The information available on the biological activity of hydrogen sulfide has been examined for present status of critical results pertaining to the toxicity of hydrogen sulfide. This review of the literature is intended as an evaluative report rather than an annotated bibliography of all the source material examined on hydrogen sulfide. The information was selected as it might relate to potential toxic effects of hydrogen sulfide to man and summarized, noting information gaps that may require further investigation. Several recommendations are listed for possible consideration for either toxicological research or additional short- and long-term tests. Two bibliographies have been provided to assist in locating references considered in this report: (1) literature examined but not cited and (2) reference citations. The majority of the references in the first bibliography were considered peripheral information and less appropriate for inclusion in this report.

A Critical Review of the Literature on Hydrogen Sulfide Toxicity

We include in this review an assessment of the formation, environmental fate, and mammalian and ecotoxicity of CW agent degradation products relevant to environmental and occupational health. These parent CW agents include several vesicants: sulfur mustards [undistilled sulfur mustard (H), sulfur mustard (HD), and an HD/agent T mixture (HT)]; nitrogen mustards [ethylbis(2-chloroethyl)amine (HN1), methylbis(2-chloroethyl)amine (HN2), tris(2-chloroethyl)amine (HN3)], and Lewisite; four nerve agents (O-ethyl S-[2-(diisopropylamino)ethyl] methylphosphonothioate (VX), tabun (GA), sarin (GB), and soman (GD)); and the blood agent cyanogen chloride. The degradation processes considered here include hydrolysis, microbial degradation, oxidation, and photolysis. We also briefly address decontamination but not combustion processes. Because CW agents are generally not considered very persistent, certain degradation products of significant persistence, even those that are not particularly toxic, may indicate previous CW agent presence or that degradation has occurred. Of those products for which there are data on both environmental fate and toxicity, only a few are both environmentally persistent and highly toxic. Major degradation products estimated to be of significant persistence (weeks to years) include thiodiglycol for HD; Lewisite oxide for Lewisite; and ethyl methyl phosphonic acid, methyl phosphonic acid, and possibly S-(2-diisopropylaminoethyl) methylphosphonothioic acid (EA 2192) for VX. Methyl phosphonic acid is also the ultimate hydrolysis product of both GB and GD. The GB product, isopropyl methylphosphonic acid, and a closely related contaminant of GB, diisopropyl methylphosphonate, are also persistent. Of all of these compounds, only Lewisite oxide and EA 2192 possess high mammalian toxicity. Unlike other CW agents, sulfur mustard agents (e.g., HD) are somewhat persistent; therefore, sites or conditions involving potential HD contamination should include an evaluation of both the agent and thiodiglycol.

The sources, fate, and toxicity of chemical warfare agent degradation products.

This public health statement tells you about chromium and the effects of exposure to it.The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) identifies the most serious hazardous waste sites in the nation. These sites are then placed on the National Priorities List (NPL) and are targeted for long-term federal clean-up activities. Chromium has been found in at least 1,127 of the 1,699 current or former NPL sites. Although the total number of NPL sites evaluated for this substance is not known, the possibility exists that the number of sites at which chromium is found may increase in the future as more sites are evaluated. This information is important because these sites may be sources of exposure and exposure to this substance may be harmful.When a substance is released either from a large area, such as an industrial plant, or from a container, such as a drum or bottle, it enters the environment. Such a release does not always lead to exposure. You can be exposed to a substance only when you come in contact with it. You may be exposed by breathing, eating, or drinking the substance, or by skin contact.If you are exposed to chromium, many factors will determine whether you will be harmed. These factors include the dose (how much), the duration (how long), the form (chromium VI as opposed to chromium III), and how you come in contact with it. You must also consider any other chemicals you are exposed to and your age, sex, diet, family traits, lifestyle, and state of health.

Toxicological Profile for Chromium

European Union Risk Assessment Report

The Scientific Panel on Food Additives, Flavourings, Processing Aids and Materials in Contact with Food (the Panel) is asked to advise the Commission on the implications for human health of chemically defined flavouring substances used in or on foodstuffs in the Member States. In particular, the Scientific Panel is asked to evaluate the 47 flavouring substances in this Flavouring Group Evaluation 6, Revision 1 (FGE.06Rev1), using the procedure as referred to in the Commission Regulation EC No 1565/2000. These 47 flavouring substances belong to chemical groups 1 and 4 of Annex I of the Commission Regulation (EC) No 1565/2000.

Opinion of the Scientific Panel on Food Additives, Flavourings, Processing Aids and Materials in contact with Food (AFC) on a request from the Commission, Flavouring Group Evaluation 22: Ring-substituted phenolic substances from chemical groups 21 and 25: Question No EFSA-Q-2003-165

Acute toxicity and skin corrosion data for some organic and inorganic compounds and aqueous solutions.

The activities of the Toxic Hazards Research Unit (THRU) for the period of June 1970 through May 1971 reviewed. Modification of the animal exposure facilities primarily for improved human safety but also for experimental integrity and continuity are discussed. Acute toxicity experiments were conducted on hydrogen fluoride (HF), hydrogen chloride (HCl), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), and hydrogen cyanide (HCN) both singly and in combination with carbon dioxide (CO). Additional acute toxicity experiments were conducted on oxygen difluoride (OF2) and chlorine pentafluoride (ClF5). Subacute toxicity studies were conducted on methylisobutylketone and dichloromethane (methylene dichloride). The interim results of further chronic toxicity experiments on monomethylhydrazine (MMH) are also described.

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Toxic Hazards Research Unit

: Modification of animal exposure facilities are discussed including the installation of an automatic weighing system in each Thomas Dome. Acute toxicity experiments were conducted on beta cloth glass fiber dust, chlorinetrifluoride (ClF3), oxygen difluoride (OF2), and hydrogen fluoride. Subacute toxicity studies were conducted on 1,1,2-Trichloro 1,2,2- trifluoroethane and methylisobutylketone. The interim results of chronic toxicity experiments on monomethylhydrazine (MMH) are also described.

Toxic Hazards Research Unit Annual Technical Report: 1970

The activities of the Toxic Hazards Research Unit (THRU) for the period of June 1971 through May 1972 are reviewed in this report. Acute inhalation toxicity experiments were conducted on hydrogen chloride (HCl) gas and aerosol, ethyl bromide (C2H5Br), hydrogen bromide (HBr), hydrogen sulfide (H2S), ammonia (NH3), chlorine (CL2), and silane (SiH4). Subacute toxicity studies were conducted on chlorine pentafluoride (ClF5), dichloromethane (CH2Cl2) and coal tar volatiles. Further toxicity studies of subacute and chronic responses to inhaled monomethylhydrazine (MMH) are also described.

/pdf/toxic-hazards-research-unit-annual-technical-report-1972-i7imiocl4h.pdf

Toxic Hazards Research Unit annual technical report, 1972

: Acute inhalation toxicity experiments were conducted on benzonitrile, deuterium fluoride and fluomine. Chronic toxicity studies were conducted with an aircraft fuel JP-4 and constituents of JP-9. Chronic studies of coal tar aerosols and hydrazine were also continued. Oral and percutaneous toxicity determination and skin irritation and sensitization studies were conducted on a number of fuel additives and photographic chemicals.

E. H. Vernot

Papers

Acute toxicity and skin corrosion data for some organic and inorganic compounds and aqueous solutions.

Toxic Hazards Research Unit

Toxic Hazards Research Unit Annual Technical Report: 1970

Toxic Hazards Research Unit annual technical report, 1972

Toxic Hazards Research Unit Annual Technical Report: 1974