Dimethyl Disulfide

H225: Highly Flammable liquid and vapor [Danger Flammable liquids]

H301: Toxic if swallowed [Danger Acute toxicity, oral]

H317: May cause an allergic skin reaction [Warning Sensitization, Skin]

H319: Causes serious eye irritation [Warning Serious eye damage/eye irritation]

H331: Toxic if inhaled [Danger Acute toxicity, inhalation]

H336: May cause drowsiness or dizziness [Warning Specific target organ toxicity, single exposure; Narcotic effects]

H370: Causes damage to organs [Danger Specific target organ toxicity, single exposure]

H400: Very toxic to aquatic life [Warning Hazardous to the aquatic environment, acute hazard]

H410: Very toxic to aquatic life with long lasting effects [Warning Hazardous to the aquatic environment, long-term hazard]

P210, P233, P240, P241, P242, P243, P260, P261, P264, P264+P265, P270, P271, P272, P273, P280, P301+P316, P302+P352, P303+P361+P353, P304+P340, P305+P351+P338, P308+P316, P316, P319, P321, P330, P333+P317, P337+P317, P362+P364, P370+P378, P391, P403+P233, P403+P235, P405, and P501 (click each P-code to see the statement)

This chemical does not meet GHS hazard criteria for < 0.1% (1 of 1592) of reports.

H225 (17.7%): Highly Flammable liquid and vapor [Danger Flammable liquids]

H301 (11.2%): Toxic if swallowed [Danger Acute toxicity, oral]

H302 (87.1%): Harmful if swallowed [Warning Acute toxicity, oral]

H312 (80.8%): Harmful in contact with skin [Warning Acute toxicity, dermal]

H315 (82.5%): Causes skin irritation [Warning Skin corrosion/irritation]

H317 (10.9%): May cause an allergic skin reaction [Warning Sensitization, Skin]

H319 (96.4%): Causes serious eye irritation [Warning Serious eye damage/eye irritation]

H330 (82.6%): Fatal if inhaled [Danger Acute toxicity, inhalation]

H331 (13.6%): Toxic if inhaled [Danger Acute toxicity, inhalation]

H335 (85.1%): May cause respiratory irritation [Warning Specific target organ toxicity, single exposure; Respiratory tract irritation]

H370 (10.7%): Causes damage to organs [Danger Specific target organ toxicity, single exposure]

H410 (10.8%): Very toxic to aquatic life with long lasting effects [Warning Hazardous to the aquatic environment, long-term hazard]

H411 (83.9%): Toxic to aquatic life with long lasting effects [Hazardous to the aquatic environment, long-term hazard]

P210, P233, P240, P241, P242, P243, P260, P261, P264, P264+P265, P270, P271, P272, P273, P280, P284, P301+P316, P301+P317, P302+P352, P303+P361+P353, P304+P340, P305+P351+P338, P308+P316, P316, P317, P319, P320, P321, P330, P332+P317, P333+P317, P337+P317, P362+P364, P370+P378, P391, P403+P233, P403+P235, P405, and P501 (click each P-code to see the statement)

Aggregated GHS information provided per 1592 reports by companies from 24 notifications to the ECHA C&L Inventory. Each notification may be associated with multiple companies.

Reported as not meeting GHS hazard criteria per 1 of 1592 reports by companies.

There are 23 notifications provided by 1591 of 1592 reports by companies with hazard statement code(s).

Information may vary between notifications depending on impurities, additives, and other factors. The percentage value in parenthesis indicates the notified classification ratio from companies that provide hazard codes. Only hazard codes with percentage values above 10% are shown. For more detailed information, please visit ECHA C&L website.

P261, P272, P280, P302+P352, P321, P333+P317, P362+P364, and P501 (click each P-code to see the statement)

H401: Toxic to aquatic life [Hazardous to the aquatic environment, acute hazard]

P273, P391, and P501 (click each P-code to see the statement)

H315: Causes skin irritation [Warning Skin corrosion/irritation]

H320: Causes eye irritation [Warning Serious eye damage/eye irritation]

H361: Suspected of damaging fertility or the unborn child [Warning Reproductive toxicity]

H372: Causes damage to organs through prolonged or repeated exposure [Danger Specific target organ toxicity, repeated exposure]

H373: May causes damage to organs through prolonged or repeated exposure [Warning Specific target organ toxicity, repeated exposure]

P203, P210, P233, P240, P241, P242, P243, P260, P261, P264, P264+P265, P270, P271, P280, P301+P316, P302+P352, P303+P361+P353, P304+P340, P305+P351+P338, P316, P318, P319, P321, P330, P332+P317, P337+P317, P362+P364, P370+P378, P403+P233, P403+P235, P405, and P501 (click each P-code to see the statement)

Fresh air, rest. Refer for medical attention.

Remove contaminated clothes. Rinse and then wash skin with water and soap. Refer for medical attention .

First rinse with plenty of water for several minutes (remove contact lenses if easily possible), then refer for medical attention.

Rinse mouth. Do NOT induce vomiting. Give nothing to drink. Refer for medical attention .

EYES: First check the victim for contact lenses and remove if present. Flush victim's eyes with water or normal saline solution for 20 to 30 minutes while simultaneously calling a hospital or poison control center. Do not put any ointments, oils, or medication in the victim's eyes without specific instructions from a physician. IMMEDIATELY transport the victim after flushing eyes to a hospital even if no symptoms (such as redness or irritation) develop.

SKIN: IMMEDIATELY flood affected skin with water while removing and isolating all contaminated clothing. Gently wash all affected skin areas thoroughly with soap and water. If symptoms such as redness or irritation develop, IMMEDIATELY call a physician and be prepared to transport the victim to a hospital for treatment.

INHALATION: IMMEDIATELY leave the contaminated area; take deep breaths of fresh air. If symptoms (such as wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath, or burning in the mouth, throat, or chest) develop, call a physician and be prepared to transport the victim to a hospital. Provide proper respiratory protection to rescuers entering an unknown atmosphere. Whenever possible, Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) should be used; if not available, use a level of protection greater than or equal to that advised under Protective Clothing.

INGESTION: DO NOT INDUCE VOMITING. If the victim is conscious and not convulsing, give 1 or 2 glasses of water to dilute the chemical and IMMEDIATELY call a hospital or poison control center. Be prepared to transport the victim to a hospital if advised by a physician. If the victim is convulsing or unconscious, do not give anything by mouth, ensure that the victim's airway is open and lay the victim on his/her side with the head lower than the body. DO NOT INDUCE VOMITING. IMMEDIATELY transport the victim to a hospital. (NTP, 1992)

General First Aid:

· Call 911 or emergency medical service.

· Ensure that medical personnel are aware of the material(s) involved, take precautions to protect themselves and avoid contamination.

· Move victim to fresh air if it can be done safely.

· Administer oxygen if breathing is difficult.

· If victim is not breathing:

-- DO NOT perform mouth-to-mouth resuscitation; the victim may have ingested or inhaled the substance.

-- If equipped and pulse detected, wash face and mouth, then give artificial respiration using a proper respiratory medical device (bag-valve mask, pocket mask equipped with a one-way valve or other device).

-- If no pulse detected or no respiratory medical device available, provide continuous compressions. Conduct a pulse check every two minutes or monitor for any signs of spontaneous respirations.

· Remove and isolate contaminated clothing and shoes.

· For minor skin contact, avoid spreading material on unaffected skin.

· In case of contact with substance, remove immediately by flushing skin or eyes with running water for at least 20 minutes.

· For severe burns, immediate medical attention is required.

· Effects of exposure (inhalation, ingestion, or skin contact) to substance may be delayed.

· Keep victim calm and warm.

· Keep victim under observation.

· For further assistance, contact your local Poison Control Center.

· Note: Basic Life Support (BLS) and Advanced Life Support (ALS) should be done by trained professionals.

Specific First Aid:

· Wash skin with soap and water.

· In case of burns, immediately cool affected skin for as long as possible with cold water. Do not remove clothing if adhering to skin.

In Canada, an Emergency Response Assistance Plan (ERAP) may be required for this product. Please consult the shipping paper and/or the "ERAP" section.

