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EXTOXNETPIP- SULFUR Page 2of4
<br /> . Acute Toxicity: Sulfur is known to be of low toxicity, and poses very little if any risk to human and animal health
<br /> (1, 357). Short-term studies show that sulfur is of very low acute oral toxicity and does not irritate the skin(it has
<br /> been placed in EPA Toxicity Category IV, the least toxic category, for these effects). Sulfur also is not a skin
<br /> sensitizer. However, it can cause some eye irritation, dermal toxicity and inhalation hazards(357). When taken
<br /> orally, it has a mild laxative action(1). It may cause irritation of skin and the mucous membranes. Sulfur is
<br /> considered a skin and eye irritant (1, 242, 223, 207). Acute exposure inhalation of large amounts of the dust may
<br /> cause catarrhal inflammation of the nasal mucosa which may lead to hyperplasia with abundant nasal secretions.
<br /> Trachiobronchitis is a frequent occurrence, with dyspnea,persistent cough and expectoration which may sometimes
<br /> be streaked with blood (354). Sulfur was reported to have a rat oral LD50 of greater than 5,000 mg/kg(223, 359);
<br /> and greater than 8,437 mg/kg (354). Another source reported an acute oral LD50 of greater than 5,000 mg/kg for
<br /> 51.1%, 97%, and 98% sulfur. Also, there were no deaths of rats fed 98% sulfur at a single dose of 5,000 mg/kg
<br /> (355). The intravenous rat LDlo (Lethal dose, low. The lowest dose which causes death in test animals.)was 8
<br /> mg/kg(354). The dermal LD50 for rats was greater than 5,000 mg/kg (223). The acute inhalation LC50 for 98%
<br /> sulfur in rats is greater than 2.56 mg/l; and greater than 5.74 mg/1 for 80 % sulfur(355). The oral LDlo for sulfur in
<br /> rabbits was 175 mg/kg(354). The acute dermal LD50 in rabbits was greater than 2,000 mg/kg at 51.1%, 97%, and
<br /> 98% sulfur. Also,there were no deaths of rabbits fed 98% sulfur at a single dose of 2,000 mg/kg(355, 359). A
<br /> rabbit eye irritation test indicated all irritation had cleared 6 days after 98% sulfur was administered(355). The
<br /> intraperitoneal LDlo was 55 mg/kg for sulfur in guinea pigs (354).
<br /> . Chronic Toxicity: Chronic exposure to elemental sulfur at low levels is generally recognized as safe.
<br /> Epidemiological studies show that mine workers exposed to sulfur dioxide throughout their lives often had eye and
<br /> respiratory disturbances, chronic bronchitis and chronic sinus effects. However,no known risks of oncogenic,
<br /> teratogenic, or reproductive effects are associated with the use of sulfur. Also, sulfur has been shown to be non-
<br /> mutagenic in microorganisms (357). Repeated or prolonged exposure to dust may cause irritation to the mucous
<br /> membranes. Bronchopulmonary disease may occur which, after several years, may be complicated by emphysema
<br /> and bronchiectasis. Early symptoms in sulfur miners often include upper respiratory tract catarrh,with cough and
<br /> expectoration which is mucoid and may even contain granules of sulfur. Asthma is a frequent complication. The
<br /> maxillary and frontal sinuses may be affected; involvement is usually bilateral and pansinuitis may occur(354).
<br /> . Reproductive Effects: There are no known risks of reproductive hazards associated with sulfur(357, 358).
<br /> . Teratogenic Effects: There are no known risks of teratogenic hazards associated with sulfur(357, 358).
<br /> . Mutagenic Effects: No information currently available.
<br /> . Carcinogenic Effects: There are no known risks of carcinogenic/oncogenic effects associated with the use of sulfur
<br /> (354, 357).
<br /> . Organ Toxicity: Pulmonary function may be reduced. Radiological examinations have revealed irregular opacities
<br /> in the lungs and occasionally nodulation has been reported, but not true nodular fibrosis (354).
<br /> . Fate in Humans and Animals: No information currently available.
<br /> ECOLOGICAL EFFECTS
<br /> . Effects on Birds: Sulfur is considered non-toxic to birds (356). The 8-day dietary LC50 for bobwhite quail is
<br /> reported to be greater than 5,620 ppm in a study using a 95% sulfur wettable powder formulation(358). In studies
<br /> on ecological effects involving bobwhite quail, sulfur has been shown to be practically non-toxic to the species
<br /> tested(357).
<br /> . Effects on Aquatic Organisms: The 96-hour LC50 values for two fish species,bluegill sunfish and rainbow trout,
<br /> are greater than 180 ppm in a study using a 99.5% sulfur dust formulation. The 48-hour LC50 for daphnia and the
<br /> 96-hour LC50 for mysid shrimp is reported to be greater than 5,000 and 736 ppm,respectively, in a study using
<br /> 90% sulfur(358, 359). In studies on ecological effects involving two fish species, daphnia, and mysid shrimp,
<br /> sulfur has been shown to be practically non-toxic to the species tested(1, 223, 356, 357).
<br /> . Effects on Other Animals (Nontarget species): Sulfur is considered non-toxic to bees (1, 223, 356). In studies on
<br /> ecological effects involving honeybees, sulfur has been shown to be practically non-toxic to the species tested.
<br /> Thus, although there is potential for non-target organisms to be exposed to sulfur, little hazard to these species is
<br /> expected to result(357). Two beneficial insect studies demonstrated that sulfur(98%dust and 92%wettable
<br /> http://extoxnet.orst.edu/pips/sulfur.htm 12/20/2006
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