Common Name: Carbon Disulfide CAS Number: 75-15-0 DOT Number: UN 1131 Date: August 1, 1987 ------------------------------------------ HAZARD SUMMARY * Carbon Disulfide can affect you when breathed and by passing through skin. * It may damage the developing fetus and cause reproductive damage. HANDLE WITH EXTREME CAUTION. * Exposure can cause headaches, nausea, dizziness, fainting and death. * Repeated exposures can damage the nervous system with pain, tingling and weakness, nightmares, and severe personality changes, including insanity. Hardening of the arteries, high blood pressure and kidney and heart disease can also occur. * Carbon Disulfide is a FLAMMABLE LIQUID and a FIRE HAZARD. IDENTIFICATION Carbon Disulfide is a colorless to faintly yellow liquid with a strong, disagreeable odor. It is used in the manufacture of viscose rayon, cellophane, carbon tetrachloride and flotation agents. REASON FOR CITATION * Carbon Disulfide is on the Hazardous Substance List because it is regulated by OSHA and cited by ACGIH, DOT and NIOSH. * This chemical is on the Special Health Hazard Substance List because it is FLAMMABLE. * Definitions are attached. HOW TO DETERMINE IF YOU ARE BEING EXPOSED * Exposure to hazardous substances should be routinely evaluated. This may include collecting personal and area air samples. You can obtain copies of sampling results from your employer. You have a legal right to this information under OSHA 1910.20. * If you think you are experiencing any work related health problems, see a doctor trained to recognize occupational diseases. Take this Fact Sheet with you. * ODOR THRESHOLD = 0.11 ppm. * The odor threshold only serves as a warning of exposure. Not smelling it does not mean you are not being exposed. WORKPLACE EXPOSURE LIMITS OSHA: The legal airborne permissible exposure (PEL) is 20 ppm averaged over an 8 hour workshift, 30 ppm as an acceptable ceiling, and 100 ppm as a maximum peak above the acceptance ceiling concentration not to be exceeded during any 30 minute work period. NIOSH: The recommended exposure limit is 1 ppm averaged over a 10 hour workshift, and 10 ppm, not to be exceeded during any 15 minute work period. ACGIH: The recommended airborne exposure limit is 10 ppm averaged over an 8 hour workshift. * The above exposure limits are for air levels only. When skin contact also occurs, you may be overexposed, even though air levels are less than the limits listed above. WAYS OF REDUCING EXPOSURE * Where possible, enclose operations and use local exhaust ventilation at the site of chemical release. If local exhaust ventilation or enclosure is not used, respirators should be worn. * Wear protective work clothing. * Wash thoroughly immediately after exposure to Carbon Disulfide and at the end of the workshift. * Post hazard and warning information in the work area. In addition, as part of an ongoing education and training effort, communicate all information on the health and safety hazards of Carbon Disulfide to potentially exposed workers. This Fact Sheet is a summary source of information of all potential and most severe health hazards that may result from exposure. Duration of exposure, concentration of the substance and other factors will affect your susceptibility to any of the potential effects described below. ------------------------------------------ HEALTH HAZARD INFORMATION Acute Health Effects The following acute (short term) health effects may occur immediately or shortly after exposure to Carbon Disulfide: * Exposure to Carbon Disulfide can cause headaches, nausea, lightheadedness, dizziness, unconsciousness and death. Mental changes may occur and last for months or years. * The vapor may cause severe irritation to the eyes, skin and nose. Contact with the liquid may cause blistering and redness of the skin. Chronic Health Effects The following chronic (long term) health effects can occur at some time after exposure to Carbon Disulfide and can last for months or years: Cancer Hazard * According to the information presently available to the New Jersey Department of Health, Carbon Disulfide has not been tested for its ability to cause cancer in animals. Reproductive Hazard * Carbon Disulfide may damage the developing fetus. * It may decrease fertility in men and women, causing sperm abnormalities and spontaneous abortions. Other Long Term Effects * Repeated