Excerpt from ERG Guide 131 [Flammable Liquids - Toxic]:

CAUTION: The majority of these products have a very low flash point. Use of water spray when fighting fire may be inefficient. CAUTION: Methanol (UN1230) will burn with an invisible flame. Use an alternate method of detection (thermal camera, broom handle, etc.).

SMALL FIRE: Dry chemical, CO2, water spray or alcohol-resistant foam.

LARGE FIRE: Water spray, fog or alcohol-resistant foam. If it can be done safely, move undamaged containers away from the area around the fire. Dike runoff from fire control for later disposal. Avoid aiming straight or solid streams directly onto the product.

FIRE INVOLVING TANKS, RAIL TANK CARS OR HIGHWAY TANKS: Fight fire from maximum distance or use unmanned master stream devices or monitor nozzles. Cool containers with flooding quantities of water until well after fire is out. Withdraw immediately in case of rising sound from venting safety devices or discoloration of tank. ALWAYS stay away from tanks in direct contact with flames. For massive fire, use unmanned master stream devices or monitor nozzles; if this is impossible, withdraw from area and let fire burn. (ERG, 2024)

Use water spray, powder, foam, carbon dioxide. In case of fire: keep drums, etc., cool by spraying with water.

· CALL 911. Then call emergency response telephone number on shipping paper. If shipping paper not available or no answer, refer to appropriate telephone number listed on the inside back cover.

· Keep unauthorized personnel away.

· Stay upwind, uphill and/or upstream.

· Ventilate closed spaces before entering, but only if properly trained and equipped.

· ELIMINATE all ignition sources (no smoking, flares, sparks or flames) from immediate area.

· All equipment used when handling the product must be grounded.

· Do not touch or walk through spilled material.

· Stop leak if you can do it without risk.

· Prevent entry into waterways, sewers, basements or confined areas.

· A vapor-suppressing foam may be used to reduce vapors.

Small Spill

· Absorb with earth, sand or other non-combustible material and transfer to containers for later disposal.

· Use clean, non-sparking tools to collect absorbed material.

Large Spill

· Dike far ahead of liquid spill for later disposal.

· Water spray may reduce vapor, but may not prevent ignition in closed spaces.

Excerpt from ERG Guide 131 [Flammable Liquids - Toxic]:

IMMEDIATE PRECAUTIONARY MEASURE: Isolate spill or leak area for at least 50 meters (150 feet) in all directions.

SPILL: Increase the immediate precautionary measure distance, in the downwind direction, as necessary.

FIRE: If tank, rail tank car or highway tank is involved in a fire, ISOLATE for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions; also, consider initial evacuation for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions. (ERG, 2024)

Immediate precautionary measure

· Isolate spill or leak area for at least 50 meters (150 feet) in all directions.

· For highlighted materials: see Table 1 - Initial Isolation and Protective Action Distances.

· For non-highlighted materials: increase the immediate precautionary measure distance, in the downwind direction, as necessary.

· If tank, rail tank car or highway tank is involved in a fire, ISOLATE for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions; also, consider initial evacuation for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions.

Evacuate danger area! Consult an expert! Remove all ignition sources. Personal protection: filter respirator for organic gases and vapours adapted to the airborne concentration of the substance. Ventilation. Do NOT wash away into sewer. Do NOT let this chemical enter the environment. Collect leaking and spilled liquid in sealable containers as far as possible. Absorb liquid in sand or inert absorbent. Carefully collect remainder in sealable containers. Store and dispose of according to local regulations.

SRP: At the time of review, criteria for land treatment or burial (sanitary landfill) disposal practices are subject to significant revision. Prior to implementing land disposal of waste residue (including waste sludge), consult with environmental regulatory agencies for guidance on acceptable disposal practices.

SRP: Contaminated protective clothing should be segregated in such a manner so that there is no direct personal contact by personnel who handle, dispose, or clean the clothing. Quality assurance to ascertain the completeness of the cleaning procedures should be implemented before the decontaminated protective clothing is returned for reuse by the workers. Contaminated clothing should not be taken home at end of shift, but should remain at employee's place of work for cleaning.

Excerpt from ERG Guide 131 [Flammable Liquids - Toxic]:

ELIMINATE all ignition sources (no smoking, flares, sparks or flames) from immediate area. All equipment used when handling the product must be grounded. Do not touch or walk through spilled material. Stop leak if you can do it without risk. Prevent entry into waterways, sewers, basements or confined areas. A vapor-suppressing foam may be used to reduce vapors.

SMALL SPILL: Absorb with earth, sand or other non-combustible material and transfer to containers for later disposal. Use clean, non-sparking tools to collect absorbed material.

LARGE SPILL: Dike far ahead of liquid spill for later disposal. Water spray may reduce vapor, but may not prevent ignition in closed spaces. (ERG, 2024)

Fireproof. Well closed. Separated from oxidants. Store in an area without drain or sewer access. Provision to contain effluent from fire extinguishing.

· Wear positive pressure self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA).

· Wear chemical protective clothing that is specifically recommended by the manufacturer when there is NO RISK OF FIRE.

· Structural firefighters' protective clothing provides thermal protection but only limited chemical protection.

0.010 [ppm]

50 [ppm]

250 [ppm]

0.5 [ppm]

8 hr Time Weighted Avg (TWA): 0.5 ppm, skin.

Excursion Limit Recommendation: Excursions in worker exposure levels may exceed 3 times the TLV-TWA for no more than a total of 30 minutes during a work day, and under no circumstances should they exceed 5 times the TLV-TWA, provided that the TLV-TWA is not exceeded.

0.5 ppm as TWA; (skin)

0.5 ppm [2006]

CAUTION: The majority of these products have a very low flash point. Use of water spray when fighting fire may be inefficient.

CAUTION: Methanol (UN1230) will burn with an invisible flame. Use an alternate method of detection (thermal camera, broom handle, etc.)

Small Fire

· Dry chemical, CO2, water spray or alcohol-resistant foam.

Large Fire

· Water spray, fog or alcohol-resistant foam.

· If it can be done safely, move undamaged containers away from the area around the fire.

· Dike runoff from fire control for later disposal.

· Avoid aiming straight or solid streams directly onto the product.

Fire Involving Tanks, Rail Tank Cars or Highway Tanks

· Fight fire from maximum distance or use unmanned master stream devices or monitor nozzles.

· Cool containers with flooding quantities of water until well after fire is out.

· Withdraw immediately in case of rising sound from venting safety devices or discoloration of tank.

· ALWAYS stay away from tanks in direct contact with flames.

· For massive fire, use unmanned master stream devices or monitor nozzles; if this is impossible, withdraw from area and let fire burn.

ERPG-1: 0.01 ppm - one hour exposure limit: 1 = mild transient health effects or objectionable odor [AIHA]

ERPG-2: 50 ppm - one hour exposure limit: 2 = impaired ability to take protective action [AIHA]

ERPG-3: 250 ppm - one hour exposure limit: 3 = life threatening health effects [AIHA]

Emergency Response Planning Guidlines (ERPGs) for dimethyl disulfide:[Table#5960]

No indication can be given about the rate at which a harmful concentration of this substance in the air is reached on evaporation at 20 °C.

The substance is irritating to the eyes and respiratory tract. The substance is mildly irritating to the skin. If swallowed the substance may cause vomiting and could result in aspiration pneumonitis. The substance may cause effects on the central nervous system.

Excerpt from ERG Guide 131 [Flammable Liquids - Toxic]:

Wear positive pressure self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA). Wear chemical protective clothing that is specifically recommended by the manufacturer when there is NO RISK OF FIRE. Structural firefighters' protective clothing provides thermal protection but only limited chemical protection. (ERG, 2024)

Respiratory protection: Where risk assessment shows air-purifying respirators are appropriate use a full-face respirator with multipurpose combination (US) or type ABEK (EN 14387) respirator cartridges as a backup to engineering controls. If the respirator is the sole means of protection, use a full-face supplied air respirator. Use respirators and components tested and approved under appropriate government standards such as NIOSH (US) or CEN (EU).

