MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEET 

1. CHEMICAL PRODUCT AND COMPANY IDENTIFICATION 

KOPPERS INC. MEDICAL EMERGENCIES: 877-737-9047

436 SEVENTH AVENUE MEDICAL EMERGENCIES OUTSIDE U.S.A.: 651-632-9269

PITTSBURGH, PA 15219-1800 TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE: 412-227-2001

naorgmsds@koppers.com MSDS REQUESTS: 866-852-5239

CHEMTREC ASSISTANCE: 800-424-9300

CANUTEC: 613-996-6666

MSDS NUMBER: 00228333 

SUBSTANCE: CARBON PITCH TYPE A

TRADE NAMES/SYNONYMS:

INDUSTRIAL PITCH / COAL TAR PETROLEUM; CARBON PITCH TYPE A - SOLID; CARBON 

PITCH TYPE A - LIQUID; CARBON PITCH CO-DISTILLED TYPE A; COAL TAR PITCH; PENCIL 

PITCH TYPE A 

CHEMICAL FAMILY: hydrocarbons, coal-tar 

PRODUCT USE: process chemical 

REVISION DATE: Jun 14 2007 

2. HAZARDS IDENTIFICATION 

NFPA RATINGS (SCALE 0-4): HEALTH=2 FIRE=1 REACTIVITY=0 

EMERGENCY OVERVIEW:

COLOR: black 

PHYSICAL FORM: changes from solid to liquid as temperature increases 

ODOR: coal tar odor 

SIGNAL WORD: WARNING! 

MAJOR HEALTH HAZARDS: respiratory tract irritation, skin irritation, eye irritation, lung cancer, skin 

cancer, bladder cancer, scrotal cancer, (See Section 11 for additional information on potential hazards of 

constituents of the product.) 
PRECAUTIONARY STATEMENTS: Do not breathe vapor or fumes. Do not get in eyes, on skin, or on 

clothing. Keep container tightly closed. Wash thoroughly after handling. Use only with adequate ventilation. 

Observe good hygiene and safety practices when handling this product. Do not use this product until the 

MSDS has been read and understood. 

POTENTIAL HEALTH EFFECTS:

INHALATION:

SHORT TERM EXPOSURE: irritation 

LONG TERM EXPOSURE: changes in body temperature, vomiting, difficulty breathing, headache, 

drowsiness, dizziness, loss of coordination, convulsions, lung cancer, bladder cancer 

SKIN CONTACT:

SHORT TERM EXPOSURE: irritation, sensitivity to sunlight, skin discoloration, skin disorders, thermal 

burns from heated material 

LONG TERM EXPOSURE: skin disorders, sensitivity to sunlight, skin cancer, scrotal cancer 

EYE CONTACT:

SHORT TERM EXPOSURE: irritation, sensitivity to sunlight, eye damage, thermal burns from heated 

material 

LONG TERM EXPOSURE: irritation, sensitivity to sunlight, eye damage 

INGESTION:

SHORT TERM EXPOSURE: irritation, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain 

