Carbonyl Sulfide - Toxicity

Toxicity

As of 1994, there was limited information on the acute toxicity of carbonyl sulfide in humans and in animals. High concentrations (>1000 ppm) can cause sudden collapse, convulsions, and death from respiratory paralysis. Occasional fatalities have been reported, practically without local irritation or olfactory warning. In tests with rats, 50% animals died when exposed to 1400 ppm of COS for 90 minutes, or at 3000 ppm for 9 minutes. Limited studies with laboratory animal studies also suggest that continued inhalation of low concentrations (approximately 50 ppm for up to 12 weeks) does not affect the lungs or the heart.