Body Protection: Complete suit protecting against chemicals, Flame retardant antistatic protective clothing, The type of protective equipment must be selected according to the concentration and amount of the dangerous substance at the specific workplace.

Skin protection: Handle with gloves.

Eye/face protection: Face shield and safety glasses Use equipment for eye protection tested and approved under appropriate government standards such as NIOSH (US) or EN 166(EU).

NO open flames, NO sparks and NO smoking. Above 10 °C use a closed system, ventilation and explosion-proof electrical equipment.

PREVENT GENERATION OF MISTS!

Dimethyl disulfide appears as a colorless oily liquid with a garlic-like odor. Denser than water and slightly soluble in water. Vapors heavier than air. May irritate skin and eyes. Used to make other chemicals.

Colorless, oily liquid with a garlic-like odor; [CAMEO] Strong, nauseating odor; [CHEMINFO] Clear light yellow liquid with a stench; [Sigma-Aldrich MSDS]

LIQUID WITH CHARACTERISTIC ODOUR.

colourless to pale yellow liquid with onion-like odour

A colorless oily liquid with a disagreeable odor.

Yellow liquid

Colorles to pale-yellow liquid

Garlic-like

Sulfurous

Diffuse, intense onion odor

229.5 °F at 760 mmHg (NTP, 1992)

109.72 °C

109.00 to 110.00 °C. @ 760.00 mm Hg

109-110 °C; 23 °C (30 mm Hg); 32 °C (55 mm Hg)

229.5 °F

109.74 °C @760 [mm Hg]

-120.5 °F (NTP, 1992)

-84.67 °C

-120.5 °F

76 °F (NTP, 1992)

24 °C (closed cup)

10 °C c.c.

less than 1 mg/mL at 68 °F (NTP, 1992)

Insoluble in water

Miscible with ethanol, ethyl ether

Completely miscible with most organic solvents

Very slightly soluble in water; soluble in alcohol and oils

3 mg/mL at 25 °C

Solubility in water, g/l at 20 °C: 2.5 (poor)

very slightly soluble in water; soluble in alcohol and oils

(in ethanol)

1.065 at 68 °F (NTP, 1992) - Denser than water; will sink

1.0625 g/cu cm at 20 °C

Relative density (water = 1): 1.06

1.058-1.065 (20 °C)

1.0625 @ 20°C

3.24 (NTP, 1992) - Heavier than air; will sink (Relative to Air)

3.24 (Air = 1)

Relative vapor density (air = 1): 3.2

28.6 mmHg at 77 °F (NTP, 1992)

Highly flammable. Slightly soluble in water.

Sulfides, Organic

Highly Flammable

DIMETHYL DISULFIDE is a reducing agent. A dangerous fire hazard when exposed to oxidizing materials. Emits toxic fumes of oxides of sulfur when heated to decomposition or on contact with acids [Sax, 9th ed., 1996, p. 1320].

... Can react vigorously with oxidizing materials.

The substance can be absorbed into the body by inhalation, through the skin and by ingestion.

Cough. Sore throat. Headache. Nausea. Dizziness. Drowsiness.

EASILY ABSORBED! Redness. Further see Inhalation.

Redness. Pain.

See Inhalation.

Neurotoxin - Other CNS neurotoxin

Toxic Pneumonitis - Inflammation of the lungs induced by inhalation of metal fumes or toxic gases and vapors.

LC50 (rat) = 15.85 mg/m3/2hr

LC50 Mice inhalation 12300 ug/cu m/2 hr

LC50 Rat inhal 15850 ug/cu m/2 hr

LD50 Rabbit dermal more than 2000 mg/kg

LD50 Rat oral more than 290 mg/kg

Immediate first aid: Ensure that adequate decontamination has been carried out. If patient is not breathing, start artificial respiration, preferably with a demand-valve resuscitator, bag-valve-mask device, or pocket mask, as trained. Perform CPR as necessary. Immediately flush contaminated eyes with gently flowing water. Do not induce vomiting. If vomiting occurs, lean patient forward or place on left side (head-down position, if possible) to maintain an open airway and prevent aspiration. Keep patient quiet and maintain normal body temperature. Obtain medical attention. /Sulfur and related compounds/

Basic treatment: Establish a patent airway (oropharyngeal or nasopharyngeal airway, if needed). Suction if necessary. Watch for signs of respiratory insufficiency and assist ventilations if necessary. Administer oxygen by nonrebreather mask at 10 to 15 L/min. Monitor for pulmonary edema and treat if necessary ... . Anticipate seizures and treat if necessary ... . For eye contamination, flush eyes immediately with water. Irrigate each eye continuously with 0.9% saline (NS) during transport ... . Do not use emetics. For ingestion, rinse mouth and administer 5 mL/kg up to 200 mL of water for dilution if the patient can swallow, has a strong gag reflex, and does not drool ... . Administer activated charcoal ... . Cover skin burns with dry sterile dressings after decontamination ... . /Sulfur and related compounds/

Advanced treatment: Consider orotracheal or nasotracheal intubation for airway control in the patient who is unconscious, has severe pulmonary edema, or is in severe respiratory distress. Positive-pressure ventilation techniques with a bag-valve-mask device may be beneficial. Consider drug therapy for pulmonary edema ... . Consider administering a beta agonist such as albuterol for severe bronchospasms ... . Monitor cardiac rhythm and treat arrhythmias if necessary ... . Start IV administration of D5W /SRP: "To keep open", minimal flow rate/. Use 0.9% saline (NS) or lactated Ringer's (LR) if signs of hypovolemia are present. For hypotension with signs of hypovolemia, administer fluid cautiously. Consider vasopressors if patient is hypotensive with a normal fluid volume. Watch for signs of fluid overload ... . Treat seizures with diazepam or lorazepam ... . Use proparacaine hydrochloride to assist eye irrigation ... . /Sulfur and related compounds/

/HUMAN EXPOSURE STUDIES/ The relationship between exposure to organic sulfides and disturbances in erythrocytes and heme synthesis was investigated in 18 occupationally exposed workers at a pulp and paper facility in Sweden. An unexposed population was drawn from a nearby thermomechanical pulp facility. Exposure to sulfides was estimated from recorded peak levels and measured mean levels; the three sulfides analyzed included methylmercaptan, dimethylsulfide, and dimethyldisulfide. The activities of delta-aminolevulinic-acid-synthase and heme-synthase decreased slightly in five highly exposed subjects; no changes in erythrocyte number or morphology were observed. Concn of iron and transferrin were elevated and concn of ferritin was low relative to comparisons, indicating a disturbance of iron metabolism. Levels of haptoglobin and hemoglobin did not differ significantly between the two groups. Six workers were assessed 2 and 10 days after their involvement in clean up following an explosion. Serum iron was significantly increased at 2 days compared to 10 days post exposure. Exposure to low levels of organic sulfides may inhibit the intracellular uptake of iron in the reticuloendothelial system.

/GENOTOXICITY/ In a cytogenetic assay, human lymphocytes were exposed to dimethyl disulfide (99.98% pure) at 3.7, 11.1, 33.3, 100 or 300 ug/mL with and without metabolic activation. The cytotoxic concentration was observed to be > or = 300 ug/mL. Positive and negative (dimethyl sulfoxide) controls were included. An appropriate response was observed in the positive control. A statistically significant induction of chromosome aberrations was observed only at the toxic concentration of 300 ug/mL. Dimethyl disulfide (dissolved in DMSO) was soluble in culture medium at a maximum concentration of 1 mg/mL.

/LABORATORY ANIMALS: Acute Exposure/ Nine rabbits (four males, five females; strain not specified) were instilled 0.1 mL of undiluted dimethyl disulfide into the eye and observed for 24 hours following instillation. The eyes of three rabbits were rinsed 20 - 30 seconds after administration; the eyes of the remaining six rabbits were not rinsed. The maximum mean total score was 14.8 for unwashed eyes and 6 for the washed eyes. Both unwashed and washed eyes were scored as minimally irritating following 24 hours.

