Sulphur (Ref: SAN 7116)

Sulphur (Ref: SAN 7116)	Last updated: 25/02/2026
(Also known as: sulfur; BAS 1750F; brimstone; elemental sulphur; elemental sulfur)

SUMMARY

Sulphur is a general purpose fungicide. It has a low aqueous solubility and is not considered to be highly volatile. It may be persistent in soil but as a naturally occurring substance is unlikely to cause significant environmental problems. It is highly toxic to aquatic systems but tends to have a low toxicity to most other species. Sulphur has a low mammalian toxicity if ingested and, may be a respiratory and skin irritant.

Hazard alerts

The following Pesticide Hazard Tricolour (PHT) alerts are based on the data in the tables below. An absence of an alert does not imply the substance has no implications for human health, biodiversity or the environment but just that we do not have the data to form a judgement. The alerts for Highly Hazardous Pesticides (HHPs) are based on applying the FAO/WHO (Type 1) and the PAN (Type II) criteria to PPDB data. Further details on the HHP indicators are given in the tables below. Neither the PHT nor the HHP hazard alerts take account of usage patterns or exposure, thus they do not represent risk.

PHT: Environmental fate	PHT: Ecotoxicity	PHT: Human health	Highly Hazardous Pesticide
Environmental fate Moderate alert: Drainflow: Slightly mobile Warning: Significant data are missing	Ecotoxicity High alert: Fish acute ecotoxicity: High; Daphnia acute ecotoxicity: High	Human health Low alert	Highly Hazardous Pesticide (HHP) Type II alert

GENERAL INFORMATION

Description

A general use fungicide, foliar feed and acaricide widely used on many different crops

Example pests controlled

Scab; Powdery mildew; Brown rot; Leafspot; Gall mites; Spider mites

Example applications

Fruit including apples, pears, gooseberries, grapes, peaches, strawberries, melons; Cereals; Hops; Beans; Carrots; Lucerne; Tomatoes; Peanuts; Ornamentals including roses

Efficacy & activity

Sulphur has been used in agriculture and viticulture for a considerable length of time, globally.

Appearance and life cycle

Taxonomic classification

GB regulatory status

GB COPR regulatory status

Approved

Date COPR inclusion expires

30/12/2029

GB LERAP status

None

EC Regulation 1107/2009 (repealing 91/414)

EC Regulation 1107/2009 status

Approved

Dossier rapporteur/co-rapporteur

France/Slovenia

Date EC 1107/2009 inclusion expires

31/07/2026

EU Candidate for substitution (CfS)

Listed in EU database

Yes

Approved for use (✓) under EC 1107/2009 in the following EU Member States

ATAustria	BEBelgium	BGBulgaria	CYCyprus	CZCzech Republic	DEGermany	DKDenmark	EEEstonia	ELGreece
✓	✓	✓	✓	✓	✓	✓		✓
ESSpain	FIFinland	FRFrance	HRCroatia	HUHungary	IEIreland	ITItaly	LTLithuania	LULuxembourg
✓		✓	✓	✓	✓			✓
LVLatvia	MTMalta	NLNetherlands	PLPoland	PTPortugal	RORomania	SESweden	SISlovenia	SKSlovakia
	✓	✓	✓	✓	✓	✓	✓	✓

Approved for use (✓) under EC 1107/2009 by Mutual Recognition of Authorisation and/or national regulations in the following EEA countries

ISIceland	NONorway
	✓

Additional information

Also used in

USA; Australia; Morocco; Japan

Chemical structure

Isomerism

None

Chemical formula

Canonical SMILES

Isomeric SMILES

International Chemical Identifier key (InChIKey)

NINIDFKCEFEMDL-UHFFFAOYSA-N

International Chemical Identifier (InChI)

InChI=1S/S

2D structure diagram/image available?

Yes

General status

Biopesticide type

Fungicide; Acaricide; Other substance

Other bioactivity & uses

Foliar feed

Substance groups

Inorganic compound

Minimum active substance purity

990 g kg⁻¹

Known relevant impurities

EU dossier - Mercury < 0.1 mg kg⁻¹; Arsenic < 0.1 mg kg⁻¹; Cadmium < 0.1 mg kg⁻¹; Lead < 0.9 mg kg⁻¹; Nickel < 1.2 mg kg⁻¹

Substance origin

Natural

Mode of action

Broad-spectrum with contact and vapour action with protectant properties. Multi-site activity.

