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MUSTARD GAS

6.1 - Poison
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The Chemical Identifier fields include common identification numbers, the NFPA diamond U.S. Department of Transportation hazard labels, and a general description of the chemical. The information in CAMEO Chemicals comes from a variety of data sources.
CAS Number UN/NA Number
  • 505-60-2   (MUSTARD GAS)
DOT Hazard Label USCG CHRIS Code
  • Poison
none
NIOSH Pocket Guide International Chem Safety Card
none
NFPA 704
data unavailable
General Description
A chemical warfare blister agent. Mustard gas is a clear amber colored oily liquid with a faint odor of mustard/garlic. It is not readily combustible. Its vapors are heavier than air, are very toxic, and can be absorbed through the skin. The effects from exposure to the material include blindness which may be delayed. Prolonged exposure of the container to fire or intense heat may cause it to violently rupture and rocket. Mustard gas is also known as dichlorodiethyl sulfide.

The Hazard fields include special hazard alerts air and water reactions, fire hazards, health hazards, a reactivity profile, and details about reactive groups assignments and potentially incompatible absorbents. The information in CAMEO Chemicals comes from a variety of data sources.
Reactivity Alerts
  • Water-Reactive
Air & Water Reactions
Reacts with water or steam very slowly to produce toxic and corrosive fumes(oxides of sulfur and chlorine)
Fire Hazard
For information on chemical warfare blister agents see the ERG Criminal or Terrorist Use of CBR Agents. (ERG, 2024)

Can be ignited by large explosive charge. When heated to decomposition, emits highly toxic fumes of oxides of sulfur and chlorine containing compounds. Reacts with water or steam to produce toxic and corrosive fumes. Containers may rupture violently in a fire. Incompatible with bleaching powder. Reacts violently with oxidizing materials. Reacts with water or steam to produce toxic and corrosive fumes. Unstable, hydrolyzed in aqueous solution. Avoid high heat; contact with acid or acid fumes. (EPA, 1998)
Health Hazard
For information on chemical warfare blister agents see the ERG Criminal or Terrorist Use of CBR Agents. (ERG, 2024)

The median lethal dosage is 1500 mg-minute/m3 for inhalation and 10,000 mg-minute/m3 for skin absorption (masked personnel). The median incapacitating dosage is 200 mg-minute/m3 for eye injury and 2000 mg-minute/m3 for skin absorption (masked personnel). Wet skin absorbs more material than dry skin. May cause death or permanent injury after very short exposure to small quantities. It is a blistering gas and is highly irritating to eyes, skin, and lungs. Pulmonary lesions are often fatal. Permanent eye damage and severe respiratory impairment. It is a carcinogen. (EPA, 1998)
Reactivity Profile
MUSTARD GAS is incompatible with bleaching powder. Reacts violently with oxidizing materials. Reacts with water or steam to produce toxic and corrosive fumes. Unstable, hydrolyzed in aqueous solution. Avoid high heat; contact with acid or acid fumes. [EPA, 1998].
Belongs to the Following Reactive Group(s)
Potentially Incompatible Absorbents

No information available.

The Response Recommendation fields include isolation and evacuation distances, as well as recommendations for firefighting, non-fire response, protective clothing, and first aid. The information in CAMEO Chemicals comes from a variety of data sources.
Isolation and Evacuation
For initial isolation and protective action distances for chemical warfare blister agents see the Chemical Warfare Agents table in the ERG Criminal or Terrorist Use of CBR Agents. (ERG, 2024)

Excerpt from ERG Guide 153 [Substances - Toxic and/or Corrosive (Combustible)]:

IMMEDIATE PRECAUTIONARY MEASURE: Isolate spill or leak area in all directions for at least 50 meters (150 feet) for liquids and at least 25 meters (75 feet) for solids.

SPILL: Increase the immediate precautionary measure distance, in the downwind direction, as necessary.

FIRE: If tank, rail tank car or highway tank is involved in a fire, ISOLATE for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions; also, consider initial evacuation for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions. (ERG, 2024)
Firefighting
For information on chemical warfare blister agents see the ERG Criminal or Terrorist Use of CBR Agents. (ERG, 2024)

Protective clothing and self-contained breathing apparatus required in presence of mustard gas.

Cool all affected containers with flooding quantities of water. Apply water from as far a distance as possible.

