Brimstone; Sulphur

SECTION 2: Hazards identification

EYES Contact with molten sulfur may cause serious burns and blindness. Sulfur vapor may cause eye irritation. Dust contact with eyes may cause mechanical irritation (abrasion), characterized by a scratchy discomfort. This may progress to burning and tearing, with blurring of vision upon repeated or prolonged exposure. These symptoms are generally reversible once exposure is discontinued. Excessive exposure may cause more severe symptoms such as redness, pain, sensitivity to light, and conjunctivitis. Some severe exposure cases have resulted in permanent damage. Exposure to approximately 8 ppm sulfur vapor has been shown to cause eye irritation. SKIN Prolonged contact with sulfur dust in a localized area may result in irritation, primarily from abrasive action. Molten sulfur may cause 1st, 2nd, or 3rd degree thermal burns. INGESTION Ingestion of small amounts of solid sulfur should not cause significant health effects. Large does can produce mucous membrane irritation, difficult swallowing, redness of the throat and tongue, stomach, and urinary disturbances. Vomiting, abdominal pain and diarrhea may also occur. Long-term ingestion of small amounts may have a laxative effect. Ingestion of very large amounts may cause sore throat, nausea, headache, and possibly unconsciousness in severe cases. May be converted into hydrogen sulfide in the intestine. INHALATION Inhalation of low concentrations of dust should not cause significant health effects. Inhalation of large amounts of dust may cause inflammation of the nose and throat, resulting in secretions from the nose. Symptoms include sore throat, tightness of the chest, chest pain, lightheadedness, and persistent cough with sputum. WARNING: Irritating and toxic hydrogen sulfide gas may be found in confined vapor spaces. Greater than 15 - 20 ppm continuous exposure can cause mucous membrane and respiratory tract irritation. 50 - 500 ppm can cause headache, nausea, and dizziness, loss of reasoning and balance, difficulty in breathing, fluid in the lungs, and possible loss of consciousness. Greater than 500 ppm can cause rapid or immediate unconsciousness due to respiratory paralysis and death by suffocation unless the victim is removed from exposure and successfully resuscitated. The "rotten egg" odor of hydrogen sulfide is not a reliable indicator for warning of exposure, since olfactory fatigue (loss of smell) readily occurs, especially at concentrations above 50 ppm. At high concentrations, the victim may not even recognize the odor before becoming unconscious. CHRONIC Long-term exposure to high concentrations can cause respiratory disease - see Section 11, Toxicological Information.

Medical Conditions Generally Aggravated by Exposure

Exposure may aggravate preexisting bronchitis, asthma, and open wounds, skin disorders, and dermatitis (rash).