exposures can cause severe changes in the brain and nervous system, causing tingling, pain, "pins and needles" feeling and weakness in the legs; stomach trouble and very severe mood, personality and thought changes, including total insanity. There may be nightmares, trouble concentrating and trouble with coordination and balance. * Carbon Disulfide may cause increased cholesterol and atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries), high blood pressure, heart disease and damage to the eyes, and other organs from its effects on arteries. * Carbon Disulfide may cause a skin allergy. If an allergy develops, very low future exposures can cause itching and a skin rash. MEDICAL Medical Testing Before beginning employment and at regular times after that, the following are recommended: * Exam of the nervous system, including mental status exam. * Measurement of nerve conduction velocity may provide early detection of neurological impairment. * Exam of the cardiovascular system for signs of atherosclerosis. * The intensity of exposure can be measured by the iodine azide test, which detects Carbon Disulfide metabolites in the urine. Any evaluation should include a careful history of past and present symptoms with an exam. Medical tests that look for damage already done are not a substitute for controlling exposure. Request copies of your medical testing. You have a legal right to this information under OSHA 1910.20. Mixed Exposures Because smoking can cause heart disease, as well as lung cancer, emphysema, and other respiratory problems, it may worsen respiratory conditions caused by chemical exposure. Even if you have smoked for a long time, stopping now will reduce your risk of developing health problems. WORKPLACE CONTROLS AND PRACTICES Unless a less toxic chemical can be substituted for a hazardous substance, ENGINEERING CONTROLS are the most effective way of reducing exposure. The best protection is to enclose operations and/or provide local exhaust ventilation at the site of chemical release. Isolating operations can also reduce exposure. Using respirators or protective equipment is less effective than the controls mentioned above, but is sometimes necessary. In evaluating the controls present in your workplace, consider: (1) how hazardous the substance is, (2) how much of the substance is released into the workplace and (3) whether harmful skin or eye contact could occur. Special controls should be in place for highly toxic chemicals or when significant skin, eye, or breathing exposures are possible. In addition, the following controls are recommended: * Where possible, automatically pump liquid Carbon Disulfide from drums or other storage containers to process containers. * Specific engineering controls are recommended for this chemical by NIOSH. Refer to the NIOSH criteria document: Carbon Disulfide # 77 156. * Before entering a confined space where Carbon Disulfide may be present, check to make sure that an explosive concentration does not exist. Good WORK PRACTICES can help to reduce hazardous exposures. The following work practices are recommended: * Workers whose clothing has been contaminated by Carbon Disulfide should change into clean clothing promptly. * Contaminated work clothes should be laundered by individuals who have been informed of the hazards of exposure to Carbon Disulfide. * Eye wash fountains should be provided in the immediate work area for emergency use. * If there is the possibility of skin exposure, emergency shower facilities should be provided. * On skin contact with Carbon Disulfide, immediately wash or shower to remove the chemical. At the end of the work shift, wash any areas of the body that may have contacted Carbon Disulfide, whether or not known skin contact has occurred. * Do not eat, smoke, or drink where Carbon Disulfide is handled, processed, or stored, since the chemical can be swallowed. Wash hands carefully before eating or smoking. PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT WORKPLACE CONTROLS ARE BETTER THAN PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT. However, for some jobs (such as outside work, confined space entry, jobs done only once in a while, or jobs done while workplace controls are being installed), personal protective equipment may be appropriate. The following recommendations are only guidelines and may not