ref>