Extinguish with water, foam, dry chemical, or carbon dioxide. (EPA, 1998)
Non-Fire Response
For information on chemical warfare blister agents see the ERG Criminal or Terrorist Use of CBR Agents. (ERG, 2024)

Excerpt from ERG Guide 153 [Substances - Toxic and/or Corrosive (Combustible)]:

ELIMINATE all ignition sources (no smoking, flares, sparks or flames) from immediate area. Do not touch damaged containers or spilled material unless wearing appropriate protective clothing. Stop leak if you can do it without risk. Prevent entry into waterways, sewers, basements or confined areas. Absorb or cover with dry earth, sand or other non-combustible material and transfer to containers. DO NOT GET WATER INSIDE CONTAINERS. (ERG, 2024)
Protective Clothing
For information on chemical warfare blister agents see the ERG Criminal or Terrorist Use of CBR Agents. (ERG, 2024)

For emergency situations, wear a positive pressure, pressure-demand, full facepiece self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) or pressure- demand supplied air respirator with escape SCBA and a fully-encapsulating, chemical resistant suit. (EPA, 1998)
DuPont Tychem® Suit Fabrics
Tychem® Fabric Legend
QS = Tychem 2000 SFR
QC = Tychem 2000
SL = Tychem 4000
C3 = Tychem 5000
TF = Tychem 6000
TP = Tychem 6000 FR
RC = Tychem RESPONDER® CSM
TK = Tychem 10000
RF = Tychem 10000 FR
Testing Details
The fabric permeation data was generated for DuPont by a third party laboratory. Permeation data for industrial chemicals is obtained per ASTM F739. Normalized breakthrough times (the time at which the permeation rate exceeds 0.1 μg/cm2/min) are reported in minutes. All chemicals have been tested between approximately 20°C and 27°C unless otherwise stated. All chemicals have been tested at a concentration of greater than 95% unless otherwise stated.
Chemical warfare agents (Lewisite, Sarin, Soman, Sulfur Mustard, Tabun and VX Nerve Agent) have been tested at 22°C and 50% relative humidity per military standard MIL-STD-282. "Breakthrough time" for chemical warfare agents is defined as the time when the cumulative mass which permeated through the fabric exceeds the limit in MIL-STD-282 [either 1.25 or 4.0 μg/cm2].
A Caution from DuPont
This information is based upon technical data that DuPont believes to be reliable on the date issued. It is subject to revision as additional knowledge and experience are gained. The information reflects laboratory performance of fabrics, not complete garments, under controlled conditions. It is intended for informational use by persons having technical skill for evaluation under their specific end-use conditions, at their own discretion and risk. It is the user's responsibility to determine the level of toxicity and the proper personal protective equipment needed. Anyone intending to use this information should first verify that the garment selected is suitable for the intended use. In many cases, seams and closures have shorter breakthrough times and higher permeation rates than the fabric. If fabric becomes torn,abraded or punctured, or if seams or closures fail, or if attached gloves, visors, etc. are damaged, end user should discontinue use of garment to avoid potential exposure to chemical. Since conditions of use are outside our control, DuPont makes no warranties, express or implied, including, without limitation, no warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular use and assume no liability in connection with any use of this information. This information is not intended as a license to operate under or a recommendation to infringe any patent, trademark or technical information of DuPont or others covering any material or its use.
Normalized Breakthrough Times (in Minutes)
Chemical CAS Number State QS QC SL C3 TF TP RC TK RF
Sulfur Mustard (HD), FINABEL 0.7.C 505-60-2 Liquid >1400⁸ >1400⁸
Sulfur Mustard (HD), MIL-STD-282 (10 g/m2) 505-60-2 Liquid >480⁸ 120⁸ >480⁸ >480⁸ >480⁸
Sulfur Mustard (HD), MIL-STD-282 (100 g/m2) 505-60-2 Liquid >480⁸ >480⁸ >480⁸ >480⁸ >480⁸
> indicates greater than.
⁸ indicates actual breakthrough time; normalized breakthrough time is not available.

Special Warning from DuPont: Tychem® and Tyvek® fabrics should not be used around heat, flames, sparks or in potentially flammable or explosive environments. Only...

...Tychem® ThermoPro, Tychem® Reflector® and Tychem® TK styles 600T/601T (with aluminized outer suit) garments are designed and tested to help reduce burn injury during escape from a flash fire. Users of Tychem® ThermoPro, Tychem® Reflector® and Tychem® TK styles 600T/601T (with aluminized outer suit) garments should not knowingly enter an explosive environment. Tychem® garments with attached socks must be worn inside protective outer footwear and are not suitable as outer footwear. These attached socks do not have adequate durability or slip resistance to be worn as the outer foot covering.

(DuPont, 2024)

First Aid
For information on chemical warfare blister agents see the ERG Criminal or Terrorist Use of CBR Agents. (ERG, 2024)

Warning: May cause death or permanent injury after very short exposure to small quantities. Mustard gas is a powerful irritant and vesicant, producing corrosion and necrosis of the skin, eyes, and respiratory tract. Effects may be delayed by several hours or, in case of ocular effects, by many years. Cough may occur 1-12 hours after exposure. Caution is advised.