Substance source

Abundant naturally

Uses

Crop protection

Target pests

Scab; Powdery mildew; Brown rot; Leafspot; Gall mites; Spider mites

Target host

Fruit including apples, pears, gooseberries, grapes, peaches, strawberries, melons; Cereals; Hops; Beans; Carrots; Lucerne; Tomatoes; Peanuts; Ornamentals including roses

Farming system suitability

CAS RN

7704-34-9

EC number

231-722-6

CIPAC number

US EPA chemical code

077501

PubChem CID

5362487

CLP index number

016-094-00-1

Molecular mass

32.064

PIN (Preferred Identification Name)

sulphur

IUPAC name

sulphur

CAS name

sulphur

Global Governance status: Listed (✓) under

UK Poisons List Order 1972	Rotterdam Convention	Montreal Protocol
XNo The Poisons List Order 1972	XNo Rotterdam Convention	XNo Montreal Protocol
Stockholm Convention	OSPAR	EU Water Framework Directive
XNo Stockholm Convention	XNo OSPAR	XNo EU Water Framework Directive

Relevant Environmental Water Quality Standards

Forever chemical

Highly Hazardous Pesticide (HHP)

Type I

Type II

Yes [; ]

Other status information

EU Low-risk active substance

Herbicide Resistance Class (HRAC MoA class)

Not applicable

Herbicide Resistance Class (WSSA MoA class)

Not applicable

Insecticide Resistance Class (IRAC MoA class)

Fungicide Resistance Class (FRAC MOA class)

M02

Examples of recorded resistance

Physical state

Yellow crystalline powder

Commercial

Property

Value

Availability status

Current

Introduction & key dates

150 A.D., first recorded use as a fungicide; Circa 1850s, common use in Europe

Example manufacturers & suppliers of products using this active now or historically

BASF
Headland
Nufarm UK
Syngenta AG
Albaugh Asia Pacific Ltd
Amaroc

Example products using this active

Kumulus DF
Thiovit Jet
Microthiol Disperss
Albaugh Versado
Azumo MG

Formulation and application details

Often supplied as water dispersable granules or soluble concentrates that are mixed with water for use as a foliar spray

Commercial production

There are three main methods used for the commercial production of agricultural sulphur. (1) mining native sulphur using the Frasch process, (2) recovering sulphur from petroleum and natural gas refining, and (3) extracting it from open-pit surface deposits. The Frasch process is especially notable—it uses superheated water and compressed air to melt underground sulphur deposits and bring the molten sulphur to the surface, where it solidifies upon cooling. Sulphur recovered from oil and gas streams is also highly pure and widely used.

Impact on climate of production and use

Precise life cycle emissions are unpublished and will vary with the production method. For example, the Frasch process involves superheating water and using compressed air which will consume significant energy. Audsley et al. (2009) reported that it takes 3.7 MJ of energy per kg produced but does not specify a production method. This is equivalent to approximately 0.26 kg CO₂e. There will also be emissions associated with packaging, transport and application.

ENVIRONMENTAL FATE

Property

Value

Source; quality score; and other information

Interpretation

Solubility - In water at 20 °C at pH 7 (mg l⁻¹)

0.063

Low

Solubility - In organic solvents at 20 °C (mg l⁻¹)

1800

n-Heptane

15700

Toluene

11000

Dichloromethane

480

Acetone

Melting point (°C)

115.8

Boiling point (°C)

444.6

Degradation point (°C)

Decomposes on boiling

Flashpoint (°C)

Octanol-water partition coefficient at pH 7, 20 °C

Log P

Fat solubility of residues

Solubility

Data type

Density (g ml⁻¹)

2.36

Dissociation constant pKa) at 25 °C

Not applicable

No dissociation

Vapour pressure at 20 °C (mPa)

0.098

Low volatility

Henry's law constant at 25 °C (Pa m³ mol⁻¹)

0.05

Non-volatile

Volatilisation as max % of applied dose lost

From plant surface

From soil surface

Maximum UV-vis absorption L mol⁻¹ cm⁻¹

220nm = 1451, 264nm = 805, 300nm = 400

Surface tension (mN m⁻¹)

Degradation

Property

Value

Source; quality score; and other information

Interpretation

General biodegradability

Soil degradation (days) (aerobic)

DT₅₀ (typical)

DT₅₀ (lab at 20 °C)

DT₅₀ (field)

DT₉₀ (lab at 20 °C)

DT₉₀ (field)

DT₅₀ modelling endpoint

Note

Sulphur is a naturally occurring element and will not degrade.

