What is methyl mercaptan used for?

Methyl Mercaptan can exist as a gas, with a disagreeable odor like garlic, or as a white liquid. It is used to give odor to natural gas and to manufacture Methionine, pesticides, jet fuel and plastics.

Is methanethiol harmful?

Methyl mercaptan (CASRN 74-93-1; CH4S), also known as methanethiol, is a toxic, extremely flammable, colorless gas with a smell similar to rotten cabbage. It occurs naturally in the blood and brain, and in other animals and plant tissues. It is one of the main chemicals that cause bad breath and the odor of flatulence.

Is methyl mercaptan a carcinogen?

The Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), and the EPA have not classified methyl mercaptan for carcinogenicity.

How do you dispose of mercaptan?

Land disposal restrictions for methyl mercaptan are among those scheduled for promulgation in 1990 (40 CPR 268.12). Methyl mercaptan may be disposed of by controlled incineration, and it is a potential candidate for fluidized bed and rotary. kiln incineration (HSDB 1989).

Why would my house smell like sulfur?

Natural gas and propane are odorless, but gas companies inject them with a chemical called mercaptan that gives them a sulfur smell—like rotten eggs—to alert residents to a gas leak. A small gas leak could be creating the occasional foul odor you’re noticing, so don’t take any chances.

Is mercaptan safe to breathe?

* Breathing Ethyl Mercaptan can irritate the nose and throat. * Breathing Ethyl Mercaptan can irritate the lungs causing coughing and/or shortness of breath. Higher exposures can cause a build-up of fluid in the lungs (pulmonary edema), a medical emergency, with severe shortness of breath.

Is methyl mercaptan toxic?

When heated to decomposition, it emits toxic fumes, such as sulfur dioxide, and flammable vapors. Methyl mercaptan should be stored in cool, well ventilated places. The main toxic effect of exposure to methyl mercaptan is irritation of the respiratory airway, skin, and eyes.

Where is mercaptan made?

OVERVIEW. Methyl mercaptan (METH-uhl mer-KAP-tan) is a colorless, highly flammable, foul-smelling gas with the odor of rotten cabbage released from decaying animal and vegetable matter. It is also produced in the intestinal tract by the action of bacteria on a variety of proteins known as the albumins.

Is ethyl mercaptan a VOC?

Results showed that short-term averages of three odorous VOCs, namely ethyl mercaptan, methyl mercaptan and hydrogen sulfide, exceeded their odor thresholds, which are reported to be 0.022, 0.138 and 11.1 microg/m(3), respectively, at several points within the domain.

Why do I smell pee in my house?

When the urine decomposes, bacteria breaks down the urea—which then releases ammonia. The smell of acid can be temporarily neutralized with baking soda, soap, vinegar, and hydrogen peroxide. But humidity can cause uric acid to recrystallize, and you guessed it—the smell will return.

What are the hazards of odorant?

Some chemicals with strong odors may cause eye, nose, throat or lung irritation. Strong odors may cause some people to feel a burning sensation that leads to coughing, wheezing or other breathing problems.