/LABORATORY ANIMALS: Acute Exposure/ Six rabbits (sex and strain not specified) were instilled into the eye 0.1 mL of dimethyl disulfide (98.98% pure) for 24 hours and observed for 72 hours following administration. Dimethyl disulfide was not rinsed from the eyes. The eyes were not rinsed following the test substance instillation. The mean combined irritation scores for 24, 48 and 72 hours are 1.89 (chemosis), 1.33 (enanthema), 1.0 (iritis) and 0.83 (cornea). Dimethyl disulfide was irritating to rabbit eyes in this study.

/LABORATORY ANIMALS: Acute Exposure/ Undiluted dimethyl disulfide (amount not specified) was applied on to the skin of six rabbits (sex and strain not specified) for 4 hours under semi-occlusive conditions. The test substance was slightly irritating to the rabbit skin.

/LABORATORY ANIMALS: Acute Exposure/ Rabbits (four males, two females; strain not specified) were exposed to dimethyl disulfide undiluted via the dermal route at unspecified dose under semi-occlusive conditions for 4 hours. The Primary Skin Irritation score was 2.02 after 48 hours and an average score of 1.10 was observed after 14 days. Dimethyl disulfide was irritating to the skin of rabbits in this study.

For more Non-Human Toxicity Excerpts (Complete) data for Dimethyl Disulfide (19 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

LD50; Species: Colinus virginianus (Bobwhite quail) 31 weeks old; oral via capsule 320 mg/kg (95% confidence limit: 250-410 mg/kg)

EC50; Species: Anabaena flosaquae (Blue-Green Algae); Conditions: freshwater, static; Concentration: 320 ug/L for 96 hr (95% confidence limit: 110-900 ug/L); Effect: population abundance /99.6% purity/

EC50; Species: Navicula pelliculosa (Diatom); Conditions: freshwater, static; Concentration: 22000 ug/L for 96 hr (95% confidence limit: 20000-23000 ug/L); Effect: population abundance /99.6% purity/

EC50; Species: Pseudokirchneriella subcapitata (Green Algae); Conditions: freshwater, static; Concentration: 15000 ug/L for 72 hr (95% confidence limit: 11000-20000 ug/L); Effect: population abundance /99.9% purity/

For more Ecotoxicity Values (Complete) data for Dimethyl Disulfide (13 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

It is strongly advised not to let the chemical enter into the environment. The substance is very toxic to aquatic organisms. The substance may cause long-term effects in the aquatic environment.

Dimethyl disulfide's production and use as a catalyst, solvent and food additive may result in its release to the environment through various waste streams. Its use as a soil fumigant will result in its direct release to the environment. Dimethyl disulfide is a naturally occurring compound that is part of global sulfur cycle. It is released to the atmosphere in emissions from soil, plants, microbes, food and animal wastes, and the oceans. Other emission sources include waste water treatment plants, pulp mills and gasoline engines. If released to air, a vapor pressure of 28.7 mm Hg at 25 °C indicates methyl disulfide will exist solely as a vapor in the atmosphere. Vapor-phase methyl disulfide will be degraded in the atmosphere by reaction with photochemically-produced hydroxyl radicals; the half-life for this reaction in air is estimated to be 1.6 hours. Direct photolysis of dimethyl disulfide had a half-life of 3.2-4.6 hr at full sunlight and reaction with nitrate radicals exhibited a half-life of 1.1 hr during night-time hrs, contributing to its atmospheric degradation. If released to soil, dimethyl disulfide is expected to have very high mobility based upon an estimated Koc of 40. Volatilization from moist soil surfaces is expected to be an important fate process based upon a Henry's Law constant of 1.21X10-3 atm-cu m/mole. Dimethyl disulfide may volatilize from dry soil surfaces based upon its vapor pressure. Utilizing the Japanese MITI test, 0% of the theoretical BOD was reached in 4 weeks indicating that aerobic biodegradation is not an important environmental fate process. However, in a study using anoxic salt marsh sediments, dimethyl disulfide was rapidly reduced by 50% in 1-2 days to methanethiol, suggesting that biodegradation under anaerobic conditions is an important environmental fate process. If released into water, dimethyl disulfide is not expected to adsorb to suspended solids and sediment based upon the estimated Koc. Volatilization from water surfaces is expected to be an important fate process based upon this compound's Henry's Law constant. Estimated volatilization half-lives for a model river and model lake are 3.5 hours and 4.1 days, respectively. An estimated BCF of 0.3 suggests the potential for bioconcentration in aquatic organisms is low. The aqueous hydrolysis of dimethyl disulfide at ambient temperatures and pHs <12 is too slow to be an important environmental fate process. Since dimethyl disulfide photolyzes readily in sunlight, photodegradation on soil or water surfaces exposed to sunlight may be an important transformation process. Occupational exposure to dimethyl disulfide may occur through inhalation and dermal contact with this compound at workplaces where dimethyl disulfide is produced or used. Monitoring data indicate that the general population may be exposed to dimethyl disulfide via inhalation of ambient air and ingestion of food. (SRC)

Dimethyl disulfide was identified in onion, garlic, pea, cabbage, rutabaga, potato, sprouts, cauliflower, tomato, cocoa, stored casein, in oysters, in tea aroma, roasted peanuts, and roasted filberts.

Dimethyl disulfide is released to the atmosphere in emissions from animal waste, food decay, microbes, natural gas and vegetation(1); natural emissions from the ocean, plants and soil release dimethyl disulfide to the atmosphere(1-2). Plants, including Spartina alterniflora, oak and pine trees, emit methyl disulfide into the atmosphere(2). Emissions of dimethyl disulfide from 5 wetland soils in Florida were the result of biogenic formation(3); under waterlogged conditions, dimethyl disulfide is formed by microbial degradation of methionine and carbon disulfide from cysteine and cystine(3). Dimethyl disulfide can be naturally produced in aquatic ecosystems by bacteria, blue-green algae or green algae(3). Dimethyl disulfide was produced by 7 of 7 Actinomycete strains at concentrations of 0.41 to 6.8 mg/cu m(4). Dimethyl disulfide was the major volatile given off by pure cultures of gram-negative bacteria Pseudomonas putida, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Enterobacker cloacae; dimethyl disulfide was also given off by Pseudomonas fluorescens and Serratia liquefaciens(5).

Dimethyl disulfides's production and use as a catalyst, solvent(1) and food additive(2) may result in its release to the environment through various waste streams(SRC). Its use as a soil fumigant(3) will result in its direct release to the environment(SRC).

Dimethyl disulfide emissions to the atmosphere can result from fish processing, rendering, sewage treatment, SO2 scrubbing, starch manufacture, whiskey manufacture and wood pulping(1). Dimethyl disulfide has been detected in the air of refuse waste from a food center(2) and in exhaust gases from pulp mills(3) and gasoline engines(4).

TERRESTRIAL FATE: Based on a classification scheme(1), an estimated Koc value of 40(SRC), determined from a structure estimation method(2), indicates that dimethyl disulfide is expected to have very high mobility in soil(SRC). Volatilization of dimethyl disulfide from moist soil surfaces is expected to be an important fate process(SRC) given a Henry's Law constant of 1.21X10-3 atm-cu m/mole(3). Dimethyl disulfide is expected to volatilize from dry soil surfaces(SRC) based upon a vapor pressure of 28.7 mm Hg at 25 °C(4). Methyl disulfide had a 0% theoretical BOD using activated sludge in the Japanese MITI test(5) suggesting that biodegradation is not an important environmental fate process in soil(SRC). However, in a study using anoxic salt marsh sediments, dimethyl disulfide was rapidly reduced by 50% in 1-2 days to methanethiol(6), suggesting that biodegradation under anaerobic conditions is an important environmental fate process(SRC). Dimethyl disulfide absorbs UV light in the environmental spectrum and has been shown to photolyze rapidly, in gas phase, in sunlight(7,8); although photolysis rates on soil have not been measured, the surface half-life (for full sunlight exposure) may be similar to the several hour half-life observed for the gas phase(8). As well as releasing methyl disulfide in the gas phase, soil can also adsorb dimethyl disulfide from the gas phase and act as an environment sink(9); the relative importance of this process is not clear(SRC).

