Guidance

Carbon disulphide: general information

Updated 10 March 2025

Overview

Carbon disulphide is a highly flammable, colourless liquid with a rotten egg type odour. Other names for carbon disulphide are carbon bisulphide and carbon sulphide.

Uses of carbon disulphide

The majority of carbon disulphide produced is used to make viscose fibres (used in textiles) and cellophane film. It is also a useful solvent and is used to produce rubber and other chemicals such as laboratory chemicals, pH regulators and water treatment. In the past, carbon disulphide was used as a fumigant on stored grain.

How carbon disulphide gets into the environment

The majority of carbon disulphide released into the environment is from industrial sources where it is produced or used. Small amounts are released from natural sources including soils, marshes, volcanoes and forest and grass fires.

Exposure to carbon disulphide  

Exposure to carbon disulphide is most likely to occur in an occupational setting where it is produced or used in manufacturing processes. However, safe limits are enforced to protect the employees; such levels are below those that are thought to cause harmful effects.

Exposure may also occur from cigarette smoke.

How exposure to carbon disulphide can affect your health

The presence of carbon disulphide in the environment does not always lead to exposure. In order for it to cause any adverse health effects you must come into contact with it. You may be exposed to carbon disulphide by breathing or drinking it, or by skin contact. Following exposure to any chemical, the adverse health effects you may encounter depend on several factors, including the amount to which you are exposed (dose), the way you are exposed, the duration of exposure, the form of the chemical and if you were exposed to any other chemicals.

Breathing in carbon disulphide vapour for short periods of time can cause dizziness, headache and tiredness. In severe cases stomach upset, drowsiness, restlessness, confusion, hallucinations, headache, breathing difficulties and chest pain can occur.

Breathing in carbon disulphide vapours for long periods of time can cause permanent nervous system damage including speech disturbances, muscle stiffness, memory loss, hearing loss and depression.

Ingestion of carbon disulphide can result in stomach upset, breathing difficulties, fitting, collapse and coma.

Skin contact with carbon disulphide can cause irritation. High concentrations can cause skin burns and blistering. Carbon disulphide can also be absorbed through the skin, which can result in symptoms similar to those seen after inhalation.

Carbon disulphide may be irritating to the eyes.

Carbon disulphide and cancer

Carbon disulphide has not been evaluated or classified by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) for its ability to cause cancer.

Pregnancy and the unborn child

There is limited evidence from exposures to workers to suggest that carbon disulphide may be toxic to the reproductive system and the unborn child.

Children

Children exposed to carbon disulphide would be expected to show the same symptoms as adults.

What to do if you are exposed to carbon disulphide

It is very unlikely that the general population will be exposed to a level of carbon disulphide high enough to cause adverse health effects. However, if you have any health concerns regarding exposure to carbon disulphide seek guidance from your GP or contact NHS 111.

Additional sources of information

NHS.UK has more information on poisoning

The information contained in this document from the UKHSA Radiation, Chemicals, Climate and Environmental Hazards Directorate is correct at the time of its publication.

Email chemcompendium@phe.gov.uk or enquiries@ukhsa.gov.uk if you have any questions about this guidance.

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