Experimental substantiation of the tentatively safe level of diethyl disulfide in the air of the working area and the atmospheric air of populated areas

Abstract

Introduction. Diethyl disulfide belongs to the group of dialkyl disulfides, is a part of disulfide oil and a mixture of dialkyl disulfides. As a result of industrial purification of hydrocarbon raw materials from mercaptans, tens of thousands of tons of dialkyldisulfides and their mixtures are accumulated annually, the toxicity and danger of which have not been fully studied. No hygiene standards have been developed for diethyl disulfide. Materials and methods. Studies of the effects of diethyl disulfide were carried out in non-linear animals (rats and mice). The toxic properties of diethyl disulfide were studied under the conditions of single and repeated exposure to the intragastric, intraperitoneal, inhalation and cutaneous routes of entry into the body. Results. Based on the studies carried out, the toxicometric parameters of diethyl disulfide were established. Average lethal dose with intragastric administration LD50 = 1575 mg/kg, average lethal concentration CL50 = 18700 mg/m3, coefficient of possible inhalation poisoning CPIP = 1.3, limit of acute inhalation action (Limac) is set at 120 mg/m3, acute zone Zac = 156, cumulation coefficient was 3.2. Diethyl disulfide does not have a skin-resorptive toxic effect, but it has a moderately pronounced irritating effect on the mucous membrane of the eyes. Limitations of the study. The results of the diethyl disulfide exposure assessment are given for two animal species and four main routes of entry. Conclusion. The data obtained indicate that diethyl disulfide is a moderately hazardous substance with a single intragastric, inhalation and cutaneous route of entry into the body. The cumulative properties of diethyl disulfide are moderately expressed. Based on the analysis of literature data, the results of experimental studies and mathematical forecasting, a value of 4.0 mg/m3 is recommended as an approximate safe level of exposure in the air of the working area, in the atmospheric air of urban and rural settlements - 0.04 mg/m3.