Carbon disulfide is a clear, colorless, highly flammable liquid that is manufactured through the reaction of sulfur vapor with methane. It is used to manufacture rayon and cellulose fibers, as a solvent for fats and resins, and for laboratory analysis. CS2 is well absorbed through the respiratory tract, skin, and GI tract, with most being metabolized, though urine testing can detect levels of exposure. Overexposure to CS2 can cause acute effects like psychosis, polyneuropathy, GI disturbances, and optic neuritis, as well as chronic effects like headache, muscle weakness, and cardiac issues. Management is limited to control measures and symptomatic treatment.

1. Carbon Di Sulphide
Properties:- Pure CS2 is a Clear, Colorless, Highly Combustible, Highly Flammable Liquid. It is
more flammable than alcohol. However industrial form contains impurities that give it an
unpleasant acrid sulphurous odor & a faint yellow color. It is manufactured from the catalyzed
reaction of Sulphur Vapor with Methane.
Uses:- 1) Manufacture of Rayon & Cellulose Fibers 2) It is used as a solvent for Fats, Lipids &
Resins. 3) Used for Laboratory Analysis
Metabolism:- It is well absorbed by Respiratory Tract, Skin & GIT, but Respiratory Tract is the
main route of absorption. About 90% of absorbed CS2 is metabolized.
Measurement of Urine TTCA2-Thio-Thia-Zolidine-4-Carboxilic Acid, seems to be reliable
& sensitive technique of biological monitoring of exposed workers; though it appears to
comprise only about 0.5 to 2.3% of absorbed CS2.
Clinical Features:- WHO has classification of wide range of Syndromes.
Over exposure of CS2
Acute:-1) Psychosis:- Mainly Maniac & Depressive Symptomatology & Disorientation.
2) Polyneuropathy of Lower Extremities:- Sensory Disturbances & Decrease of
Motor & Sensory Conduction Velocity in Peripheral Nerves.
3) GIT Disturbances:- a) Chronic Hyper Acidic Gastritis
b) Chronic Hypo Acidic Gastritis
c) Duodenal Ulcer
4) Apathy of Calf Muscles.
5) Neurasthenic Syndrome
6) Optic Neuritis
7) Atherosclerotic Vascular Encephalopathy.
Chronic:-1) Headache 2) Muscle Weakness 3) Anorexia 4) Disturbance of Cardiac
Rhythm 5) Visual Disturbances 6) Parasthesia
Management:- Only Control Measures & Symptomatic Treatment.