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Chemical Sampling Information (CSI)
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General Description

Synonyms: Sulfurous acid anhydride; Sulfurous oxide; Sulfur oxide

OSHA IMIS Code Number: 2290

Chemical Abstracts Service (CAS) Registry Number: 7446-09-5

NIOSH Registry of Toxic Effects of Chemical Substances (RTECS) Identification Number: WS4550000

Department of Transportation Regulation Number (49 CFR 172.101) and Guide: 1079 125

NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards, Sulfur dioxide: chemical description, physical properties, potentially hazardous incompatibilities, and more
Exposure Limits

OSHA Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL):
General Industry: 29 CFR 1910.1000 Z-1 Table -- 5 ppm, 13 mg/m3 TWA

Construction Industry: 29 CFR 1926.55 Appendix A -- 5 ppm, 13 mg/m3 TWA

Maritime: 29 CFR 1915.1000 Table Z-Shipyards -- 5 ppm, 13 mg/m3 TWA
American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) Threshold Limit Value (TLV): 0.25 ppm, 0.65 mg/m3 STEL; Appendix A4 - Not Classifiable as a Human Carcinogen

National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) Recommended Exposure Limit (REL): 2 ppm, 5 mg/m3 TWA; 5 ppm, 13 mg/m3 STEL

Health Factors

NIOSH Immediately Dangerous To Life or Health Concentration (IDLH): 100 ppm

Potential Symptoms: Eye, nose, throat irritation; rhinorrhea, nosebleeds; choking, coughing, shortness of breath, chest pain, pulmonary edema, cyanosis; reflex bronchoconstriction; eye, skin burns; frostbite (on contact with liquid); asthma; chronic bronchitis.

Health Effects: Irritation-Eye, Nose, Throat, Skin---Marked (HE14) Mutagen (HE2); Respiratory effects--- Bronchoconstriction, pulmonary edema, reactive airways dysfunction syndrome (HE9 and HE11); Suspect reproductive effects (HE5)

Affected Organs: Eyes, skin, respiratory system

Notes:
  1. Sulfur dioxide is listed by the FDA as generally recognized as safe when used in accordance with good manufacturing practice as a preservative of fruits or vegetables (21 CFR 182.3862).
Date Last Revised: 08/10/2004

Literature Basis:
  • NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards: Sulfur dioxide.
  • International Chemical Safety Cards (WHO/IPCS/ILO): Sulphur dioxide.
  • Koksal, N., Hasanoglu, H.C., Gokirmak, M., Yildirim, Z. and Gultek, A.: Apricot sulfurization: an occupation that induces an asthma-like syndrome in agricultural environments. Am. J. Ind. Med. 43(4): 447-453, 2003.
  • Piirilä, P.L., Nordman, H., Korhonen, O.S. and Winblad, I.: A thirteen-year follow-up of respiratory effects of acute exposure to sulfur dioxide. Scand. J. Work Environ. Health 22(3): 191-196, 1996.
  • Pohanish, R.P. (editor): Sulfur Dioxide. In, Sittig's Handbook of Toxic and Hazardous Chemicals and Carcinogens, Fourth Ed., Vol. 2. Norwich, NY: Noyes Publications, William Andrew Publishing, 2002, pp. 2116-2119.
Monitoring Methods used by OSHA

Laboratory Sampling/Analytical Method:
  • sampling media: MCE filter followed by a cellulose filter coated with sodium carbonate (SKC No. 225-9005, or equivalent
    maximum volume: 200 Liters
    maximum flow rate: 1.5 L/min (TWA)
    maximum volume: 23 Liters
    maximum flow rate: 1.5 L/min (STEL)
    current analytical method: Ion Chromatography; IC
    method reference: NIOSH Analytical Method (NIOSH 6004) [29 KB PDF, 4 pages]
    method classification: Partially Validated

  • sampling media: Special sampling tube containing an uncoated glass fiber filter, followed by a sodium carbonate coated glass fiber filter, followed by two beds of silver nitrate coated silica gel (200/200 mg). (SKC No. 226-177, or equivalent)
    maximum volume: 12 Liters
    maximum flow rate: 0.05 L/min (TWA)
    maximum volume: 7.5 Liters
    maximum flow rate: 0.5 L/min (Ceiling)
    current analytical method: Chromatography; IC/Cond
    method reference: OSHA Analytical Method (OSHA 1011)
    method classification: Fully Validated
    note: The sampling pump must be capable of maintaining a constant flow of 0.5 L/min with a back pressure of approximately 20 inches of water.
    note: Use this method when sampling for both hydrogen sulfide and sulfur dioxide. OSHA personnel can obtain samplers from SLTC.

  • sampling media: Impregnated Activated Beaded Carbon (100/50 mg sections) (SKC No. 226-80, or equivalent)
    maximum volume: 12 Liters
    maximum flow rate: 0.1 L/min (TWA)
    maximum volume: 1.5 Liters
    maximum flow rate: 0.1 L/min (STEL)
    current analytical method: Ion Chromatography; IC
    method reference: OSHA Analytical Method (OSHA ID-200)
    method classification: Fully Validated
    note: Hydrogen sulfide is a positive interference. Use NIOSH Method 6004 if the presence of hydrogen sulfide is suspected.

  • sampling media: Mixed Cellulose Ester Filter in series with Midget Fritted Glass Bubbler (MFGB) containing 15 mL 0.3N hydrogen peroxide.
    maximum volume: 60 Liters
    maximum flow rate: 1.0 L/min (TWA)
    maximum volume: 15 Liters
    maximum flow rate: 1.0 L/min (STEL)
    current analytical method: Ion Chromatography; IC
    method reference: OSHA Analytical Method (OSHA ID-104)
    method classification: Validated

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Page last updated: 04/26/2010

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