MOLTEN SULFUR

SECTION 2: Hazards identification

EMERGENCY OVERVIEW: Solid and Molten sulfur can be ignited; burning sulfur produces sulfur dioxide, an irritating, toxic, and suffocating gas. Dust particles may be irritating to the eyes, nose, throat, and skin. Molten sulfur may envolve HYDROGEN SULFIDE (toxic gas) which may accumulate in storage container vapor space. High consentration may cause immediate unconsciousness - death may result unless victim is promptly and successfully resuscitated. Hidrogen sulfide causes eye irritation. 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 may cause more severe symptoms such as redness, pain, sensitivity to light, and conjunctivitis. Some severe exposure cases have resulted in permanent damage. SKIN: Prolonged contact with sulfur dust in a localizaed area may result in irritation, primarily from abrasive action. Molten sulfur may cause 1st, 2nd, 3rd degree thermal burns INHALATION: Inhalation of low concentrations of dust should not cause significant healt 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. 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 ingestionof samll 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. WARNING: 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 hihg concentrations, the victim may not even recognize the odor before becoming unconscious.