Sulfur Powder, I need some advice before I take the plunge..

[Kashmirror]

Aloha!
I have just ordered 10 lbs of Sulfur powder from a fireworks website, and I was just pondering about how toxic this might be- to my body, IF I were to shower with it, put it on my skin? Does anyone have any experiences to share about soaking with Sulfur?
-INhalation I know is Toxic. Especially when sulfer is burned.
- drinking or eating sulfer, I assume to be bad for you.
-So what about soaking in it? A nice hot bath?
ANyone have any good comments- it would be appreciated. Thanks. Have a great day!

[Tom]

http://www.safe2use.com/safe-products/sulfer_cream.htm

It is actually good for your skin.

[CFTraveler]

10 lbs of sulfur? Remember that elemental sulfur is toxic. It's safer it it's sulfur like the link Tom showed. There is somewhere a link by Flew for the best sources of it. I'm pretty sure sulfur from a fireworks site is probably not a good idea. Although this is not the one I'm talking about, this may help you. If not, pm her- she's kind of an expert in this due to her experiences.
viewtopic.php?t=871&highlight=sulfur

Oh Yikes...you bought 10lbs of elemental sulfur?

Elemental sulfur is very poisonous...I'm taking that's the stuff in the gas belched out by volcanoes that suffocates people and kills them. I think when Robert offered sulfur in his book, he gave a simialr warning and recommended one of those sulfur type "bombs" that you can light and then allow to splurge into the atmosphere of the room...while you and your pets are out of the room safe somewhere. Then return after the sulfur bomb has completed.

Here is the excerpt from Robert's book on page 238:

Sulfur: The most effective substance for fumigation is sulfur. However, sulfur gives off a poisonous gas when burned, so great care must be taken when using it. Close all windows in the room being treated. Remembering to hold your breath, add a small amount of sulfur powder (a teaspoon) to the glowing coals of the censer. Leave the room quickly, shutting the door behind you. Return to the room an hour later, and, holding your breath, extinguish the burning sulfur and open all the windows. Still holding your breath, leave the room, close the door, and do not return for thirty minutes, or until the poisonous fumes have aired away.

A whole house can be fumigated by burning a larger amount of sulfur, or by repeating the procedure in all rooms. All internal doors should be opened and all windows closed. Ignite the sulfur and leave the house for an hour or so, as you would if fumigating for insects. Hold your breath while openingthe outer doors and leave the house again until its safely aired. Take care to rest the censer on a safe, fireproof pad and remove all pet animals during fumigation.

I really think cooking garlic on a stove top would be safer...

Any chance you could have the sulfur returned? You don't live in an apt building do you?

You ordered the sulfur powder from a fire works place? I know sulfur is part of gun powder...it's been a while since I researched sulfur thoroughly...I'd do some research on the condition required for a flashpoint in the powder to occur...

Sulfur is explosive if mixed with air

That's just what I am concerned about...but is it explosive because it is sulfur or because it is powder. Talc Powder can be explosive if airborne and under the right conditions.

Like I said, I haven't studied sulfur in a long time, so I'm genuinely asking...and interested in the MSDS myself.

Not trying to plagarise, but I want people to see what an MSDS looks like in the event this link becomes unavailable:

SF SULFUR CORPORATION

Office:
PO Box 5659, Valdosta Georgia 31603 -5649
phone (800) 234-7094 fax (229) 245-1664

Plant:
PO Box 917, Freeport, TX 77542
phone (979) 233-3555 fax (979) 233-7425

EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE:
CHEMTREC (800) 424-9300 (24 Hours)

SECTION 1 CHEMICAL IDENTITY
Trade Name & Synonyms: Sulphur, Flaked Sulfur, Granular Sulfur, Prilled Sulfur, Arrow Roll® Sulfur
Chemical Name: Sulfur
Family Name: Element - Sulfur
Chemical Formula: S8
Appearance: Odorless, tasteless, pale yellow powder or solid
CAS Number: 7704-34-9
Hazardous Ingredient: Sulfur
% by Weight: 99.5% Min.

SECTION 2 PHYSICAL DATA
Appearance: Yellow colored lumps, crystals, powder, or formed shape
Odor: Odorless, or faint odor of rotten eggs
Purity: 99.5% Min.
Formula: S8 (Rhombic or monoclinic)
Vapor Pressure: 0mmHG at 280OF
Solubility In Water: Insoluble
Specific Gravity: 2.07 @ 70oF
Boiling Point: 832oF (444oC)
Freezing/Melting Point: 230-246oF (110-119oC)
Bulk Density: Lumps 75-115 lbs./ft3 Powder 33-80 lbs./ft3

SECTION 3 FIRE AND EXPLOSION DATA
Flashpoint: 405OF (207.2oC)
Explosive Limits of Dust in Air: LEL 35 g/m3 UEL 1400 g/m3
Auto-ignition Temperature: 478-511oF (248-266oC)
Extinguishing Media: Water fog , spray, or regular foam. Do not use a direct water stream.

