International Chemical Safety Cards

SULFUR

ICSC: 1166

Flowers of sulfur
Flour sulfur
Brimstone
S or S₈
Molecular mass: 256.5 (S8); Atomic mass 32.1

ICSC #    1166
CAS #     7704-34-9
RTECS # WS4250000
UN #        1350
April 11, 2000 Peer reviewed

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

STORAGE

PACKAGING & LABELLING

Sweep spilled substance into containers; if appropriate, moisten first to prevent dusting. (Extra personal protection: P2 filter respirator for harmful particles).

Fireproof. Separated from strong oxidants.

R:
S:
UN Hazard Class: 4.1
UN Packing Group: III

SEE IMPORTANT INFORMATION ON BACK

ICSC: 1166

Prepared in the context of cooperation between the International Programme on Chemical Safety & the Commission of the European Communities (C) IPCS CEC 1994. No modifications to the International version have been made except to add the OSHA PELs, NIOSH RELs and NIOSH IDLH values.

International Chemical Safety Cards

SULFUR

ICSC: 1166

I

M

P

O

R

T

A

N

T

D

A

T

A

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 oxidesincluding 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

Boiling point: 445°C
Melting point: (r-sulfur) 107°C

Melting point: (beta-sulfur) 115°C

Melting point: (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

ENVIRONMENTAL
DATA

N O T E S

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.

Transport Emergency Card: TEC (R)-115A

NFPA Code: H 1; F 1; R 0

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

ICSC: 1166	SULFUR
(C) IPCS, CEC, 1994

IMPORTANT LEGAL NOTICE:

Neither NIOSH, the CEC or the IPCS nor any person acting on behalf of NIOSH, the CEC or the IPCS is responsible for the use which might be made of this information. This card contains the collective views of the IPCS Peer Review Committee and may not reflect in all cases all the detailed requirements included in national legislation on the subject. The user should verify compliance of the cards with the relevant legislation in the country of use. The only modifications made to produce the U.S. version is inclusion of the OSHA PELs, NIOSH RELs and NIOSH IDLH values.