Phosphorus pentasulfide

Synonyms & Trade Names

Phosphorus persulfide, Phosphorus sulfide, Sulfur phosphide

Physical Description

Greenish-gray to yellow, crystalline solid with an odor of rotten eggs.

Incompatibilities & Reactivities

Water, alcohols, strong oxidizers, acids, alkalis [Note: Reacts with water to form hydrogen sulfide, sulfur dioxide, and phosphoric acid.]

Symptoms

irritation eyes, skin, respiratory system; apnea, coma, convulsions; conjunctivitis pain, lacrimation (discharge of tears), photophobia (abnormal visual intolerance to light), kerato-conjunctivitis, corneal vesiculation; dizziness; headache; lassitude (weakness, exhaustion); irritability, insomnia; gastrointestinal disturbance

Respirator Recommendations

NIOSH/OSHA

Up to 10 mg/m³:
(APF = 10) Any supplied-air respirator*

Up to 25 mg/m³:
(APF = 25) Any supplied-air respirator operated in a continuous-flow mode*

Up to 50 mg/m³:
(APF = 50) Any self-contained breathing apparatus with a full facepiece
(APF = 50) Any supplied-air respirator with a full facepiece

Up to 250 mg/m³:
(APF = 2000) Any supplied-air respirator that has a full facepiece and is operated in a pressure-demand or other positive-pressure mode

Emergency or planned entry into unknown concentrations or IDLH conditions:
(APF = 10,000) Any self-contained breathing apparatus that has a full facepiece and is operated in a pressure-demand or other positive-pressure mode
(APF = 10,000) Any supplied-air respirator that has a full facepiece and is operated in a pressure-demand or other positive-pressure mode in combination with an auxiliary self-contained positive-pressure breathing apparatus

Escape:
(APF = 50) Any air-purifying, full-facepiece respirator (gas mask) with a chin-style, front- or back-mounted canister providing protection against the compound of concern and having an N100, R100, or P100 filter.
Click here for information on selection of N, R, or P filters.
Any appropriate escape-type, self-contained breathing apparatus

Important additional information about respirator selection