Signs and Symptoms of Mustard Gas Exposure: Signs and symptoms of acute exposure to mustard gas may include dyspnea (difficult or labored breathing), cough, fever, headache, severe eye irritation, photophobia (sensitivity to light), lacrimation (tearing), and blindness. Irritation or ulceration of the respiratory tract may occur from inhalation; lesions may be fatal. Dizziness, malaise (body discomfort), anorexia, and lethargy can occur after acute exposure. Arrhythmias and CNS excitation with convulsions followed by CNS depression may occur. Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea may be caused by ingestion or by systemic absorption. Hemorrhage and anemia may develop several days after exposure.

Emergency Life-Support Procedures: Treatment has traditionally involved rapid decontamination and symptomatic treatment; TIME IS OF THE ESSENCE in decontamination. Acute exposure to mustard gas may require decontamination and life support for the victims. Emergency personnel should wear protective clothing appropriate to the type and degree of contamination. Air-purifying or supplied-air respiratory equipment should also be worn, as necessary. Rescue vehicles should carry supplies such as plastic sheeting and disposable plastic bags to assist in preventing spread of contamination.

Inhalation Exposure:
1. Move victims to fresh air as rapidly as possible. TIME IS OF THE ESSENCE! Emergency personnel should avoid self-exposure to mustard gas.
2. Evaluate vital signs including pulse and respiratory rate, and note any trauma. If no pulse is detected, provide CPR. If not breathing, provide artificial respiration. If breathing is labored, administer oxygen or other respiratory support.
3. Obtain authorization and/or further instructions from the local hospital for administration an antidote or performance of other invasive procedures.
4. Rush to a health care facility.

Dermal/Eye Exposure:
1. Remove victims from exposure. TIME IS OF THE ESSENCE! Emergency personnel should avoid self-exposure to mustard gas.
2. Evaluate vital signs including pulse and respiratory rate, and note any trauma. If no pulse is detected, provide CPR. If not breathing, provide artificial respiration. If breathing is labored, administer oxygen or other respiratory support.
3. Remove contaminated clothing as soon as possible.
4. If eye exposure has occurred, eyes must be flushed with lukewarm water for at least 15 minutes.
5. Wash exposed skin areas thoroughly with water. Treat blisters as burns.
6. Obtain authorization and/or further instructions from the local hospital for administration of an antidote or performance of other invasive procedures.
7. Rush to a health care facility.

Ingestion Exposure:
1. Evaluate vital signs including pulse and respiratory rate, and note any trauma. If no pulse is detected, provide CPR. If not breathing, provide artificial respiration. If breathing is labored, administer oxygen or other respiratory support.
2. DO NOT induce vomiting or attempt to neutralize.
3. Obtain authorization and/or further instructions from the local hospital for administration of an antidote or performance of other invasive procedures.
4. Rush to a health care facility. (EPA, 1998)

The Physical Property fields include properties such as vapor pressure and boiling point, as well as explosive limits and toxic exposure thresholds The information in CAMEO Chemicals comes from a variety of data sources.

Note: For Vapor Density and Specific Gravity, comparing the value to 1.0 can tell you if the chemical will likely sink/rise in air or sink/float in fresh water (respectively). Short phrases have been added to those values below as an aid. However, make sure to also consider the circumstances of a release. The Vapor Density comparisons are only valid when the gas escaping is at the same temperature as the surrounding air itself. If the chemical is escaping from a container where it was pressurized or refrigerated, it may first escape and behave as a heavy gas and sink in the air (even if it has a Vapor Density value less than 1). Also, the Specific Gravity comparisons are for fresh water (density 1.0 g/mL). If your spill is in salt water (density about 1.027 g/mL), you need to adjust the point of comparison. There are some chemicals that will sink in fresh water and float in salt water.
Chemical Formula:
  • C4H8Cl2S
Flash Point: 221°F (EPA, 1998)
Lower Explosive Limit (LEL): data unavailable
Upper Explosive Limit (UEL): data unavailable
Autoignition Temperature: data unavailable
Melting Point: 55 to 57°F (EPA, 1998)
Vapor Pressure: 0.09 mmHg at 86°F (EPA, 1998)
Vapor Density (Relative to Air): 5.4 (EPA, 1998) - Heavier than air; will sink
Specific Gravity: 1.274 at 68°F (EPA, 1998) - Denser than water; will sink
Boiling Point: 419 to 423°F at 760 mmHg (EPA, 1998)
Molecular Weight: 159.08 (EPA, 1998)
Water Solubility: data unavailable
Ionization Energy/Potential: data unavailable
IDLH: data unavailable