Burning Sulfur decomposes into TOXIC sulfur oxide gasses such as:
Sulfur dioxide (SO2) and Hydrogen sulfide (H2S).

PRIMARY HAZARD:
Sulfur dust suspended in air ignites easily, and can cause an explosion in confined areas. May be ignited by friction, static electricity, heat, sparks, or flames. Toxic gases will form upon combustion. Bulk/solid forms burn only at moderate rate, whereas dust burns with explosive violence.

FIRE:
Wear full-faced, self-contained breathing apparatus and full protective clothing. Use a water fog to extinguish fire. Do not use solid streams of water; which could create sulfur dust clouds and cause an explosion or move burning sulfur to adjacent areas. Fire will rekindle until mass is cooled below 310oF (154oC). Cool surrounding areas with water fog to prevent re-igniting. Cool containers, tank cars, or trailer loads with flooding quantities of water until well after fire is out. Evacuate nonessential personnel from the fire area. If large fire, evacuate people downwind from fire. Isolate for ½ mile in all directions, consider evacuation for ½ mile in all directions. Prevent human exposure to smoke, fumes, or products of combustion (sulfur oxide gases). Firemen exposed to contaminated smoke should be immediately relieved and checked for symptoms of exposure to toxic gasses. Seek medical attention immediately! . This should not be mistaken for heat exhaustion or smoke inhalation. These are extremely irritating to the respiratory tract and may cause breathing difficulty and pulmonary edema. Symptoms may be delayed several hours or longer depending upon exposure.

HAZARD RATING
0 = Least 1 = Slight 2 = Moderate
3 = High 4 = Extreme

ACUTE HEALTH = 1
FIRE = 1
REACTIVITY = 0
CONTACT = 1

SECTION 4 REACTIVITY DATA
Stability: Stable
Conditions to Avoid (Instability): Keep from heat sources, sparks, and open flames.
Materials to Avoid (Incompatibility): Oxidizing agents, may react violently. Corrosive to copper and copper alloys. Damp sulfur will corrode steel. Hazardous Polymerization: Will not occur.
Hazardous Decomposition Products: Oxides of sulfur gasses produced by burning sulfur.

SECTION 5 HEALTH HAZARDS
Sulfur is essentially non-toxic either through ingestion, inhalation, skin or eye contact. Individuals with known allergies to sulfide drugs may also have allergic reactions to elemental sulfur.

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF OVEREXPOSURE
Nose or throat irritation, coughing, chest discomfort, asthma, difficulty breathing, nausea, vomiting, stinging eye irritation, skin irritation, hives.

EMERGENCY AND FIRST AID:

SKIN CONTACT:
No adverse effects. Skin irritation may be aggravated in persons with existing skin lesions. Wash exposed clothing separately before reuse. First Aid: Wash skin with plenty of mild soap and water.

EYE CONTACT:
Sulfur dust is an eye irritant. Avoid contact with eyes, especially contact wearers. Wear safety glasses. First Aid: In case of contact, immediately flush eyes with plenty of water for a minimum of fifteen minutes. Hold upper and lower lids apart to insure rinsing of the entire eye surface and lids. Do not use boric acid to rinse with; sulfur is an acid irritant. FOR SEVERE IRRITATION, GET MEDICAL ATTENTION, preferably an ophthalmologist.

INHALATION:
Prolonged inhalation may cause irritation of the respiratory tract. Breathing of dust may aggravate asthma and other pulmonary diseases. Individuals with known allergies to sulfide drugs may also have allergic reactions to elemental sulfur dust. Maintain adequate ventilation in area where dust is present. Wear dust masks and use NIOSH/MSHA approved dust respirator if airborne concentrations exceed exposure limits. First Aid: Move patient to fresh air. Watch for signs of allergic reaction. Use a bronchodilator inhaler if directed by asthma patient. Keep victim warm and quiet. If not breathing, clear airway and start mouth-to-mouth resuscitation. If heart has stopped beating, start cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). GET MEDICAL ATTENTION.

INGESTION:
Ingested sulfur is converted to sulfides in the gastrointestinal tract, and ingestion of 10 to 20 grams has caused irritation of the GI tract and renal injury. Individuals with known allergies to sulfide drugs may also have allergic reactions to elemental sulfur. Swallowing large amounts may cause nausea and vomiting. Do not eat sulfur. First Aid: For large amounts ingested, if the victim is conscious and alert, give two or more glasses of water to drink. If available, give one tablespoon of Syrup of Ipecac to induce vomiting. If vomiting does occur, give fluids again. If vomiting has not occurred in twenty minutes, the same dose of Syrup of Ipecac may be repeated one additional time. Alternatively, vomiting may be induced by touching the back of the throat with a finger. Do not give anything by mouth to an unconscious or convulsing person. GET MEDICAL ATTENTION.

