How Hazardous is Sulfuryl Fluoride?
Sulfuryl Fluoride is on the Hazardous Substances List
Sulfuryl Fluoride (ProFume) is a colourless, odorless gas. It is used as an insecticide. It’s use is strictly controlled and only qualified fumigators are able to purchase the fumigant gas. It is used in South Africa to eradicate wood and stored product pests.
Hazard Summary
- Sulfuryl Fluoride can effect you if you breath it in.
- Contact can irritate and burn skin and eyes.
- Breathing Sulfuryl Fluoride can irritate the nose and throat and cause nose bleeds.
- Breathing Sulfuryl Fluoride can can irritate the lungs causing coughing and/or shortness of breath. Higher exposures can cause a buildup of fluid in the lungs (pulmonary edema). This is a medical emergency with severe shortness of breath.
- Sulfuryl Fluoride can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain and loss of appetite.
- Repeated high exposure can cause weakness, muscle twitching, seizures and convulsions.
- Sulfuryl Fluoride may damage the liver and kidneys.
- Repeated high doses can cause deposits of Fluorides in the bones and teeth. This condition is called “Fluorosis”. It can cause pain, disability and mottling of the teeth. (This effect does NOT occur at the level fluoride is put in water to prevent cavities.)
- Sulfuryl Fluoride is a highly CORROSIVE CHEMICAL.
SCBA Required
Draeger Self Contained Breathing Apparatus
Workplace Controls and Safe Practices
Sulfuryl Fluoride is classed as a Hazardous Material. Strict engineering controls must be maintained at all times when working with the chemical.
ProFume is NEVER transported by air. Cylinders must be stored and transported in an upright position whether full, partially full or empty.
The best protection is to enclose all operations with exhaust ventilation at the site of chemical release. Isolated operations reduce exposure.
Using full face masks and self contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) reduces the risk of exposure.
The required Stewardship Training Course covers all aspects of safety practice when working with a hazardous chemical such as ProFume.
Health Hazard Information
Sulfuryl Fluoride is a hazardous chemical. Proper workplace practices mitigate effects of working with this substances. Animal studies and over 50 years of use in the fumigation space has offered the following insights:
Acute Health Effects
- Contact can irritate the skin or eyes.
- Breathing sulfuryl fluoride can irritate the nose and throat and cause nosebleeds.
- Breathing sulfuryl fluoride can irritate the lungs causing coughing and/or shortness of breath. Higher exposure can cause a build-up of fluid in the lungs (pulmonary edema) which is a medical emergency.
- Sulfuryl Fluoride can cause nausea, vomiting or abdominal pain.
- Repeated high exposure can cause muscle weakness, muscle twitching and seizures and convulsions.
Chronic Health Effects
Repeated, high exposure to sulfuryl fluoride may produce symptoms several months or years after exposure.
Cancer Hazard
According to information currently available, sulfuryl fluoride has not been tested on animals to ascertain its ability to cause cancer.
Reproductive Hazard
There is no evidence that Sulfuryl Fluoride affects reproduction.
Other Long-term Hazards
Sulfuryl Fluoride may damage the liver and kidneys.
Long term, repeated exposure can cause a build up of fluorides causing fluorisis (mottling effect) of the teeth and bone.
Your Safety Assurance
Douglas Products (manufacturers of ProFume) continue to improve protocols and innovate fumigation techniques.
Measuring and monitoring instrumentation are calibrated to ensure fumigant levels have dissipated as required before re-entry.
Personal Protective Equipment and stringent handling procedures are required when working with ProFume.