LONG TERM EXPOSURE: no information on significant adverse effects 

3. COMPOSITION, INFORMATION ON INGREDIENTS 

COMPONENT: HIGH TEMPERATURE COAL TAR PITCH 

CAS NUMBER: 65996-93-2 

PERCENTAGE: 70-100 

COMPONENT: PETROLEUM PITCH 

CAS NUMBER: 68187-58-6 

PERCENTAGE: 0-30 

COMPONENT: BENZO(A)PYRENE 

CAS NUMBER: 50-32-8 

PERCENTAGE: 1.11-1.42 

COMPONENT: BENZO(G,H,I)PERYLENE 

CAS NUMBER: 191-24-2 

PERCENTAGE: 0.88-1.30 

COMPONENT: FLUORANTHENE 

CAS NUMBER: 206-44-0 

PERCENTAGE: 0.77-1.27 

COMPONENT: PYRENE 

CAS NUMBER: 129-00-0 

PERCENTAGE: 0.67-1.19 
COMPONENT: INDENO(1,2,3-CD)PYRENE 

CAS NUMBER: 193-39-5 

PERCENTAGE: 0.97-1.15 

COMPONENT: 1,2-BENZANTHRACENE 

CAS NUMBER: 56-55-3 

PERCENTAGE: 0.71-1.04 

COMPONENT: 1,2-BENZPHENANTHRENE 

CAS NUMBER: 218-01-9 

PERCENTAGE: 0.72-1.03 

COMPONENT: BENZO(B)FLUORANTHENE 

CAS NUMBER: 205-99-2 

PERCENTAGE: 0.72-0.92 

COMPONENT: DIBENZO(A,H)PYRENE 

CAS NUMBER: 189-64-0 

PERCENTAGE: 0.50-0.81 

COMPONENT: BENZO(J)FLUORANTHENE 

CAS NUMBER: 205-82-3 

PERCENTAGE: 0.51-0.66 

COMPONENT: BENZO(K)FLUORANTHENE 

CAS NUMBER: 207-08-9 

PERCENTAGE: 0.48-0.62 

COMPONENT: DIBENZO(A,E)PYRENE 

CAS NUMBER: 192-65-4 

PERCENTAGE: 0.26-0.50 

COMPONENT: DIBENZO(A,I)PYRENE 

CAS NUMBER: 189-55-9 

PERCENTAGE: 0.16-0.44 

COMPONENT: DIBENZ(A,H)ANTHRACENE 

CAS NUMBER: 53-70-3 

PERCENTAGE: 0.22-0.30 

COMPONENT: CARBAZOLE 

CAS NUMBER: 86-74-8 

PERCENTAGE: 0.02-0.10 

4. FIRST AID MEASURES 

INHALATION: If adverse effects occur, remove to uncontaminated area. Give artificial respiration if not 

breathing. If breathing is difficult, oxygen should be administered by qualified personnel. Get immediate 
medical attention. 

SKIN CONTACT: For thermal burns, cool affected areas as quickly as possible by drenching or immersing 

in water. Wash skin with soap and water for at least 15 minutes, or use a waterless handcleaner, while 

removing contaminated clothing and shoes. Get immediate medical attention, if needed. 

EYE CONTACT: Immediately flush eyes with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes. Then get immediate 

medical attention. 

INGESTION: DO NOT induce vomiting. If a large amount is swallowed, get medical attention. Do not give 

anything by mouth to unconscious or convulsive person. If vomiting occurs, keep head lower than hips to 

help prevent aspiration. 

5. FIRE FIGHTING MEASURES 

FIRE AND EXPLOSION HAZARDS: During fire conditions, vapors and decomposition products may be 

released, forming flammable/explosive mixtures in air. Containers may rupture or explode if exposed to heat. 

EXTINGUISHING MEDIA: regular dry chemical, carbon dioxide, regular foam, water spray 

FIRE FIGHTING: Avoid inhalation of material or combustion by-products. Stay upwind and keep out of 

low areas. Use extinguishing agents appropriate for surrounding fire. Flood with fine water spray. Directly 

spraying water or foam onto hot burning product may cause frothing. For fires in cargo or storage area: Cool 

containers with water from unmanned hose holder or monitor nozzles until well after fire is out. If this is 

impossible then take the following precautions: Keep unnecessary people away, isolate hazard area and deny 

entry. Withdraw immediately in case of rising sound from venting safety device or any discoloration of tanks 

due to fire. 

FIRE FIGHTING PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT: Full fire fighting turn-out gear (bunker gear). 

SENSITIVITY TO MECHANICAL IMPACT: No 

SENSITIVITY TO STATIC DISCHARGE: Yes (dust) 

FLASH POINT: >374 F (>190 C) (PMCC) 

AUTOIGNITION: >750 F (>399 C) 

6. ACCIDENTAL RELEASE MEASURES 

WATER RELEASE:

Subject to California Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act of 1986 (Proposition 65). Keep out of 

water supplies and sewers. 

OCCUPATIONAL RELEASE:

Collect spilled material in appropriate container for disposal. Keep out of water supplies and sewers. Keep 

unnecessary people away, isolate hazard area and deny entry. In Canada, report releases to provincial 
authorities, municipal authorities, or both, as required. Due to the concentration of Benzo(a)pyrene and the 

CERCLA (40 CFR 302.4) reportable quantity of 1 pound, the release of 70 pounds of this product requires 

National Response Center notification. 

7. HANDLING AND STORAGE 

STORAGE: Store and handle in accordance with all current regulations and standards. Label all containers. 

Keep container in a well-ventilated place. Keep away from heat, sparks and flame. Protect from physical 

damage. Keep separated from incompatible substances. Notify State Emergency Response Commission for 

storage or use at amounts greater than or equal to the TPQ (U.S. EPA SARA Section 302). SARA Section 

303 requires facilities storing a material with a TPQ to participate in local emergency response planning 

(U.S. EPA 40 CFR 355.30). 