Dissipation rate RL₅₀ (days) on plant matrix

Value

Note

Dissipation rate RL₅₀ (days) on and in plant matrix

Value

Note

Aqueous photolysis DT₅₀ (days) at pH 7

Value

0.2

Fast

Note

Aqueous hydrolysis DT₅₀ (days) at 20 °C and pH 7

Value

1000

Very persistent

Note

Not a main degradation route

Water-sediment DT₅₀ (days)

Stable

Water phase only DT₅₀ (days)

250

Stable

Sediment phase only DT₅₀ (days)

Air degradation

As this parameter is not normally measured directly, a surrogate measure is used: ‘Photochemical oxidative DT₅₀’. Where data is available, this can be found in the Fate Indices section below.

Decay in stored produce DT₅₀

Soil adsorption and mobility

Property

Value

Source; quality score; and other information

Interpretation

Linear

K_d (mL g⁻¹)

Slightly mobile

K_oc (mL g⁻¹)

1950

Notes and range

Calculated

Freundlich

K_f (mL g⁻¹)

K_foc (mL g⁻¹)

¹/_n

Notes and range

pH sensitivity

Known metabolites

None

ECOTOXICOLOGY

Terrestrial ecotoxicology

Property

Value

Source; quality score; and other information

Interpretation

Mammals - Acute oral LD₅₀ (mg kg⁻¹)

> 2000

Rat

Low

Mammals - Short Term Oral NOAEL (mg kg⁻¹ bw d⁻¹)

Mammals - Long Term (Chronic) Oral NOAEL (mg kg⁻¹ bw d⁻¹)

Birds - Acute LD₅₀ (mg kg⁻¹)

> 2000

Colinus virginianus

Low

Birds - Short term dietary LC₅₀ (mg kg⁻¹ bw d⁻¹)

> 1335

Colinus virginianus

Birds - Chronic 21d NOEL (mg kg⁻¹ bw d⁻¹)

Earthworms - Acute 14 day LC₅₀ (mg kg⁻¹ dw soil)

> 2000

Eisenia foetida

Low

Earthworms - Chronic NOEC, reproduction (mg kg⁻¹ dw soil)

> 1000

Eisenia foetida

Low

Soil micro-organisms

Collembola

Acute LC₅₀ (mg kg⁻¹)

Chronic NOEC (mg kg⁻¹)

142.6

Folsomia candida

Non-target plants

Vegetative vigour ER₅₀ (g ha⁻¹)

> 25200

Zea mays Avena sativa Allica cepa

Seedling emergence ER₅₀ (g ha⁻¹)

Honeybees (Apis spp.)

Contact acute LD₅₀ (worst case from 24, 48 and 72 hour values - μg bee⁻¹)

> 100

Apis mellifera

Low

Oral acute LD₅₀ (worst case from 24, 48 and 72 hour values - μg bee⁻¹)

> 106.8

Apis mellifera

Low

Unknown mode acute LD₅₀ (worst case from 24, 48 and 72 hour values - μg bee⁻¹)

Chronic as 10-day LC₅₀ µg bee⁻¹ day⁻¹

> 149.3

Apis mellifera

Notes

Bumblebees (Bombus spp.)

Contact acute LD₅₀ (worst case from 24, 48 and 72 hour values - μg bee⁻¹)

Oral acute LD₅₀ (worst case from 24, 48 and 72 hour values - μg bee⁻¹)

Mason bees (Osmia spp.)

