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SULFUR ICSC: 1166
April 2000
Flowers of sulfur
Flour sulfur
Brimstone
PDF for printing Explanation of fields
CAS No: 7704-34-9
RTECS No: WS4250000
UN No: 1350
    S or S8
Molecular mass: 256.5 (S8); Atomic mass: 32.1

TYPES OF
HAZARD /
EXPOSURE
ACUTE HAZARDS / SYMPTOMS      PREVENTION      FIRST AID / FIRE FIGHTING
FIRE Combustible. NO open flames, NO sparks, and NO smoking. Water spray. Foam. Powder. Dry sand.
EXPLOSION Finely dispersed particles form explosive mixtures in air. Prevent deposition of dust; closed system, dust explosion-proof electrical equipment and lighting. Prevent build-up of electrostatic charges (e.g., by grounding). In case of fire: keep drums, etc., cool by spraying with water.
 
EXPOSURE   PREVENT DISPERSION OF DUST!  
Inhalation Burning sensation. Cough. Sore throat. Local exhaust or breathing protection. Fresh air, rest. Half-upright position. Refer for medical attention.
Skin Redness. Protective gloves. Remove contaminated clothes. Rinse skin with plenty of water or shower.
Eyes Redness. Pain. Blurred vision. Safety goggles. First rinse with plenty of water for several minutes (remove contact lenses if easily possible), then take to a doctor.
Ingestion Burning sensation. Diarrhoea. Do not eat, drink, or smoke during work. Rinse mouth. Refer for medical attention.

SPILLAGE DISPOSAL PACKAGING & LABELLING
Sweep spilled substance into containers; if appropriate, moisten first to prevent dusting. (Extra personal protection: P2 filter respirator for harmful particles). UN Hazard Class: 4.1
UN Pack Group: III


EMERGENCY RESPONSE STORAGE
Transport Emergency Card: TEC (R)-115A
NFPA Code: H 1; F 1; R 0
Fireproof. Separated from strong oxidants.

IMPORTANT DATA
Physical State; Appearance
YELLOW SOLID IN VARIOUS FORMS

Physical dangers
Dust explosion possible if in powder or granular form, mixed with air. If dry, it can be charged electrostatically by swirling, pneumatic transport, pouring, etc.

Chemical dangers
On combustion, forms toxic and corrosive gases of sulfur oxides including sulfur dioxide (see ICSC 0074). Reacts violently with strong oxidants causing fire and explosion hazard, especially if powdered.

Occupational exposure limits
TLV not established.

Routes of exposure
The substance can be absorbed into the body by inhalation and by ingestion.

Inhalation risk
Evaporation at 20°C is negligible; a harmful concentration of airborne particles can, however, be reached quickly when dispersed.

Effects of short-term exposure
The substance irritates the eyes, the skin and the respiratory tract. Inhalation of powder of this substance may cause inflammation of the nose and the respiratory tract.

Effects of long-term or repeated exposure
Repeated or prolonged contact with skin may cause dermatitis. The substance may have effects on the respiratory tract, resulting in chronic bronchitis.


PHYSICAL PROPERTIES ENVIRONMENTAL DATA
Boiling point: 445°C
Melting point: (r-sulfur) 107°C,
(beta-sulfur) 115°C,
(amorphous) 120)°C
Density: 2.1 g/cm³
Solubility in water: none
Flash point: 160°C c.c.
Auto-ignition temperature: 232°C
Explosive limits, vol% in air: 35-1400 g/m³
 

NOTES
Often transported in molten state (UN 2448; TEC(R)-115). Molten sulfur reacts with hydrocarbons to form toxic and flammable gases.
Depending on the degree of exposure, periodic medical examination is indicated.

IPCS
International
Programme on
Chemical Safety
WHO ILO UNEP EC Prepared in the context of cooperation between the International Programme on Chemical Safety and the European Commission
© IPCS 2000
LEGAL NOTICE Neither the EC nor the IPCS nor any person acting on behalf of the EC or the IPCS is responsible for the use which might be made of this information.

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