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CarCareTruthProducts · Ranked

Carbon Black

  • Dyes & colorants
  • CAS 1333-86-4
  • IUPAC: Carbon (amorphous)

Carbon Black (CAS 1333-86-4) appears in 7 of the 1,812 car-care products CarCareTruth tracks (as of June 2026).

IARC Group 2B (possibly carcinogenic) classification based on occupational inhalation exposure to carbon black dust at high concentrations. In liquid paint formulations, carbon black is suspended and does not present a respirable dust hazard. No Prop 65 listing at consumer product concentrations. SDS OEL OSHA PEL 3.5 mg/m³ (as nuisance dust); ACGIH TLV 3.0 mg/m³ inhalable fraction. Primary concern is dusty application scenarios (powder pigment handling), not liquid paint use.

Carbon black is the standard black pigment in automotive paints, lacquers, inks, and plastics. It is produced by incomplete combustion of heavy petroleum products. At the particle sizes and concentrations used in liquid touch-up paints, the IARC 2B classification (based on occupational inhalation of dry carbon black dust) is not directly applicable to consumer paint application scenarios. Carbon black provides the deep, opaque black color in universal black automotive touch-up products.

Health & environment profile

VOC
no
Prop 65 listed
no
Asthmagen
no
EPA Safer Choice
no
Aquatic toxicity
no
Biodegradable
no
Bioaccumulative
no
Persistent
yes
Ozone depleting
no
Microplastic
no
PFAS
no
Env. score
4/5
Purpose: Black pigment in paints, coatings, inks, and plastics; provides opacity, UV protection, and deep black color

Common questions about Carbon Black

What is Carbon Black used for in car care?
Black pigment in paints, coatings, inks, and plastics; provides opacity, UV protection, and deep black color
Is Carbon Black a VOC?
No. Carbon Black is not classified as a volatile organic compound (VOC).
Is Carbon Black on California's Proposition 65 list?
No. Carbon Black is not on California's Proposition 65 list.

7 products contain this

Related

Health and environment notes translate the manufacturer Safety Data Sheet, the GHS classification, and authoritative regulatory listings (California Prop 65, EPA). Not medical advice. They describe the ingredient itself; whether a hazard applies to a finished product depends on its concentration and how it's used.