AQUATIC FATE: Based on a classification scheme(1), an estimated Koc value of 40(SRC), determined from a structure estimation method(2), indicates that dimethyl disulfide is not expected to adsorb to suspended solids and sediment(SRC). Volatilization from water surfaces is expected(3) based upon a Henry's Law constant of 1.21X10-3 atm-cu m/mole(4). Using this Henry's Law constant and an estimation method(3), volatilization half-lives for a model river and model lake are 3.5 hours and 4.1 days, respectively(SRC). According to a classification scheme(5), an estimated BCF of 0.3(SRC), from its log Kow of 1.77(6) and a regression-derived equation(7), suggests the potential for bioconcentration in aquatic organisms is low(SRC). Dimethyl disulfide absorbs UV light in the environmental spectrum and has been shown to photolyze rapidly, in gas phase in sunlight(8-9); although photolysis rates in water have not been measured, the near-surface half-life (for full sunlight exposure) may be similar to the several hour half-life observed in the gas phase(9). The aqueous hydrolysis of dimethyl disulfide at ambient temperatures and pHs <12 is too slow to be an important environmental fate process(10). Under anoxic conditions in salt marsh sediments, the initial concentration of methyl disulfide was reduced by 50% in 1-2 days(11). However, data for aerobic biodegradation indicate dimethyl disulfide is recalcitrant under these conditions(12).

ATMOSPHERIC FATE: According to a model of gas/particle partitioning of semivolatile organic compounds in the atmosphere(1), dimethyl disulfide, which has a vapor pressure of 28.7 mm Hg at 25 °C(2), is expected to exist solely as a vapor in the ambient atmosphere. Vapor-phase dimethyl disulfide is degraded in the atmosphere by reaction with photochemically-produced hydroxyl radicals(SRC); the half-life for this reaction in air is estimated to be 1.6 hours(SRC), calculated from its rate constant of 2.39X10-10 cu cm/molecule-sec at 25 °C(3). Direct photolysis (half-life of 3.2-4.6 hr at full sunlight)(4-5) and reaction with nitrate radicals (half-life of 1.1 hr during night-time hrs)(6) will also contribute to its atmospheric degradation. Physical removal from air can occur through gas phase sorption by soil(7).

AEROBIC: Dimethyl disulfide, present at 100 mg/L, reached 0% of its theoretical BOD in 4 weeks using an activated sludge inoculum at 30 mg/L in the Japanese MITI test(1).

ANAEROBIC: The incubation of dimethyl disulfide by anoxic sediments from fresh water, brackish salt marsh and alkaline saline water was found to stimulate methane production over endogenous levels at various dimethyl disulfide concentrations(1). However, when concentrations were raised by 1-2 orders of magnitude, the dimethyl disulfide became inhibitory to methane production(1). In a study using anoxic salt marsh sediments, dimethyl disulfide was rapidly reduced to methanethiol by sediment microflora(2). Small amounts of dimethyl sulfide were also formed(2). Under the test conditions (in serum bottles), the initial concentration of dimethyl disulfide was reduced by 50% in 1-2 days(2).

The rate constant for the vapor-phase reaction of dimethyl disulfide with photochemically-produced hydroxyl radicals has been reported as 2.39X10-10 cu cm/molecule-sec at 25 °C(1). This corresponds to an atmospheric half-life of about 1.6 hours at an atmospheric concentration of 5X10+5 hydroxyl radicals per cu cm(1). The initial reaction of the hydroxyl radical with dimethyl disulfide is by addition(2) with the final reaction products of this reaction including SO2, methyl sulfonic acid, sulfuric acid, and methanethiol(3,4). The rate constant for the vapor phase reaction of dimethyl disulfide with ground-state oxygen atoms has been experimentally determined to be 1.02X10-10 cu cm/molecule-sec at 25 °C(5) which corresponds to an atmospheric half-life of about 3 days(SRC) at a ground state oxygen atmospheric concentration of 2.5X10+4 molecules per cu cm(5). The rate constant for the vapor-phase reaction of dimethyl disulfide with atmospheric nitrate radicals has been experimentally determined to be 7.39X10-13 cu cm/molecule-sec at 25 °C(2) which corresponds to an atmospheric half-life of about 1.1 hrs(SRC) at an atmospheric concentration of 2.4X10+8 nitrate radicals per cu cm(2). The products of the reaction of nitrate radical and dimethyl disulfide are methanesulfonic acid and sulfur dioxide(6).

Dimethyl disulfide absorbs UV light in the environmental spectrum between 290 and 400 nm(1); it has been observed to photolyze at 360 nm(1). Based upon its absorption spectrum and the calculated actinic flux of solar radiation at the Earth's surface, the rate constant for its direct photolysis is estimated to be roughly 0.0025/min at noon (July 1, clear skies) at a latitude of 40 deg N(2); this corresponds to a half-life of about 4.6 hr(SRC). Under clean air conditions, the half-life for the direct photolysis of dimethyl disulfide in natural sunlight was observed to be 3.2 hr(3); the observed rate may include a small contribution from hydroxyl radical generation due to experimental conditions(3). Based upon an observed initial half-life of 270 hr(3), the reaction between dimethyl disulfide and atmospheric ozone is not competitive with other atmospheric transformation processes(SRC). The aqueous hydrolysis of dimethyl disulfide at ambient temperatures and pHs <12 is too slow to be an important environmental fate process(4). The rate constant for the reaction between photochemically produced hydroxyl radicals in water and methyl disulfide is 1.7X10+10 L/mole-sec(5); assuming that the concentration of hydroxyl radicals in brightly sunlit natural water is 1X10-17 M(6), the half-life would be about 47 days(SRC).

LD50; Species: Colinus virginianus (Bobwhite quail) 31 weeks old; oral via capsule 320 mg/kg (95% confidence limit: 250-410 mg/kg)

EC50; Species: Anabaena flosaquae (Blue-Green Algae); Conditions: freshwater, static; Concentration: 320 ug/L for 96 hr (95% confidence limit: 110-900 ug/L); Effect: population abundance /99.6% purity/

EC50; Species: Navicula pelliculosa (Diatom); Conditions: freshwater, static; Concentration: 22000 ug/L for 96 hr (95% confidence limit: 20000-23000 ug/L); Effect: population abundance /99.6% purity/

EC50; Species: Pseudokirchneriella subcapitata (Green Algae); Conditions: freshwater, static; Concentration: 15000 ug/L for 72 hr (95% confidence limit: 11000-20000 ug/L); Effect: population abundance /99.9% purity/

For more Ecotoxicity Values (Complete) data for Dimethyl Disulfide (13 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

It is strongly advised not to let the chemical enter into the environment. The substance is very toxic to aquatic organisms. The substance may cause long-term effects in the aquatic environment.

Dimethyl disulfide's production and use as a catalyst, solvent and food additive may result in its release to the environment through various waste streams. Its use as a soil fumigant will result in its direct release to the environment. Dimethyl disulfide is a naturally occurring compound that is part of global sulfur cycle. It is released to the atmosphere in emissions from soil, plants, microbes, food and animal wastes, and the oceans. Other emission sources include waste water treatment plants, pulp mills and gasoline engines. If released to air, a vapor pressure of 28.7 mm Hg at 25 °C indicates methyl disulfide will exist solely as a vapor in the atmosphere. Vapor-phase methyl disulfide will be degraded in the atmosphere by reaction with photochemically-produced hydroxyl radicals; the half-life for this reaction in air is estimated to be 1.6 hours. Direct photolysis of dimethyl disulfide had a half-life of 3.2-4.6 hr at full sunlight and reaction with nitrate radicals exhibited a half-life of 1.1 hr during night-time hrs, contributing to its atmospheric degradation. If released to soil, dimethyl disulfide is expected to have very high mobility based upon an estimated Koc of 40. Volatilization from moist soil surfaces is expected to be an important fate process based upon a Henry's Law constant of 1.21X10-3 atm-cu m/mole. Dimethyl disulfide may volatilize from dry soil surfaces based upon its vapor pressure. Utilizing the Japanese MITI test, 0% of the theoretical BOD was reached in 4 weeks indicating that aerobic biodegradation is not an important environmental fate process. However, in a study using anoxic salt marsh sediments, dimethyl disulfide was rapidly reduced by 50% in 1-2 days to methanethiol, suggesting that biodegradation under anaerobic conditions is an important environmental fate process. If released into water, dimethyl disulfide is not expected to adsorb to suspended solids and sediment based upon the estimated Koc. Volatilization from water surfaces is expected to be an important fate process based upon this compound's Henry's Law constant. Estimated volatilization half-lives for a model river and model lake are 3.5 hours and 4.1 days, respectively. An estimated BCF of 0.3 suggests the potential for bioconcentration in aquatic organisms is low. The aqueous hydrolysis of dimethyl disulfide at ambient temperatures and pHs <12 is too slow to be an important environmental fate process. Since dimethyl disulfide photolyzes readily in sunlight, photodegradation on soil or water surfaces exposed to sunlight may be an important transformation process. Occupational exposure to dimethyl disulfide may occur through inhalation and dermal contact with this compound at workplaces where dimethyl disulfide is produced or used. Monitoring data indicate that the general population may be exposed to dimethyl disulfide via inhalation of ambient air and ingestion of food. (SRC)