AEGLs (Acute Exposure Guideline Levels)

Final AEGLs for Sulfur Mustard (505-60-2)
Exposure Period AEGL-1 AEGL-2 AEGL-3
10 minutes 0.06 ppm 0.09 ppm 0.59 ppm
30 minutes 0.02 ppm 0.03 ppm 0.41 ppm
60 minutes 0.01 ppm 0.02 ppm 0.32 ppm
4 hours 0.003 ppm 0.004 ppm 0.08 ppm
8 hours 0.001 ppm 0.002 ppm 0.04 ppm
(NAC/NRC, 2024)

ERPGs (Emergency Response Planning Guidelines)

No ERPG information available.

PACs (Protective Action Criteria)

Chemical PAC-1 PAC-2 PAC-3
Bis(2-chloroethyl)sulfide; (HD; Sulfur mustard) (505-60-2) 0.01 ppm 0.02 ppm 0.32 ppm
(DOE, 2024)

The Regulatory Information fields include information from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Title III Consolidated List of Lists, the U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency's Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards, and the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration's Process Safety Management of Highly Hazardous Chemicals Standard List (see more about these data sources).

EPA Consolidated List of Lists

Regulatory Name CAS Number/
313 Category Code
EPCRA 302
EHS TPQ
EPCRA 304
EHS RQ
CERCLA RQ EPCRA 313
TRI
RCRA
Code
CAA 112(r)
RMP TQ
Ethane, 1,1'-thiobis[2-chloro- 505-60-2 500 pounds 500 pounds X
Mustard gas 505-60-2 500 pounds 500 pounds 313

(EPA List of Lists, 2024)

CISA Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards (CFATS)

RELEASE THEFT SABOTAGE
Chemical of Interest CAS Number Min Conc STQ Security
Issue
Min Conc STQ Security
Issue
Min Conc STQ Security
Issue
Sulfur mustard (Mustard gas (H)); [Bis(2-chloroethyl)sulfide] 505-60-2 CUM 100 grams CW/CWP

(CISA, 2007)

OSHA Process Safety Management (PSM) Standard List

No regulatory information available.

This section provides a listing of alternate names for this chemical, including trade names and synonyms.
  • AGENT HD
  • BETA, BETA'-DICHLOROETHYL SULFIDE
  • BETA, BETA'-DICHLOROETHYL SULPHIDE
  • BETA,BETA'-DICHLORODIETHYL SULFIDE
  • BETA,BETA'-DICHLOROETHYL SULFIDE
  • BETA,BETA-DICHLOR-ETHYL-SULPHIDE
  • BETA-CHLOROETHYLISOBUTYL SULFIDE
  • BIS(2-CHLOROETHYL) SULFIDE
  • BIS(2-CHLOROETHYL) SULPHIDE
  • BIS(BETA-CHLOROETHYL) SULFIDE
  • BIS(BETA-CHLOROETHYL) SULPHIDE
  • 1-CHLORO-2-(BETA-CHLOROETHYLTHIO)ETHANE
  • DI-2-CHLOROETHYL SULFIDE
  • DI-2-CHLOROETHYL SULPHIDE
  • 2,2'-DICHLORODIETHYL SULFIDE
  • 2,2'-DICHLORODIETHYL SULPHIDE
  • 2,2'-DICHLOROETHYL SULFIDE
  • 2,2'-DICHLOROETHYL SULPHIDE
  • DISTILLED MUSTARD
  • ETHANE, 1,1'-THIOBIS(2-CHLORO-
  • ETHANE, 1,1'-THIOBIS[2-CHLORO-
  • H (CHEMICAL WARFARE AGENT)
  • HD (CHEMICAL WARFARE AGENT)
  • IPRIT
  • KAMPFSTOFF "LOST"
  • KAMPSTOFF LOST
  • MUSTARD
  • MUSTARD GAS
  • MUSTARD HD
  • MUSTARD VAPOR
  • MUSTARD, SULFUR
  • S MUSTARD
  • S-LOST
  • S-YPERITE
  • SCHWEFEL-LOST
  • SENFGAS
  • SULFIDE, BIS(2-CHLOROETHYL)
  • SULFUR MUSTARD
  • SULFUR MUSTARD GAS
  • SULPHUR MUSTARD
  • SULPHUR MUSTARD GAS
  • 1,1'-THIOBIS(2-CHLOROETHANE)
  • YELLOW CROSS LIQUID
  • YPERITE

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