Methods for pulping wood include mechanical pulping, chemical pulping, and repulping waste paper. The nature and magnitude of these hazards will vary depending on the process area and the type of pulping process used. This publication is designed to assist health and safety professionals in choosing the appropriate equipment and methodology to assess the major chemical agents found in pulp and paper mills. Reduced Sulfur Compounds Workers in kraft pulp mill operations may be exposed to reduced sulfur gases including hydrogen sulfide, methyl mercaptan, dimethyl sulfide, and dimethyl disulfide when the digester is opened and the contents are dumped. 2 Reduced sulfur compounds are potent eye irritants and can cause headaches and nausea.
Higher concentrations can result in unconsciousness, respiratory paralysis, and death.
Pulp mill workers likely to be exposed to these compounds include maintenance workers, bleach plant workers, and construction workers. Exposures to high levels of these compounds can cause lung injury and respiratory disorders. Even low level exposures to chlorine or chlorine dioxide can trigger the development of asthma or other respiratory problems such as coughing and wheezing that may persist for many years following exposure. Exposures to high concentration of these substances can lead to respiratory irritation. There are no exposure guidelines for these compounds in the U.S. at this time.