Pure carbon disulfide is a colorless liquid with a pleasant smell similar to that of chloroform. The impure form of carbon disulfide that is most commonly used is a yellow liquid with an unpleasant smell similar to that of rotting radishes. It evaporates easily at room temperature and is very flammable. Small quantities of carbon disulfide are released from the earth’s surface in volcanic eruptions and marshes but the chemical is also manufactured commercially. 

How You Are Exposed

Those most at risk for exposure to carbon disulfide are workers in industries that use it in their manufacturing processes. Exposure can occur by breathing air, drinking water or eating foods that contain the chemical, although skin contact with soil, water or other substances containing it are also possible. 

How Can Disulfide Affect Your Health?

Because it damages the nervous system, carbon disulfide can be life threatening at high concentrations. Some symptoms that have been reported by workers that had breathed high levels of the chemical for an extended period of time included headaches, tiredness, and trouble sleeping. Workers who were exposed to lower concentrations developed slight changes in their nerves. High concentrations of carbon disulfide have also caused burns when it came into contact with the skin. Animal research has found that carbon disulfide can affect the function of the brain, liver and heart.