Dimethyl disulfide was identified in onion, garlic, pea, cabbage, rutabaga, potato, sprouts, cauliflower, tomato, cocoa, stored casein, in oysters, in tea aroma, roasted peanuts, and roasted filberts.

Dimethyl disulfide is released to the atmosphere in emissions from animal waste, food decay, microbes, natural gas and vegetation(1); natural emissions from the ocean, plants and soil release dimethyl disulfide to the atmosphere(1-2). Plants, including Spartina alterniflora, oak and pine trees, emit methyl disulfide into the atmosphere(2). Emissions of dimethyl disulfide from 5 wetland soils in Florida were the result of biogenic formation(3); under waterlogged conditions, dimethyl disulfide is formed by microbial degradation of methionine and carbon disulfide from cysteine and cystine(3). Dimethyl disulfide can be naturally produced in aquatic ecosystems by bacteria, blue-green algae or green algae(3). Dimethyl disulfide was produced by 7 of 7 Actinomycete strains at concentrations of 0.41 to 6.8 mg/cu m(4). Dimethyl disulfide was the major volatile given off by pure cultures of gram-negative bacteria Pseudomonas putida, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Enterobacker cloacae; dimethyl disulfide was also given off by Pseudomonas fluorescens and Serratia liquefaciens(5).

Dimethyl disulfides's production and use as a catalyst, solvent(1) and food additive(2) may result in its release to the environment through various waste streams(SRC). Its use as a soil fumigant(3) will result in its direct release to the environment(SRC).

Dimethyl disulfide emissions to the atmosphere can result from fish processing, rendering, sewage treatment, SO2 scrubbing, starch manufacture, whiskey manufacture and wood pulping(1). Dimethyl disulfide has been detected in the air of refuse waste from a food center(2) and in exhaust gases from pulp mills(3) and gasoline engines(4).

TERRESTRIAL FATE: Based on a classification scheme(1), an estimated Koc value of 40(SRC), determined from a structure estimation method(2), indicates that dimethyl disulfide is expected to have very high mobility in soil(SRC). Volatilization of dimethyl disulfide from moist soil surfaces is expected to be an important fate process(SRC) given a Henry's Law constant of 1.21X10-3 atm-cu m/mole(3). Dimethyl disulfide is expected to volatilize from dry soil surfaces(SRC) based upon a vapor pressure of 28.7 mm Hg at 25 °C(4). Methyl disulfide had a 0% theoretical BOD using activated sludge in the Japanese MITI test(5) suggesting that biodegradation is not an important environmental fate process in soil(SRC). However, in a study using anoxic salt marsh sediments, dimethyl disulfide was rapidly reduced by 50% in 1-2 days to methanethiol(6), suggesting that biodegradation under anaerobic conditions is an important environmental fate process(SRC). Dimethyl disulfide absorbs UV light in the environmental spectrum and has been shown to photolyze rapidly, in gas phase, in sunlight(7,8); although photolysis rates on soil have not been measured, the surface half-life (for full sunlight exposure) may be similar to the several hour half-life observed for the gas phase(8). As well as releasing methyl disulfide in the gas phase, soil can also adsorb dimethyl disulfide from the gas phase and act as an environment sink(9); the relative importance of this process is not clear(SRC).

AQUATIC FATE: Based on a classification scheme(1), an estimated Koc value of 40(SRC), determined from a structure estimation method(2), indicates that dimethyl disulfide is not expected to adsorb to suspended solids and sediment(SRC). Volatilization from water surfaces is expected(3) based upon a Henry's Law constant of 1.21X10-3 atm-cu m/mole(4). Using this Henry's Law constant and an estimation method(3), volatilization half-lives for a model river and model lake are 3.5 hours and 4.1 days, respectively(SRC). According to a classification scheme(5), an estimated BCF of 0.3(SRC), from its log Kow of 1.77(6) and a regression-derived equation(7), suggests the potential for bioconcentration in aquatic organisms is low(SRC). Dimethyl disulfide absorbs UV light in the environmental spectrum and has been shown to photolyze rapidly, in gas phase in sunlight(8-9); although photolysis rates in water have not been measured, the near-surface half-life (for full sunlight exposure) may be similar to the several hour half-life observed in the gas phase(9). The aqueous hydrolysis of dimethyl disulfide at ambient temperatures and pHs <12 is too slow to be an important environmental fate process(10). Under anoxic conditions in salt marsh sediments, the initial concentration of methyl disulfide was reduced by 50% in 1-2 days(11). However, data for aerobic biodegradation indicate dimethyl disulfide is recalcitrant under these conditions(12).

ATMOSPHERIC FATE: According to a model of gas/particle partitioning of semivolatile organic compounds in the atmosphere(1), dimethyl disulfide, which has a vapor pressure of 28.7 mm Hg at 25 °C(2), is expected to exist solely as a vapor in the ambient atmosphere. Vapor-phase dimethyl disulfide is degraded in the atmosphere by reaction with photochemically-produced hydroxyl radicals(SRC); the half-life for this reaction in air is estimated to be 1.6 hours(SRC), calculated from its rate constant of 2.39X10-10 cu cm/molecule-sec at 25 °C(3). Direct photolysis (half-life of 3.2-4.6 hr at full sunlight)(4-5) and reaction with nitrate radicals (half-life of 1.1 hr during night-time hrs)(6) will also contribute to its atmospheric degradation. Physical removal from air can occur through gas phase sorption by soil(7).

AEROBIC: Dimethyl disulfide, present at 100 mg/L, reached 0% of its theoretical BOD in 4 weeks using an activated sludge inoculum at 30 mg/L in the Japanese MITI test(1).

ANAEROBIC: The incubation of dimethyl disulfide by anoxic sediments from fresh water, brackish salt marsh and alkaline saline water was found to stimulate methane production over endogenous levels at various dimethyl disulfide concentrations(1). However, when concentrations were raised by 1-2 orders of magnitude, the dimethyl disulfide became inhibitory to methane production(1). In a study using anoxic salt marsh sediments, dimethyl disulfide was rapidly reduced to methanethiol by sediment microflora(2). Small amounts of dimethyl sulfide were also formed(2). Under the test conditions (in serum bottles), the initial concentration of dimethyl disulfide was reduced by 50% in 1-2 days(2).

The rate constant for the vapor-phase reaction of dimethyl disulfide with photochemically-produced hydroxyl radicals has been reported as 2.39X10-10 cu cm/molecule-sec at 25 °C(1). This corresponds to an atmospheric half-life of about 1.6 hours at an atmospheric concentration of 5X10+5 hydroxyl radicals per cu cm(1). The initial reaction of the hydroxyl radical with dimethyl disulfide is by addition(2) with the final reaction products of this reaction including SO2, methyl sulfonic acid, sulfuric acid, and methanethiol(3,4). The rate constant for the vapor phase reaction of dimethyl disulfide with ground-state oxygen atoms has been experimentally determined to be 1.02X10-10 cu cm/molecule-sec at 25 °C(5) which corresponds to an atmospheric half-life of about 3 days(SRC) at a ground state oxygen atmospheric concentration of 2.5X10+4 molecules per cu cm(5). The rate constant for the vapor-phase reaction of dimethyl disulfide with atmospheric nitrate radicals has been experimentally determined to be 7.39X10-13 cu cm/molecule-sec at 25 °C(2) which corresponds to an atmospheric half-life of about 1.1 hrs(SRC) at an atmospheric concentration of 2.4X10+8 nitrate radicals per cu cm(2). The products of the reaction of nitrate radical and dimethyl disulfide are methanesulfonic acid and sulfur dioxide(6).

