No standards exist for the amount of carbon black allowed in the air of homes. We use a formula to convert established workplace limits to suggested home limits. Based on the formula, we recommend levels of carbon black in air be no higher than 0.07 milligrams per cubic meter of air. There are no health-based standards for carbon black in soil or water. Inhaling carbon black particles can irritate the lungs and cause coughing.
Carbon black can also irritate the eyes, nose and throat.
When people are exposed to high levels of carbon black over many years, the particles may lodge deep in their lungs. Animal studies suggest long-term exposure to very high doses of pure carbon black may increase a person's risk of cancer. Carbon black that comes from incomplete burning of hydrocarbons is more likely to contain cancer causing chemicals than pure carbon black. There is no evidence that carbon black causes reproductive or developmental problems. The most likely effect of exposure to carbon black is lung disease.