A Review of Developmental and Reproductive Toxicity of CS2 and H2S Generated by the Pesticide Sodium Tetrathiocarbonate. (15th March 2013)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Silva, Marilyn
• Is Part Of: Birth defects research. Volume 98:Number 2(2013)
• Page Start: 119
• Page End: 138
• Publication Date: 2013-03-15
• Subjects: Developmental toxicology -- Periodicals; Reproductive toxicology -- Periodicals; 616.65071
• DOI: 10.1002/bdrb.21036
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1542-9733

Abstract

<abstract abstract-type="main"> <title> <x xml:space="preserve">Abstract</x> </title> <sec id="bdrb21036-sec-0010" sec-type="section"> <title>BACKGROUND</title> <p>Sodium tetrathiocarbonate (STTC) is an example of a pesticide that when prepared for use in aqueous solution releases two toxic products carbon disulfide (CS<sub>2</sub>) (active ingredient) and hydrogen sulfide (H<sub>2</sub>S) in ambient air in equimolar concentrations resulting in potential exposure to workers and bystanders. CS<sub>2</sub> and H<sub>2</sub>S are pollutants that are generated from several pesticides as well as in industrial settings.</p> </sec> <sec id="bdrb21036-sec-0020" sec-type="section"> <title>METHODS</title> <p>Registrant submitted reports and open literature studies for STTC, CS<sub>2</sub> and H<sub>2</sub>S were reviewed. Previous reports suggest that CS<sub>2</sub> was a concern as a developmental and reproductive toxicant. H<sub>2</sub>S was also examined since it is a neurotoxicant and potentially harmful to developing fetuses.</p> </sec> <sec id="bdrb21036-sec-0030" sec-type="section"> <title>RESULTS</title> <p>STTC did not induce developmental or reproductive effects in animal studies. CS<sub>2</sub> was a developmental neurobehavioral toxin in rat pups (inhalation no observed effect level [NOEL] = 0.01ppm). Reproductive effects occurred in male and female factory workers after CS<sub>2</sub> exposure (NOEL = 1ppm). H<sub>2</sub>S had developmental effects in rats at doses at or above those observed for nasal pathology (NOEL = 10ppm) but was not a reproductive or developmental toxin in humans.</p> </sec> <sec id="bdrb21036-sec-0040" sec-type="section"> <title>CONCLUSIONS</title> <p>The database for CS<sub>2</sub> indicates a strong potential for developmental neurotoxicity in animals at low doses but it is lacking in acceptable, well‐performed studies. There is also a lack of studies performed with CS<sub>2</sub> and H<sub>2</sub>S as a mixture.</p> </sec> </abstract>