HANDLING: Avoid breathing vapors of heated materials. Avoid contact with eyes, skin and clothing. 

When using, do not eat, drink or smoke. Wash exposed areas thoroughly with soap and water, or a waterless 

handcleaner, after skin contact and before eating, drinking, using tobacco products, or restrooms. Use 

protective skin cream on exposed skin before and during work shift. To reduce sun sensitivity a sun-blocking 

lotion (SPF 15+) can also be applied prior to application of a protective cream. Contaminated clothing 

should be removed and laundered before reuse. 

8. EXPOSURE CONTROLS, PERSONAL PROTECTION 

EXPOSURE LIMITS:

HIGH-TEMP. COAL TAR PITCH:

COAL TAR PITCH VOLATILES:

0.2 mg/m3 OSHA TWA (benzene soluble fraction) 

0.2 mg/m3 ACGIH TWA (benzene soluble fraction) 

0.1 mg/m3 NIOSH recommended TWA 10 hour(s) (cyclohexane extractable fraction) 

PETROLEUM PITCH:

COAL TAR PITCH VOLATILES:

0.2 mg/m3 OSHA TWA (benzene soluble fraction) 

0.2 mg/m3 ACGIH TWA (benzene soluble fraction) 

0.1 mg/m3 NIOSH recommended TWA 10 hour(s) (cyclohexane extractable fraction) 

VENTILATION: Ensure adequate ventilation. Ensure compliance with applicable exposure limits. 

EYE PROTECTION: ANSI Z87.1-1989 approved safety glasses with side shields. Provide an emergency 

eye wash fountain and quick drench shower in the immediate work area. At elevated temperatures: A 

faceshield is recommended. 

CLOTHING: Wear protective clothing to prevent contact. Use protective skin cream on exposed skin 

before and during work shift. Contaminated clothing should be removed and laundered before reuse. When 

material is at an elevated temperature, wear appropriate heat resistant clothing. 

GLOVES: Wear appropriate gloves. When material is at an elevated temperature, wear appropriate heat 
resistant gloves. 

PROTECTIVE MATERIAL TYPES: protective skin creams, chemical resistant material, heat resistant 

material 

RESPIRATOR: If the applicable TLVs and/or PELs are exceeded, use canister or cartridge respirators, 

which are MSHA/NIOSH-approved, with organic vapor cartridges. 

9. PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL PROPERTIES 

PHYSICAL STATE: solid 

COLOR: black 

PHYSICAL FORM: changes from solid to liquid as temperature increases 

ODOR: coal tar odor 

BOILING POINT: >464 F (>240 C) 

MELTING POINT: >70 F (>21 C) 

VAPOR PRESSURE: 0 mmHg @ 20 C 

VAPOR DENSITY (air=1): >1 

SPECIFIC GRAVITY (water=1): 1.26-1.34 @ 15.5 C 

WATER SOLUBILITY: almost insoluble 

PH: Not applicable 

VOLATILITY: Not applicable 

ODOR THRESHOLD: Not available 

EVAPORATION RATE: Not applicable 

COEFFICIENT OF WATER/OIL DISTRIBUTION: Not available 

10. STABILITY AND REACTIVITY 

REACTIVITY: Stable at normal temperatures and pressure. 

CONDITIONS TO AVOID: Avoid heat, flames, sparks and other sources of ignition. Avoid contact with 

incompatible materials. 

INCOMPATIBILITIES: oxidizing materials 

HAZARDOUS DECOMPOSITION:

Thermal decomposition products: carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, oxides of nitrogen, sulfur compounds, 

polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons 

POLYMERIZATION: Will not polymerize. 

11. TOXICOLOGICAL INFORMATION 

CARBON PITCH TYPE A:

CARCINOGEN STATUS: OSHA: No, NTP: Yes, IARC: Yes, (See below for additional information on 
component carcinogen status) 

TARGET ORGANS: respiratory system, skin, eyes, bladder, scrotum 

MEDICAL CONDITIONS AGGRAVATED BY EXPOSURE: respiratory disorders, skin disorders, eye 

disorders, central nervous system disorders (i.e. headache, drowsiness, dizziness, loss of coordination) 

ADDITIONAL DATA: This product contains coal tar pitch. Volume 35 of the IARC monograph states that 

there is sufficient evidence that coal tar pitches are carcinogenic in humans. IARC's conclusion is based upon 

studies suggesting an association between skin cancer and chronic occupational dermal exposure to coal tar 

pitches and upon other historical studies and anecdotal reports showing an association between dermal 

exposure to coal tar pitch and scrotal cancer in the absence of good hygiene practices. 