Contact acute LD₅₀ (worst case from 24, 48 and 72 hour values - μg bee⁻¹)

Oral acute LD₅₀ (worst case from 24, 48 and 72 hour values - μg bee⁻¹)

Other bee species (1)

Acute LD₅₀ (worst case from 24, 48 and 72 hour values - μg insect⁻¹)

Mode of exposure

Other bee species (2)

Acute LD₅₀ (worst case from 24, 48 and 72 hour values - μg insect⁻¹)

Mode of exposure

Beneficial insects (Ladybirds)

Beneficial insects (Lacewings)

Beneficial insects (Parasitic wasps) as Mortality LR₅₀ g ha⁻¹, Std lab test

10000

Aphidius rhopalosiphi

Low

Beneficial insects (Predatory mites) as Mortality LR₅₀ g ha⁻¹, Std lab test

10340

Typhlodromus pyri

Low

Beneficial insects (Ground beetles) as Mortality LR₅₀ g ha⁻¹, Extended lab study

> 8000

Poecilus cupreus

Low

Beneficial insects (Butterflies)

Contact

Notes

Oral

Notes

Aquatic ecotoxicology

Property

Value

Source; quality score; and other information

Interpretation

Temperate Freshwater Fish - Acute 96 hour LC₅₀ (mg l⁻¹)

> 0.063

Oncorhynchus mykiss solubility limited

High

Temperate Freshwater Fish - Chronic 21 day NOEC (mg l⁻¹)

> 0.063

Oncorhynchus mykiss

Moderate

Tropical Freshwater Fish - Acute 96 hour LC₅₀ (mg l⁻¹)

Temperate Freshwater Aquatic invertebrates - Acute 48 hour EC₅₀ (mg l⁻¹)

> 0.063

Daphnia magna solubility limited

High

Temperate Freshwater Aquatic invertebrates - Chronic 21 day NOEC (mg l⁻¹)

Tropical Freshwater Aquatic invertebrates - Acute 48 hour EC₅₀ (mg l⁻¹)

Aquatic crustaceans - Acute 96 hour LC₅₀ (mg l⁻¹)

> 646

Americamysis bahia

Low

Sediment dwelling organisms - Acute 96 hour LC₅₀ (mg l⁻¹)

Sediment dwelling organisms - Chronic 28 day NOEC, static, water (mg l⁻¹)

Sediment dwelling organisms - Chronic 28 day NOEC, sediment (mg kg⁻¹)

Aquatic Plants (free-floating, fonds growth, fresh) - 7 day (mg l⁻¹)

Aquatic plants (rooted, growth rate, fresh) - 14 day (mg l⁻¹)

Algae - Acute (growth rate, fresh; mg l⁻¹) (72 hr ErC₅₀, Static)

> 0.063

Raphidocelis subcapitata

Moderate

Algae - Chronic (growth rate, fresh; mg l⁻¹)

Mesocosm study data

NOEAEC mg l⁻¹

Marine bivalves

Regulatory Threshold Levels (RTLs) used to calculate Total Applied Toxicity (TAT)

Species group

RTL

Notes

Mammals

200

Worst case of acute and chronic mammals

Birds

200

Worst case of acute and chronic birds

Soil organisms

200

Worst case of acute and chronic earthworms

Terrestrial plants

5040

Worst case of non-target plants vegetative vigour and seedling emergence

Pollinators

Worst case of contact and oral honeybees

Arthropods

5000

Worst case of parasitic wasps and predatory mites

Fish

0.00063

Worst case of temperate acute and chronic fish

Aquatic invertebrates

0.00063

Worst case of temperate acute and chronic aquatic invertebrates

Aquatic plants

0.0063

Worst case of free-floating plants, rooted plants, acute and chronic algae

HUMAN HEALTH AND PROTECTION

General

Property

Value

Source; quality score; and other information

Interpretation

Threshold of Toxicological Concern (Cramer Class)

High (class III)

Mammals - Acute oral LD₅₀ (mg kg⁻¹)

> 2000

Rat

Low

Mammals - Short Term Oral NOAEL (mg kg⁻¹ bw d⁻¹)

Mammals - Long Term (Chronic) Oral NOAEL (mg kg⁻¹ bw d⁻¹)

Mammals - Dermal LD₅₀ (mg kg⁻¹ body weight)

> 2000

Rat

Mammals - Inhalation LC₅₀ (mg l⁻¹)

> 5.43

Rat 4 hr (nose only)

Other Mammal toxicity endpoints

ADI - