Here is a very detailed Material Data Safety Sheet on this chemical.
http://www.marsulex.com/custom..._CarbonDisulfide.pdf
Excerpts:
"Carbon disulfide is very toxic, easily forms very high vapor concentrations at room temperature and so
poses a high inhalation hazard. Relatively low concentrations of the vapor can cause harmful effects on
the central nervous system (CNS). Initial symptoms may include headache, dizziness, fatigue,
excitement or depression. High concentrations can cause serious psychological disturbances and in
some cases death. Psychiatric disturbances (including excitability, confusion, extreme irritability,
uncontrolled anger, emotional instability, nightmares, depression) have been observed following
episodes of exposure to high concentrations of carbon disulfide. Deaths have reportedly occurred rapidly
following exposure to 5000 ppm.
High vapor concentrations may cause irritation. Eye irritation was reported among employees exposed
to high peak concentrations (estimated at 48- 320 ppm (150-1000 mg/m3)).
Carbon disulfide liquid can be absorbed through intact skin and may cause harmful effects. Effects are
similar to those described for inhalation below. Carbon disulfide vapor may also be absorbed through
the skin. Significant skin absorption was observed in volunteers exposed to water solutions containing
carbon disulfide. Repeated or prolonged contact may result in blistering and burns, based on human and
animal information."
"When released into the soil, this material may biodegrade to a moderate extent and is expected to leach
into groundwater. When released into the soil or air this material is expected to quickly evaporate. When
released into the water, this material is expected to have a half-life of less than 1 day. This material has
an experimentally determined bioconcentration factor (BCF) of less than 100. It is not expected to
significantly bioaccumulate. When released into the air, this material is expected to be readily degraded
by reaction with photochemically produced hydroxyl radicals and is expected to have a half-life between
1 and 10 days.Products of degradation are as toxic as the original product."
"Causes damage to the following organs: kidneys, the reproductive system, liver, peripheral nervous
system, cardiovascular system, skin, central nervous system (CNS), eye, lens or cornea."
The above information is provided to document the fact that this chemical is potentially harmful to humans and to the environment. Waste materials containing carbon disulfide are prohibited from disposal in a municipal landfill, but such a prohibition does not by any means prevent unlawful disposal of such chemicals in municipal landfills, since it is well-known that generators of hazardous wastes sometimes illegally include such wastes, along with non-hazardous wastes, in shipments to landfills.
The likelihood that the carbon disulfide found in groundwater at the Florence Municipal Landfill originated from within the landfill itself is strong, since there is no nearby industrial facility or other source that would be suspected of using this chemical or generating it in its waste stream.
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