apply to every situation. Clothing * Avoid skin contact with Carbon Disulfide. Wear protective gloves and clothing. Safety equipment suppliers/ manufacturers can provide recommendations on the most protective glove/ clothing material for your operation. * All protective clothing (suits, gloves, footwear, headgear) should be clean, available each day, and put on before work. * ACGIH recommends Polyvinyl Alcohol (PVA) or VITON as good to excellent protective materials. The American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA) recommends that protective clothing should be made of Neoprene, Polyvinyl Chloride, or Nitrile Butadiene rubber. According to the AIHA, PVA garments are protective against Carbon Disulfide, but are soluble in water or water based solutions. Eye Protection * Wear splash proof chemical goggles and face shield when working with liquid Carbon Disulfide, unless full facepiece respiratory protection is worn. Respiratory Protection IMPROPER USE OF RESPIRATORS IS DANGEROUS. Such equipment should only be used if the employer has a written program that takes into account workplace conditions, requirements for worker training, respirator fit testing and medical exams, as described in OSHA 1910.134. * Where the potential exists for exposures over 1 ppm, use a MSHA/NIOSH approved full facepiece respirator with an organic vapor cartridge/canister. Increased protection is obtained from full facepiece powered air purifying respirators. * If while wearing a filter, cartridge or canister respirator, you can smell, taste, or otherwise detect Carbon Disulfide, or in the case of a full facepiece respirator you experience eye irritation, leave the area immediately. Check to make sure the respirator to face seal is still good. If it is, replace the filter, cartridge, or canister. If the seal is no longer good, you may need a new respirator. * Be sure to consider all potential exposures in your workplace. You may need a combination of filters, prefilters, cartridges, or canisters to protect against different forms of a chemical (such as vapor and mist) or against a mixture of chemicals. * Where the potential for high exposures exists, use a MSHA/NIOSH approved supplied air respirator with a full facepiece operated in the positive pressure mode or with a full facepiece, hood, or helmet in the continuous flow mode, or use a MSHA/NIOSH approved self contained breathing apparatus with a full facepiece operated in pressure demand or other positive pressure mode. * Exposure to 500 ppm is immediately dangerous to life and health. If the possibility of exposures above 500 ppm exists, use a MSHA/NIOSH approved self contained breathing apparatus with a full facepiece operated in continuous flow or other positive pressure mode. HANDLING AND STORAGE * Prior to working with Carbon Disulfide you should be trained on its proper handling and storage. * Carbon Disulfide must be stored to avoid contact with STRONG OXIDIZERS (such as CHLORINE and CHLORINE DIOXIDE); CHEMICALLY ACTIVE METALS (such as SODIUM, POTASSIUM and ZINC); AZIDES and ORGANIC AMINES since violent reactions occur. * Store in tightly closed containers in a cool, well ventilated area away from HEAT and DIRECT SUNLIGHT. Carbon Disulfide stored in tanks should be covered with water or an inert gas. * Sources of ignition, such as smoking and open flames, are prohibited where Carbon Disulfide is used, handled, or stored. * Metal containers involving the transfer of 5 gallons or more of Carbon Disulfide should be grounded and bonded. Drums must be equipped with self closing valves, pressure vacuum bungs, and flame arresters. * Use only non sparking tools and equipment, especially when opening and closing containers of Carbon Disulfide. Common Name: Carbon Disulfide DOT Number: UN 1131 DOT Emergency Guide code: 28 CAS Number: 75-15-0 ---------------------------------------- NJ DOH Hazard rating FLAMMABILITY 3 REACTIVITY 0 ---------------------------------------- FLAMMABLE LIQUID POISONOUS GAS IS PRODUCED IN FIRE CONTAINERS MAY EXPLODE IN FIRE ---------------------------------------- Hazard Rating Key: 0=minimal; 1=slight; 2=moderate; 3=serious; 4=severe FIRE HAZARDS * Carbon Disulfide is a FLAMMABLE LIQUID. * Use dry chemical, CO2, water spray, or foam extinguishers. * POISONOUS GAS IS PRODUCED IN FIRE. * CONTAINERS MAY EXPLODE IN FIRE. * The vapor is