EXPOSURE LIMITS:
No exposure limits have been established.

TOXICOLOGY:
Oral LD50 (Rats):>5050 mg/kg body weight
Dermal LD50 (Rats):>2020 mg/kg body weight
Inhalation @ 90% LC50 (Rats):>5.49 mg/L air concentration
Skin Effects (Rabbits): Slightly irritating
Eye Effects (Rabbits): Minimal irritation in non-washed eyes

CARCINOGENICITY, TERATOGENICITY, MUTAGENICITY:
This product does not contain any ingredient designated by NTP, IARC, or OSHA as a probable human carcinogen.

SECTION 6 PRECAUTIONS FOR SAFE HANDLING AND USE

STORAGE:
Containers should be stored in a cool, dry, well ventilated area. Keep container tightly closed. Store away from flammable materials, sources of heat, flame and sparks. Separate from chlorates, nitrates and other oxidizing agents. Exercise due caution to prevent damage to or leakage from container.

EXPLOSION HAZARD:
Avoid any conditions that might tend to create a dust explosion. Be careful not to create dust. Maintain good housekeeping practices to minimize dust build-up and dispersion. Eliminate sources of ignition. Keep away from heat, sparks and flames. Use nonferrous tools to reduce sparking. Sweep or shovel up spilled material using a natural fiber broom and/or aluminum shovel to prevent sparking. Maintain adequate ventilation in all areas.

SMALL or LARGE SPILLS:
No flares or flames in area. No smoking. Danger of dust explosion near sparks. Sweep or shovel up spilled material using a natural fiber broom and/or aluminum shovel to prevent sparking. Place sweepings in an appropriate chemical waste container for reclaiming or disposal in an approved facility. Wash spill site after clean up is complete. Wear protective clothing during clean up: safety glasses, rubber gloves, impervious clothing, dust mask or respirator.

SECTION 7 PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT
WORK AREA:
Protective equipment should be used during the following procedures:
- Manufacture or formulation of this product.
- Repair and maintenance of contaminated equipment.
- Clean up of leaks and spills.
- Any situation which may result in hazardous exposure.
Maintain adequate ventilation and wear a respirator or a dust mask to prevent inhalation. Wear suitable, protective clothing and safety glasses to prevent skin and eye irritation from dust. Maintain a sink, safety shower and eyewash fountain in the work area. Wash skin thoroughly after handling and before eating or smoking. Wash contaminated clothing separately before reuse.

SECTION 8 DOT AND REGULATORY INFORMATION
TSCA:
This product is listed on the TSCA Inventory at CAS Registry Number 7704-34-9.
CERCLA:
Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA). If this product is accidentally spilled, it is not subject to any special reporting. We recommend that you contact state and local authorities to determine if there are other local reporting requirements.
SARA TITLE III:
Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act, Title III, Sections 311/312: Hazard Category: Delayed Health. Section 313: None. Section 302: None.
RCRA:
Resource Conservation and Recovery Act: not subject to reporting because sulfur is not identified as a hazardous waste.

SHIPPING CLASSIFICATION
Solid sulfur is not subject to the requirements of Title 49 CFR Hazardous Materials Shipping Guidelines or the IMDG Code if transported in a non-bulk packaging (less than 400 kg per package) or is formed to a specific shape (e.g., prills, granules, pellets, pastilles, or flakes).

This product is not a Marine Pollutant as defined in 40 CFR part 172.

FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, CONTACT YOUR TECHNICAL SALES REPRESENTATIVE. FOR ADDITIONAL HEALTH & SAFETY INFORMATION, CALL S. F., SULFUR CORPORATION AT 800-234-7094.

THE INFORMATION CONTAINED HEREIN IS BASED ON THE DATA AVAILABLE TO US AND IS BELIEVED TO BE CORRECT. HOWEVER, S. F. SULFUR CORPORATION MAKES NO WARRANTY, EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED, REGARDING THE ACCURACY OF THIS DATA OR THE RESULTS TO BE OBTAINED FROM THE USE THEREOF. S. F. SULFUR CORPORATION ASSUMES NO RESPONSIBILITY FOR INJURY FROM THE USE OF THE PRODUCT DESCRIBED HEREIN.

DATE OF ISSUE: APRIL 1, 2000
REVIEWED: JUNE 1, 2002

For those of you that have never read an MSDS sheet before...the LD50 is a reference to a test where a substance is fed to a large population of rats. THE LD50 is the amount of said substance that causes 50% of the rat population that ingested the substance to die...Lethal Doage 50.

I'm really thinking more and more the sulfur coming your way is a bad idea, if you can send it back, please do. I'm sure the company has protocols necessary to dispose of the stuff properly.