Epidemiological studies of aluminum reduction workers showed an excess risk of developing bladder cancer 

for workers with chronic inhalation overexposure to coal tar pitch volatiles in excess of the recommended 

permissible exposure level. Studies also suggest an association between lung cancer and chronic inhalation 

overexposure to coal tar pitch volatiles in excess of the recommended permissible exposure level. A recent 

animal study may suggest an association between lung cancer and pulmonary deposition of particulate matter 

originating from coal tar pitches. It is not anticipated, however, that use of this product in liquid form will 

create a respirable dust. 

In addition to containing information about the product as a whole, this data sheet also contains information 

about individual components of the product. Information of this nature may not have been derived from 

studies or data relating to this product and/or may have been derived from studies or data that did not involve 

human exposure and involved animal exposure only. 

HIGH-TEMP. COAL TAR PITCH:

CARCINOGEN STATUS: NTP: Known Human Carcinogen; IARC: Human Sufficient Evidence, Animal 

Sufficient Evidence, Group 1; ACGIH: A1 -Confirmed Human Carcinogen (Coal tar pitch volatiles) 

LOCAL EFFECTS:

Irritant: skin, eye 

MEDICAL CONDITIONS AGGRAVATED BY EXPOSURE: respiratory disorders, skin disorders, 

central nervous system disorders 

PETROLEUM PITCH:

MEDICAL CONDITIONS AGGRAVATED BY EXPOSURE: respiratory disorders, skin disorders, eye 

disorders 

POLYCYCLIC AROMATIC HYDROCARBONS:

ADDITIONAL DATA: Some polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), found in coal tar complex 

substances, have been reported to cause lung and skin cancer in humans under conditions of poor personal 

hygiene, prolonged/repeated contact, and exposure to sunlight. The National Toxicology Program (NTP) and 

IARC have independently classified various PAH compounds present in coal tar substances as reasonably 

anticipated to be human carcinogens (NTP), probably carcinogenic to humans (IARC Group 2A), possibly 

carcinogenic to humans (IARC Group 2B), and not classifiable as to carcinogenicity to humans (IARC 

Group 3). The cancers reported in the studies upon which IARC based its conclusions involved lung, skin, 

liver, stomach, kidney and blood cancers in animals. Based on the results of animal experiments PAHs may 

cause injury to the liver, kidneys, lungs, blood and lymph systems. Some PAH's have also been associated 

with impaired fertility, heritable genetic damage and birth defects in mice. 
12. ECOLOGICAL INFORMATION 

Not available 

13. DISPOSAL CONSIDERATIONS 

Dispose in accordance with all applicable regulations. 

14. TRANSPORT INFORMATION 

U.S. DOT 49 CFR 172.101:

PROPER SHIPPING NAME: Other regulated substances, solid, n.o.s. RQ 

ID NUMBER: NA3077 

HAZARD CLASS OR DIVISION: 9 

PACKING GROUP: III 

LABELING REQUIREMENTS: 9 

DOT HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCE(S):

Benzo(a)pyrene 1 lb(s) (0.454 kg(s)) 

Fluoranthene 100 lb(s) (45.4 kg(s)) 

Indeno(1,2,3-cd)pyrene 100 lb(s) (45.4 kg(s)) 

1,2-Benzanthracene 10 lb(s) (4.54 kg(s)) 

1,2-Benzphenanthrene 100 lb(s) (45.4 kg(s)) 

Benzo(b)fluoranthene 1 lb(s) (0.454 kg(s)) 

OTHER INFORMATION: This material contains reportable quantity (RQ) Hazardous Substances. 

Applicable shipping classification depends on temperature of product. Product in Tank Car or Tank Truck is 

shipped as 'Elevated temperature liquid, n.o.s.' 'Other regulated substances, solid, n.o.s.' applies for all 

container sizes. 

U.S. DOT 49 CFR 172.101:

PROPER SHIPPING NAME: Elevated temperature liquid, n.o.s. RQ 

ID NUMBER: UN3257 

HAZARD CLASS OR DIVISION: 9 

PACKING GROUP: III 

LABELING REQUIREMENTS: 9 

DOT HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCE(S):

Benzo(a)pyrene 1 lb(s) (0.454 kg(s)) 

Fluoranthene 100 lb(s) (45.4 kg(s)) 

Indeno(1,2,3-cd)pyrene 100 lb(s) (45.4 kg(s)) 

1,2-Benzanthracene 10 lb(s) (4.54 kg(s)) 

1,2-Benzphenanthrene 100 lb(s) (45.4 kg(s)) 

Benzo(b)fluoranthene 1 lb(s) (0.454 kg(s)) 

OTHER INFORMATION: This material contains reportable quantity (RQ) Hazardous Substances. 