heavier than air and may travel a distance to cause a fire or explosion far from the source. * If employees are expected to fight fires, they must be trained and equipped as stated in OSHA 1910.156. SPILLS AND EMERGENCIES If Carbon Disulfide is spilled or leaked, take the following steps: * Restrict persons not wearing protective equipment from area of spill or leak until cleanup is complete. * Remove all ignition sources. * Ventilate area of spill or leak. * Absorb liquids in vermiculite, dry sand, earth, or a similar material and deposit in sealed containers. * Keep Carbon Disulfide out of a confined space, such as a sewer, because of the possibility of an explosion, unless the sewer is designed to prevent the buildup of explosive concentrations. * It may be necessary to contain and dispose of Carbon Disulfide as a HAZARDOUS WASTE. Contact your state Environmental Program for specific recommendations. ========================================== FOR LARGE SPILLS AND FIRES immediately call your fire department. ========================================== FIRST AID POISON INFORMATION Eye Contact * Immediately flush with large amounts of water for at least 15 minutes, occasionally lifting upper and lower lids. Seek medical attention. Skin Contact * Quickly remove contaminated clothing. Immediately wash area with large amounts of soap and water. Seek medical attention immediately. Breathing * Remove the person from exposure. * Begin rescue breathing if breathing has stopped and CPR if heart action has stopped. * Transfer promptly to a medical facility. PHYSICAL DATA Vapor Pressure: 300 mm Hg at 68oF Flash Point: 22oF Water Solubility: Slightly soluble OTHER COMMONLY USED NAMES Chemical Name: Carbon Disulfide Other Names and Formulations: Carbon Bisulfide; Carbon Disulphide; Dithiocarbonic Anhydride. ------------------------------------------ Not intended to be copied and sold for commercial purposes. ------------------------------------------ NEW JERSEY DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH Right to Know Program CN 368, Trenton, NJ 08625 0368 ------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------ ECOLOGICAL INFORMATION Carbon disulfide is a clear, colorless, flammable liquid which is heavier than water. It is used to make regenerated cellulose fibers and films, in the preparation of various organic sulfur compounds, as a raw material in making carbon tetrachloride, and as a solvent. It may enter the environment from industrial effluents and spills. ACUTE (SHORT-TERM) ECOLOGICAL EFFECTS Acute toxic effects may include the death of animals, birds, or fish, and death or low growth rate in plants. Acute effects are seen two to four days after animals or plants come in contact with a toxic chemical substance. Carbon disulfide has moderate acute toxicity to aquatic life. No data are available on the short-term effects of carbon disulfide to plants, birds, or land animals. CHRONIC (LONG-TERM) ECOLOGICAL EFFECTS Chronic toxic effects may include shortened lifespan, reproductive problems, lower fertility, and changes in appearance or behavior. Chronic effects can be seen long after first exposure(s) to a toxic chemical. Carbon disulfide has high chronic toxicity to aquatic life. No data are available on the long term effects of carbon disulfide to plants, birds, or land animals. WATER SOLUBILITY Carbon disulfide is moderately soluble in water. Concentrations of between 1 to 1,000 milligrams will mix with a liter of water. DISTRIBUTION AND PERSISTENCE IN THE ENVIRONMENT Carbon disulfide is non-persistent in water, with a half-life of less than 2 days. The half-life of a pollutant is the amount of time it takes for one-half of the chemical to be degraded. About 99.8% of carbon disulfide will eventually end up in air; the rest will end up in the water. BIOACCUMULATION IN AQUATIC ORGANISMS Some substances increase in concentration, or bioaccumulate, in living organisms as they breathe contaminated air, drink contaminated water, or eat contaminated food. These chemicals can become concentrated in the tissues and internal organs of animals and humans. The concentration of carbon disulfide found in fish tissues is expected to be somewhat higher than the average concentration of carbon disulfide in the water from which the fish was taken. SUPPORT DOCUMENT: AQUIRE Database, ERL-Duluth, U.S. EPA.