A hazardous material episode: sulfur trioxide
Related Experiment Video
Updated: Nov 7, 2026

Synthesis and Characterization of 1,2-Dithiolane Modified Self-Assembling Peptides
Published on: August 20, 2018
H A Stueven1, P Coogan, V Valley
1Oak Ridge Affiliated Universities, Tennessee.
Abstract:
Twelve people working next to a chemical plant noted an emission of 2 h. Nine patients complained of a variety of symptoms, including 3 who had pleuritic chest pain, 2 with chest tightness, 2 with vague chest discomfort, 3 with eye irritation, 2 with dizziness, 1 with light-headedness, 1 with cough and 1 with an acidic taste in the mouth associated with nasal irritation. Pulmonary function was 100% of predicted in 5; 77.4, 85.7, 95.7, and 96.7% of predicted in the other 4. Three of the 4 with initial decreased FEV1's (forced expiratory volume in 1 sec) improved. At follow-up, 1 had burning sensation of the tongue and mouth; a second noted burning sensation of his throat, tip of his tongue, and nostrils; and a third had superficial exfoliative-type lesions at the junction of her forehead and scalp. Two complained of continuous pleuritic chest pain. Sulfur trioxide exposure caused self-limited irritant effects.
More Related Videos
08:57Scalable Syntheses of Graphene Oxide and Reduced Graphene Oxide using Cascade Design Oxidation and Highly Basic Reduction Reactions
Published on: July 3, 2025
08:51Scale-up Chemical Synthesis of Thermally-activated Delayed Fluorescence Emitters Based on the Dibenzothiophene-S,S-Dioxide Core
Published on: October 24, 2017
Related Concept Videos
Preparation and Reactions of Thiols
The Sulfur Cycle
Autoxidation of Ethers to Peroxides and Hydroperoxides
Preparation and Reactions of Sulfides
Toxic Reactions: Overview
Toxicity falls into two primary categories: local and systemic.
Local toxicity appears at the exposure site, such as protein denaturation caused by caustic substances.
In contrast, systemic toxicity requires the toxic agent's absorption and distribution,...
Oxidation of Alkenes: Syn Dihydroxylation with Osmium Tetraoxide