Carbon disulphide
Environmental Sources
Pure carbon disulphide is a colourless liquid with a pleasant odour
that is like the smell of chloroform. The impure carbon disulphide that
is usually used in most industrial processes is a yellowish liquid with
an unpleasant odour, like that of rotting radishes.
Carbon disulphide is used in the industrial manufacturing of xanthate
intermediates (in the generation of cellulosic products like viscose rayon,
and cellophane film), and carbon tetrachloride. Carbon disulphide is also
used in the generation of ore flotation devices, rubber accelerators,
and chain transfer agents in polymerization. It is used for the manufacturing
of fungicides, insecticidal and grain fumigants, rodenticide, and in soil
treatment (carbon disulphide fumigation).Smaller quantities are used in
solvent extraction or are converted into other chemical products. Carbon
disulphide is still used for the extraction of fats, oils and waxes, but
is being replaced more and more by less toxic and flammable solvents.
Carbon disulphide is also found as a by-product in many industrial processes
like the manufacturing of starch and the combustion of plastic
Human Health effects
For workers in the carbon disulphide industry, many health problems
exist due to the ingestion, skin contact or inhalation of carbon disulphide.
When ingested in small amounts, normally through air borne gaseous vapour,
workers can experience vomiting, irregular heartbeat, or even enter a
comatose state. If ingestion occurs over a long period of time, liver,
kidney, or nerve damage can result. Through inhalation, again through
airborne vapour, the main affects include drowsiness, chest pains, and
irritation. If inhalation of carbon disulphide continues for a long period
of time, effects on the brain can occur leading to paralysis.Through skin
contact, and eye contact, the same symptoms can occur as in inhalation.
Blurred vision and irritation can occur if exposed to for a long period
of time.High concentrations of carbon disulphide have caused skin burns
when the chemical accidentally touched people's skin.
Exposure limits
- The US EPA requires that spills or accidental releases
into the environment of 100 pounds or more of carbon disulphide be reported
to the EPA.
- The US Occupational Safety and Health Administration
(OSHA) have set a limit of 20 parts of carbon disulphide per million parts
of air (20 ppm) for an 8-hour workday for a 40-hour workweek.
- The US National Institute for Occupational Safety and
Health (NIOSH) recommends that workroom air levels of carbon disulphide
not exceed 1ppm for a 10-hour workday, 40-hour workweek.
Sources and links:
www.geocities.com/ryangilliamche200/CS.html
www.modcon.co.il/exposure.htm
www.atsdr.cdc.gov/tfacts82.html
www.who.int/environmental_information/Air/Guidelines/Introduction.htm
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