Applicable shipping classification depends on temperature of product. Product in Tank Car or Tank Truck is 

shipped as 'Elevated temperature liquid, n.o.s.' 'Other regulated substances, solid, n.o.s.' applies for all 

container sizes. 
CANADIAN TRANSPORTATION OF DANGEROUS GOODS:

SHIPPING NAME: Elevated temperature liquid, n.o.s. 

UN NUMBER: UN3257 

CLASS: 9 

PACKING GROUP/RISK GROUP: III 

OTHER INFORMATION: Applicable shipping classification depends on temperature of product. No 

classification is assigned when material is not at an elevated temperature. 

15. REGULATORY INFORMATION 

U.S. REGULATIONS:

SARA TITLE III SECTION 302 EXTREMELY HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES (40 CFR 355.30): 

PYRENE: 1000/10000 LBS TPQ 

SARA TITLE III SECTION 304 EXTREMELY HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES (40 CFR 355.40): 

PYRENE: 5000 LBS RQ 

SARA TITLE III SARA SECTIONS 311/312 HAZARDOUS CATEGORIES (40 CFR 370.21): 

ACUTE: Yes 

CHRONIC: Yes 

FIRE: No 

REACTIVE: No 

SUDDEN RELEASE: No 

SARA TITLE III SECTION 313 (40 CFR 372.65): 

Benzo(a)pyrene

BENZO(G,H,I)PERYLENE

FLUORANTHENE

Indeno (1,2,3-cd)pyrene

1,2-Benzanthracene

1,2-Benzphenanthrene (Chrysene)

BENZO(B)FLUORANTHENE

Dibenzo(a,h)pyrene

BENZO(J)FLUORANTHENE

BENZO(K)FLUORANTHENE

Dibenzo(a,e)pyrene

Dibenzo(a,i)pyrene

Dibenz(a,h)anthracene

STATE REGULATIONS:

California Proposition 65: 

Known to the state of California to cause the following: 

Soots, tars, and mineral oils (untreated and mildly treated oils and used engine oils)

Cancer (Feb 27, 1987) 

Benzo(a)pyrene

Cancer (Jul 01, 1987) 

Indeno (1,2,3-cd)pyrene
Cancer (Jan 01, 1988) 

1,2-Benzanthracene

Cancer (Jul 01, 1987) 

1,2-Benzphenanthrene (Chrysene)

Cancer (Jan 01, 1990) 

BENZO(B)FLUORANTHENE

Cancer (Jul 01, 1987) 

Dibenzo(a,h)pyrene

Cancer (Jan 01, 1988) 

BENZO(J)FLUORANTHENE

Cancer (Jul 01, 1987) 

BENZO(K)FLUORANTHENE

Cancer (Jul 01, 1987) 

Dibenzo(a,e)pyrene

Cancer (Jan 01, 1988) 

Dibenzo(a,i)pyrene

Cancer (Jan 01, 1988) 

Dibenz(a,h)anthracene

Cancer (Jan 01, 1988) 

Carbazole

Cancer (May 01, 1996) 

CANADIAN REGULATIONS:

WHMIS CLASSIFICATION: D2A. 

NATIONAL INVENTORY STATUS:

U.S. INVENTORY (TSCA): Listed on inventory. 

TSCA 12(b) EXPORT NOTIFICATION: Not listed. 

CANADA INVENTORY (DSL/NDSL): All components of this product are listed on either the DSL or the 

NDSL. 

16. OTHER INFORMATION 

MSDS SUMMARY OF CHANGES

2. HAZARDS IDENTIFICATION 

3. COMPOSITION, INFORMATION ON INGREDIENTS 

11. TOXICOLOGICAL INFORMATION 

©Copyright 1984-2007 MDL Information Systems, Inc. All rights reserved.

The information set forth in this Material Safety Data Sheet does not purport to be all-inclusive and 

should be used only as a guide. While the information and recommendations set forth herein are 

believed to be accurate, the company makes no warranty regarding such information and 

recommendations and disclaims all liability from reliance thereon.