- CHEMICAL DANGERS:
- Sulfur mustard is stable at ambient temperatures.
- When heated to decomposition between 300°F and 350°F (149°C to 177°C), sulfur mustard emits highly toxic fumes of sulfur oxides and hydrochloric acid. See the emergency response card for hydrochloric acid.
- At 149°F (65°C), sulfur mustard is rapidly corrosive to brass and will corrode steel at .001 inch per month.
- Hydrolysis of sulfur mustard yields hydrochloric acid and thiodiglycol. See the emergency response cards for hydrochloric acid and thiodyglycol.
- Sulfur mustard reacts vigorously with oxidants.
- Sulfur mustard is incompatible with bleaching powder.
- On contact with acid or acid fumes, sulfur mustard emits highly toxic fumes (sulfur oxides and chlorides).
- Sulfur mustard reacts with water or steam to produce toxic and corrosive fumes.
- Contact with metals may evolve flammable hydrogen gas.
- EXPLOSION HAZARDS:
- When heated, vapors may form explosive mixtures with air, presenting an explosion hazard indoors, outdoors, and in sewers.
- Containers may explode when heated.
- FIRE FIGHTING INFORMATION:
- Sulfur mustard is combustible.
- The agent may burn but does not ignite readily.
- Fire may produce irritating, corrosive, and/or toxic gases.
- For small fires, use dry chemical, carbon dioxide, or water spray.
- For large fires, use dry chemical, carbon dioxide, alcohol-resistant foam, or water spray. Move containers from the fire area if it is possible to do so without risk to personnel. Dike fire control water for later disposal; do not scatter the material.
- Avoid methods that will cause splashing or spreading.
- For fire involving tanks or car/trailer loads, fight the fire from maximum distance or use unmanned hose holders or monitor nozzles. Do not get water inside containers. Cool containers with flooding quantities of water until well after the fire is out. Withdraw immediately in case of rising sound from venting safety devices or discoloration of tanks. Always stay away from tanks engulfed in fire.
- Runoff from fire control or dilution water may be corrosive and/or toxic, and it may cause pollution.
- If the situation allows, control and properly dispose of run-off (effluent).
- INITIAL ISOLATION AND PROTECTIVE ACTION DISTANCES:
- If a tank, rail car, or tank truck is involved in a fire, isolate it for 0.5 mi (800 m) in all directions; also, consider initial evacuation for 0.5 mi (800 m) in all directions.
- Small spills (involving the release of approximately 52.83 gallons (200 liters) or less), when H/HD is used as a weapon
- First isolate in all directions: 100 ft (30 m).
- Then protect persons downwind during the day: 0.1 mi (0.2 km).
- Then protect persons downwind during the night: 0.1 mi (0.2 km).
- Large spills (involving quantities greater than 52.83 gallons (200 liters)), when H/HD used as a weapon
- First isolate in all directions: 200 ft (60 m).
- Then protect persons downwind during the day: 0.4 mi (0.7 km).
- Then protect persons downwind during the night: 0.7 mi (1.2 km).
- Small spills (involving the release of approximately 52.83 gallons (200 liters) or less), when Mustard is used as a weapon
- First isolate in all directions: 100 ft (30 m).
- Then protect persons downwind during the day: 0.1 mi (0.2 km).
- Then protect persons downwind during the night: 0.1 mi (0.2 km).
- Large spills (involving quantities greater than 52.83 gallons (200 liters)), when Mustard used as a weapon
- First isolate in all directions: 100 ft (30 m).
- Then protect persons downwind during the day: 0.1 mi (0.2 km).
- Then protect persons downwind during the night: 0.2 mi (0.4 km).
- PHYSICAL DANGERS:
- Sulfur mustard evaporates slowly and is primarily a liquid hazard under temperate conditions.
- The vapor hazard of sulfur mustard increases with increasing temperature; it is a definite vapor hazard at 100°F (38°C).
- Vapors are heavier than air. They will spread along the ground and collect and stay in poorly-ventilated, low-lying, or confined areas (e.g., sewers, basements, and tanks).
- Hazardous concentrations may develop quickly in enclosed, poorly-ventilated, or low-lying areas. Keep out of these areas. Stay upwind.
- Although sulfur mustard is heavier than water, small droplets float on water surfaces and present a hazard in contaminated areas.
- Sulfur mustard is 2 to 5 times more persistent in winter than in summer.
- NFPA 704 Signal:
- Health: 4
- Flammability: 1
- Reactivity: 0
- Special:
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- SAMPLING AND ANALYSIS:
- OSHA: Not established/determined
- NIOSH: Not established/determined
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