Question The inside of the hdd has black powder in it by the platters

[Cocoribot]

What is the black powder in the hard disk drive? Is it toxic? If you smell it is it dangerous?

 

[clutchc]

You opened the drive's case? If there is powder in the drive and on the platters, it is probably something wearing and leaving residue behind. I doubt it will be harmful to you unless you ingest it. But the read/write heads are probably shot now.

 

[DSzymborski]

Likely ground down from a head failure.

Do not go around sniffing this stuff.

 

[Cocoribot]

You opened the drive's case? If there is powder in the drive and on the platters, it is probably something wearing and leaving residue behind. I doubt it will be harmful to you unless you ingest it. But the read/write heads are probably shot now.

Likely ground down from a head failure.

Do not go around sniffing this stuff.

What are the side effects from this powder? It’s not like abestos? Becuase when I hit the hard drive with a hammer, it started smelling for a few seconds

 

[Cocoribot]

I don’t have a headache, or respiratory breathing problems so far. It’s been a few hours so far. So I guess I’m ok for the time being? Also I’m disposing if the hard drives by wrapping them in plastic wrap, don’t know where I’ll go from here

 

[clutchc]

Take the 'remains' to any electronic recycling drop-off. Stuff like that should be recycled anyway. I'm no medical professional, but I wouldn't be concerned about a brief inhalation of the residue.