What are the hazards of sulfur to the human body

Sulfur is a chemical raw material and also a substance that is extremely harmful to the human body. It generally affects our skin. In severe cases, various diseases will occur. Therefore, we must pay attention to such injuries in our lives and take active measures to prevent and care for them. We do not come into contact with sulfur very often in our lives, so what are the hazards of sulfur to the human body? Let’s take a look at it together.

Health hazards: It has strong irritating and corrosive effects on skin, mucous membranes and other tissues. Vapor or mist can cause conjunctivitis, conjunctival edema, corneal opacity, and even blindness; cause respiratory tract irritation, and in severe cases, dyspnea and pulmonary edema; high concentrations can cause laryngeal spasm or glottal edema, leading to suffocation and death. After oral administration, it causes digestive tract burns and even ulcer formation; in severe cases, it may cause gastric perforation, peritonitis, kidney damage, shock, etc. Skin burns can cause erythema in mild cases and ulcers in severe cases. After healing, the scars shrink and affect function. Splashing into the eyes can cause burns, or even corneal perforation, panophthalmitis and even blindness. Chronic effects: dental erosion, chronic bronchitis, emphysema and pulmonary cirrhosis.

1. Solid sulfur

Solid elemental sulfur itself is non-toxic, but when it enters the human body, it can react with protein to produce hydrogen sulfide, which is partially absorbed in the intestines. Taking large amounts of it can cause symptoms of hydrogen sulfide poisoning. Sulfur dust can also cause conjunctivitis and is irritating to the skin and respiratory tract. Sulfur has a low ignition point and can generate static electricity, making it flammable and explosive.

In order to prevent the harm of solid sulfur to the human body, people who come into contact with solid sulfur are required to wear protective shields and protective glasses.

2. Liquid sulfur

The main danger of liquid sulfur is that it has a low flash point and easily forms toxic hydrogen sulfide, which burns violently and can cause severe burns if it comes into contact with the skin. The American Association of Industrial Hygienists has set the maximum allowable concentration of hydrogen sulfide exposure in daily work at 10×10-6, and the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration has set the maximum concentration at 20×10-6.

The above is an introduction to the hazards of sulfur to the human body. In our daily lives, we just need to pay attention to it. Friends who work in this field must take protective measures at work, especially to perform correct operations. If there is any situation, they must go to the hospital for examination and treatment in time and adjust according to the situation.