Exposure to 5000 ppm of carbon disulfide for 15 min can be fatal to humans. CS may also exert its toxic effects after absorption through skin. By all routes of exposure, carbon disulfide affects the central nervous system. Overexposure to CS may cause headache, dizziness, fatigue, muscle weakness, numbness, nervousness, or psychological disturbances. Contact of the liquid or high concentrations of CS vapor with the eyes may cause irritation.
Skin contact can also cause rash or skin irritation.
Carbon disulfide is regarded as a substance with good warning properties. Chronic exposure to relatively high concentrations of carbon disulfide may cause the central nervous system effects described above. In addition, chronic overexposure to carbon disulfide causes increased atherosclerosis, leading to risk of cardiovascular disease. Carbon disulfide has not been found to be a carcinogen in humans. It is has a high vapor pressure and extremely low autoignition temperature.