Dimethyl disulfide absorbs UV light in the environmental spectrum between 290 and 400 nm(1); it has been observed to photolyze at 360 nm(1). Based upon its absorption spectrum and the calculated actinic flux of solar radiation at the Earth's surface, the rate constant for its direct photolysis is estimated to be roughly 0.0025/min at noon (July 1, clear skies) at a latitude of 40 deg N(2); this corresponds to a half-life of about 4.6 hr(SRC). Under clean air conditions, the half-life for the direct photolysis of dimethyl disulfide in natural sunlight was observed to be 3.2 hr(3); the observed rate may include a small contribution from hydroxyl radical generation due to experimental conditions(3). Based upon an observed initial half-life of 270 hr(3), the reaction between dimethyl disulfide and atmospheric ozone is not competitive with other atmospheric transformation processes(SRC). The aqueous hydrolysis of dimethyl disulfide at ambient temperatures and pHs <12 is too slow to be an important environmental fate process(4). The rate constant for the reaction between photochemically produced hydroxyl radicals in water and methyl disulfide is 1.7X10+10 L/mole-sec(5); assuming that the concentration of hydroxyl radicals in brightly sunlit natural water is 1X10-17 M(6), the half-life would be about 47 days(SRC).

An estimated BCF of 0.3 was calculated in fish for dimethyl disulfide(SRC), using a log Kow of 1.77(1) and a regression-derived equation(2). According to a classification scheme(3), this BCF suggests the potential for bioconcentration in aquatic organisms is low(SRC).

Using a structure estimation method based on molecular connectivity indices(1), the Koc of dimethyl disulfide can be estimated to be 40(SRC). According to a classification scheme(2), this estimated Koc value suggests that dimethyl disulfide is expected to have very high mobility in soil. Gas chromatographic studies with various air-dry and moist soils have shown that soil can sorb atmospheric, gas phase dimethyl disulfide(3). In one closed-system test, 17-94% of input dimethyl disulfide was sorbed by the soil in 10 min(3); in a 15-day test, dimethyl disulfide sorption was 101-306 ug sorbed/g soil(3). Soil microbes were found to be important for the gas phase sorption of dimethyl disulfide as 15-day sorption in sterilized soil was only 9-98 ug sorbed/g soil(3).

The Henry's Law constant for dimethyl disulfide is reported as 1.21X10-3 atm-cu m/mole(1). This Henry's Law constant indicates that dimethyl disulfide is expected to volatilize rapidly from water surfaces(2). Based on this Henry's Law constant, the volatilization half-life from a model river (1 m deep, flowing 1 m/sec, wind velocity of 3 m/sec)(2) is estimated as 3.5 hours(SRC). The volatilization half-life from a model lake (1 m deep, flowing 0.05 m/sec, wind velocity of 0.5 m/sec)(2) is estimated as 4.1 days(SRC). Dimethyl disulfide's Henry's Law constant indicates that volatilization from moist soil surfaces may occur(SRC). In a laboratory study, the volatilization rate of dimethyl disulfide from a tidal marsh soil (at field capacity or 1.5 field capacity) ranged from 0.1 to 0.4 ng (sulfur basis)/min(3). Dimethyl disulfide is expected to volatilize from dry soil surfaces(SRC) based upon a vapor pressure of 28.7 mm Hg(4).

GROUNDWATER: Volatile sulfur compounds detected in a groundwater affected by landfill leachate included dimethyl disulfide at unreported concentrations(1).

DRINKING WATER: In a survey of drinking waters from five US cities, dimethyl disulfide was detected, not quantified in water from Ottumwa, IA(1). A dimethyl disulfide concentration of 0.01 ppb was detected in the potable water of an Australian treatment plant(2); water taken from homes and supply mains contained levels of <0.005-0.15 ppb(2). It was suggested that microbial action inside the distribution system might have contributed to concentration increases(2).

SURFACE WATER: Dimethyl disulfide was detected, not quantified in seawater samples collected from the Narragansett Bay, RI during the summers of 1979 and 1980(1). The concentration of dimethyl disulfide in seawater has been reported to range from 14 to 19 ng/L(2). Qualitative detection of dimethyl disulfide has been reported for the Cuyahoga River-Lake Erie system(3). The concentration of dimethyl disulfide varied (<0.1 to 18 nM) with depth (0 to 14 m) and season (Apr 2003 to Aug 2004) with no discernable pattern in Linsley Pond, North Branford, CT(4). Dimethyl disulfide was detected at one site in the bottom flood waters of post-Katrina samples taken Sept 7, 2005 in Mid-City, New Orleans, LA(5). Dimethyl disulfide has been identified (concentration generally <0.1 ug/L) in water samples collected from the River Lee in Great Britain(6). Dimethyl disulfide was detected at 0.1, <0.1, 0.2 and <0.1 ug/L in the Dutch surface waters of the Rhine, Meuse, Northern Delta, and Westerscheldt, respectively; samples were taken from May, 1992 to Sept 1997(7). Dimethyl disulfide was qualitatively detected in water samples collected from the Black Warrior River in Tuscaloosa, AL(8). The concentration of dimethyl disulfide in coastal water collected from Vineyard Sound, MA between Dec 1978 to Mar 1979 ranged from about 30 to 900 ng/kg(9).

The average dimethyl disulfide concentration of wastewater effluent collected from the Los Angeles County treatment plant between Nov 1980 and Aug 1981 was 45 ug/L(1). Effluent from a 5-yr old community septic tank contained dimethyl disulfide at 29.7 ug/L(2). Dimethyl disulfide was detected in 3 of 63 wastewater effluents (concentration <100 ppb) collected from chemical manufacturing plants across the US(3). Dimethyl disulfide was detected in 5 of 204 water samples collected from 14 heavily industrialized river basins in the US(4). A dimethyl disulfide concentration of 1.2 mg/L was detected in a leachate collected from a Minnesota municipal solid waste landfill(5). Dimethyl disulfide was detected as a volatile compound in samples of kitchen waste, kitchen waste exudate, stored food exudate, and garden waste, previously collected as municipal waste, at unreported concentrations(6-7). Dimethyl disulfide was detected by headspace analysis in 4 of 4 biodegradable waste samples and 4 of 7 mixed waste samples(8). Dimethyl disulfide was detected in the volatile emissions from laboratory compost(9).

Dimethyl disulfide concentrations in biogas were 0-1020 ppbV in 8 samples taken Nov 2000 to Jun 2002; after gasses were passed through a scrubber, levels were decreased to <1-4 ppbV(1). Atmospheric emissions rates of dimethyl disulfide from 5 wetland plant soils in Florida ranged from <0.03 to 1.5 ug (sulfur basis)/sq m/hr(2); the dimethyl disulfide emitted resulted from biogenic formation(2). The estimated emission rates of dimethyl disulfide to the atmosphere from natural sources has been reported as follows (in million tons sulfur/yr)(3): oceanic: 0-1; salt marsh: 0.13; inland swamps: 0.2; soil and plants: 1; burning of biomass: 0-1; volcanoes and fumaroles: 0.01(3).

SEDIMENT: Concentrations of dimethyl disulfide in sediment samples collected near a discharge from a Los Angeles County treatment plant (effluent containing an average dimethyl disulfide concentration of 45 ug/L) were below the detection limit of 0.5 ug/kg(1).

