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oEFA Chemicals in the
Environment
CARBON DISULFIDE
(CAS NO 75-15-0)
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Chemicals can be released to the envi-
ronment as a result of their manufacture.
processing, and use. The EPA has de-
veloped information summaries on se-
lected chemicals to describe how you
might be exposed to these chemicals, how
exposure to them might aflccl vou and the
cm iroruncnl, what happens (o them in the
environment, who regulates them, and
whom to contact for additional informa-
tion HPA is committed to reducing envi-
ronmental releases of chemicals through
source reduction and other practices that
reduce creation of pollutants
WHAT IS CARBON DISULFIDE,
HOW IS IT USED, AND HOW
MIGHT I BE EXPOSED?
" v, ' ~ ••' -u'
Carbon disulfide is a colorless,
flammable liquid with a pleasant odor.
Impure samples have a yellow color and a
disagreeable odor. It occurs naturally
mostly due to the action of microorganisms
living in sediments found on the sea floor
and in marshes. Carbon disulfide is pro-
duced in large amounts (207 million
pounds in 1992) by three companies in the
United States. US demand for carbon di-
sulfide has declined in recent years and is
likely to continue to fall. The largest users
of carbon disulfide are chemical compa-
nies that make rayon. Companies use
smaller amounts of the chemical to make
agricultural fumiganls. rubber chemicals,
and cellulose. Companies also use carbon
disulfide to clean metal surfaces. Olive oil
processors use the chemical to extract olive
oil
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Exposure lo carbon disulfidc can oc-
cur in the workplace or in the environment
following releases to air, water, land, or
ground water Carbon disulfide enters the body
when breathed in with contaminated air or
when consumed with contaminated food or
water. It is also absorbed through skin contact.
It docs not remain in the body due lo its
breakdown and removal.
WHAT HAPPENS TO CARBON DISULFIDE
IN THE ENVIRONMENT?
Carbon disulfide evaporates when
exposed to air. It dissolves when mixed with
water. Most direct releases of carbon disulfidc
to the environment are to air. Carbon disulfide
also evaporates from water and soil exposed to
air. Once in air. il breaks down to other
chemicals. Because it is a liquid that does not
bind well to soil, carbon disulfide that makes
its way into the ground can move through the
ground and into groundwater. Plants and
animals are not likely to store carbon disulfide
HOW DOES CARBON DISULFIDE
AFFECT HUMAN HEALTH AND THE
ENVIRONMENT?
Effects of carbon disulfide on human
health and the environment depend on how
much carbon disulfide is present and the length
and frequency of exposure. Effects also de-
pend on the health of a person or the condition
of the environment when exposure occurs.
Breathing or otherwise consuming
carbon disulfide for short periods of time ad-
versely affects the human nervous system.
Effects range from di//mess and headaches, to
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blurred vision and agitation, to con-
vulsions, coma, and death. Carbon
disulfidc vapor also irritates the nose
and the throat. Direct skin contact with
liquid carbon disulfidc causes chemical
bums. Carbon disulfidc can severely
damage the eyes. These effects are not
likely to occur at levels of carbon di-
sulfidc that are normally found in the
environment.
=f*^
Breathing or otherwise con-
suming small amounts of carbon fc t
sulfide over long periods of time oq*---
cause potentially permanent damage to
the human nervous system. Effects
range from tremors and weakness to
mental impairment. Carbon disulfidc
can also damage die human cardio-
vascular system, resulting in increased
blood pressure and coronary heart
disease. Workers repeatedly exposed
to carbon disulfidc have developed
gastrointestinal and immune insuffi-
ciency problems. Laboratory studies
show that exposure to large amounts of
carbon disulfidc during pregnancy
adversely affects the developing fetus
of animals. Studies also show that
repeated exposure to carbon disulfidc
causes adverse kidney effects in ani-
mals.
Carbon disulfide by itself is
not likely to cause environmental harm
at levels normally found in the envi-
ronment. Carbon disulfidc can con-
tribute to the formation of photo-
chemical smog when it reacts with
other volatile organic carbon sub-
stances in air.
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WHAT EPA PXOGKAM omen REGULATE CABBON DHULPIDC, AND mm WIUT uun • ir •KOLMD?
EPAOmcE
Pol fulion Prevention A Toxic*
Air
Solid Wart**
Enxrg«nc> Reaponae
Water
LAW
Tone Sufamnoet Control Act
Emergency Pl«nnin« 4nd Oinmiunity Rigtt^o-Kiww Ad (EI^RA^ Regulation* (§313)
Toxio* Rel«uc Invcnlwy <*^»
Clean Air Art
TniBp Amir n Fn h uniiilil Tnji inn. rnoijMMliiin. mill iiliilir 1rt f"ii| iifinnl)
RwNin»C«n«ratka rad R«oov«y Act /EPOIA (1304/311/312)
Ciata Water Act
A technical aupport document is available from the T8CA AaaMUno*IirfbnM*k»S«rvic«, (202) 554-1404.
WHAT OTHER FEDEIIAL AGENCIES OR GROUM CAN I CONTACT FOR INK>RMATION ON CARBON nmiLfiDET
ACENCY^GROUP PHONE NUMBER
AjBBoy ftr Tone Subatinoci and Dimii RijaKry (404)639-6000
American Conference of GovrnimaiUl lixij*triaJ Hygienub (913)742-2020
(800)643-4794
(800)356-4674
NationaJInathuUforOocupatkiBalSiftryaadH«tHh(NlOSH)
Occupational Safety and HaaJth Adminiitf«bon
PBONX NUMBER
(202) 554-1404
(800) 535-0202
(202)260-1531
(919) 541-0888
(800) 535-0202
(202)260-7588
i book under US. Department of Labor)
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