Carbon Black
Background
In April of 1996 the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) Vol 96-3 classified carbon black as Group 2b possibly carcinogenic to humans The evidence of carcinogenicity leading to this classification was solely based on respiratory exposure to carbon black in dust and particulate form.
Impact on Printing Ink Manufacturing
Carbon black, used in its dry form in the printing ink manufacturing environment, must be managed as an IARC 2b carcinogen – utilizing appropriate engineer controls and personal protective equipment designed to prevent inhalation exposure.
When IARC Monograph 93-6 was published the National Association of Printing Ink Manufacturers (NAPIM) requested a formal interpretation from OSHA regarding the impact of this classification on printing inks containing carbon black. The request for interpretation addressed two (2) issues:
- Relevance impact of the IARC Volume 65-5 classification of printing inks as non-carcinogenic Group 3 – Not Classifiable
- Potential for exposure to carbon black [in dry/particulate form as evaluated in IARC Monograph 93-6] in a printing ink matrix
OSHA’s response to the NAPIM request indicated that:
- the Hazard Communication standard indicates a clear preference for the use of health hazard data on individual components therefore the IARC printing ink classification takes precedence over the carbon black classification
- Carbon black in a liquid matrix (i.e. printing ink) is not present in a form to present an exposure hazard to employees
According to the OSHA interpretation and the HazCom applicability requirement (i.e. potential for exposure) noted below, the IARC carbon black classification does not impact printing inks containing carbon black.
Relevant References and Citations
OSHA HazCom Applicablility – Potential for Exposure 29CFR 1910.1200(b)(2)