SOIL: Biogenic dimethyl disulfide emissions from soils in USA: 0.002 g sulfur/cu m/yr (Wadesville, IN, Alfisol, Sept-Oct 1977); 0.0014 g sulfur/cu m/yr (Philo, OH, Inceptisol, Oct 1977); 0.0001 g sulfur/cu m/yr (Dismal Swamp, NC, Histosol, Oct 1977); 0.0039 g sulfur/cu m/yr (Cox's Landing, NC-freshly clipped marsh, Oct 1977)

URBAN/SUBURBAN: Dimethyl disulfide was qualitatively detected in an ambient air sample collected in Vancouver, Canada(1).

INDOOR: Air samples from the digesting, washing and evaporation plants of three sulfate pulp mills in eastern and southeastern Finland contained dimethyl disulfide at concentrations of <0.05-1.5, <0.05-0.26 and <0.05 ppm, respectively(1). Dimethyl disulfide was detected at 0.01-0.07 cu cm/cu m in workplace air of sewage treatment plants(2).

SOURCE DOMINATED: The atmospheric concentration of dimethyl disulfide within a 1 mile radius of an unspecified liquid waste lagoon of the US Army ranged from 4-39 ng/cu m(1).

Reported found in sour cherry, guava, melon, peach, pineapple, strawberry, cabbage, kohlrabi, onion, garlic, shallot, leek, peas, potato, rutabaga, tomato, parsley, breads, many cheeses, yogurt, milk, eggs, fish, meas, hop oil, beer, Scotch whiskey, cognac, wine grapes, cocoa, coffee, peanut, peanut butter, pecan, potato chips, oats, soybean, beans, mushrooms, trassi, macadamia nut, mango, cauliflower, broccoli, brussels sprouts, rice, radish, sukiyaki, sake, watercress, malt, wort, krill, southern pea, loquat, sapodilla, shrimp, oyster, crab, crayfish, clam, scallops and squid.

Dimethyl disulfide has been identified in processed cassava products(1) and in volatile components of roasted filbert nuts(2), cooked potatoes(3), coffee(4), mature kiwi fruit(5), raw chicken breast(6), Welsh onions and scallions(7), scrambled eggs(8), chickpeas(9), fresh strawberries(10), cooked mutton, chicken, beef and pork volatiles(11), frankfurters(12), and cooked peas(13). dimethyl disulfide was detected in ground and whole musty sorghum(14).

Dimethyl disulfide concentrations of 0.64-2.51 ug/g garlic bulb were detected(1). Dimethyl disulfide was present in the volatiles formed by popping popcorn at 13 to 20 ug/kg(2). Mean dimethyl disulfide concentrations in anchovy, big eyed herring, hair tail viscera, and shrimp paste were 540, 32900, 182, and 224 ng/g, respectively(3). Dimethyl disulfide composed 2.32% of the total volatiles isolated from stir-fried garlic(4). Volatiles in Italian-type dry-cured Parma ham included dimethyl disulfide; at day 3 in the production process no dimethyl disulfide was present, by 485 days dimethyl disulfide concentration was 59 ng dodecane equivalents(5). Volatiles from spoiled Parma ham contained dimethyl disulfide at 36 ng dodecane equivalents(5). Mean dimethyl disulfide concentrations were 114.1, 30.2, and 25.9 ug/kg measured in honey derived form honeydew of Holm-oak, oak and forest, respectively(6).

Volatile organic compounds emitted from Allium ursinum, planted as ground cover, contained dimethyl disulfide; an average emission rate for this compound was measured as 0.239 ug/g-hr (per unit of ground area 14.6 ug/sq m-hr)(1).

Plants containing dimethyldusulfide(1).[Table#5961]

Concentrations of dimethyl disulfide were below the detection limit of 0.3 ug/L in various aquatic species (California halibut (Paralichthys californicus), scorpion fish (Scorpaena guttata), Dover sole (Microstomus pacificus), red pointer crap (Mursia gaudichaudii), ridgeback prawn (Sicyonia ingentis)). Animals were collected near a discharge from a Los Angeles County treatment plant where the effluent contained an average dimethyl disulfide concentration of 45 ug/L)(1). Dimethyl disulfide was detected in the leg, body and carapace of the Asian crab, Charybdis feriatus, at an average of 5.6, 1.6 and 11.1 ug/kg, respectively(2).

Dimethyl disulfide was qualitatively detected in 6 of 12 samples of human milk samples collected from volunteers in Bayonne, NJ, Jersey City, NJ, Bridgeville, PA, and Baton Rouge, LA(1). Volatiles from cold-stored cows milk contained dimethyl disulfide at unreported concentrations(2).

Dimethyl disulfide has been detected at a concentration of 0.135 ug/g in used machine cutting-fluid emulsion(1). Dimethyl disulfide was one of the volatile organic compounds given off of automobile air conditioning systems due to the microbial growth of Methylobacterium mesophilicum(2).

According to the 2006 TSCA Inventory Update Reporting data, the number of persons reasonably likely to be exposed in the industrial manufacturing, processing, and use of dimethyl disulfide is 1000 or greater; the data may be greatly underestimated(1).

SRP: At the time of review, criteria for land treatment or burial (sanitary landfill) disposal practices are subject to significant revision. Prior to implementing land disposal of waste residue (including waste sludge), consult with environmental regulatory agencies for guidance on acceptable disposal practices.

/GUIDE 130: FLAMMABLE LIQUIDS (Non-Polar/Water-Immiscible/Noxious)/ Fire or Explosion: HIGHLY FLAMMABLE: Will be easily ignited by heat, sparks or flames. Vapors may form explosive mixtures with air. Vapors may travel to source of ignition and flash back. Most vapors are heavier than air. They will spread along ground and collect in low or confined areas (sewers, basements, tanks). Vapor explosion hazard indoors, outdoors or in sewers. Those substances designated with a (P) may polymerize explosively when heated or involved in a fire. Runoff to sewer may create fire or explosion hazard. Containers may explode when heated. Many liquids are lighter than water.

/GUIDE 130: FLAMMABLE LIQUIDS (Non-Polar/Water-Immiscible/Noxious)/ Health: May cause toxic effects if inhaled or absorbed through skin. Inhalation or contact with material may irritate or burn skin and eyes. Fire will produce irritating, corrosive and/or toxic gases. Vapors may cause dizziness or suffocation. Runoff from fire control or dilution water may cause pollution.

/GUIDE 130: FLAMMABLE LIQUIDS (Non-Polar/Water-Immiscible/Noxious)/ Public Safety: CALL Emergency Response Telephone Number on Shipping Paper first. If Shipping Paper not available or no answer, refer to appropriate telephone number listed on the inside back cover. As an immediate precautionary measure, isolate spill or leak area for at least 50 meters (150 feet) in all directions. Keep unauthorized personnel away. Stay upwind. Keep out of low areas. Ventilate closed spaces before entering.

/GUIDE 130: FLAMMABLE LIQUIDS (Non-Polar/Water-Immiscible/Noxious)/ Protective Clothing: Wear positive pressure self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA). Structural firefighters' protective clothing will only provide limited protection.

For more DOT Emergency Guidelines (Complete) data for Dimethyl Disulfide (8 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

UN 2381; Dimethyl disulfide

IMO 3; Dimethyl disulfide

No person may /transport,/ offer or accept a hazardous material for transportation in commerce unless that person is registered in conformance ... and the hazardous material is properly classed, described, packaged, marked, labeled, and in condition for shipment as required or authorized by ... /the hazardous materials regulations (49 CFR 171-177)./

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) Dangerous Goods Regulations are published by the IATA Dangerous Goods Board pursuant to IATA Resolutions 618 and 619 and constitute a manual of industry carrier regulations to be followed by all IATA Member airlines when transporting hazardous materials.

The International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code lays down basic principles for transporting hazardous chemicals. Detailed recommendations for individual substances and a number of recommendations for good practice are included in the classes dealing with such substances. A general index of technical names has also been compiled. This index should always be consulted when attempting to locate the appropriate procedures to be used when shipping any substance or article.

Flammable Liquid Poison

Symbol: F, Xn, N; R: 11-20/22-36/37-43-50/53; S: 16-26-33-36/37-60-61

UN Hazard Class: 3; UN Subsidiary Risks: 6.1; UN Pack Group: II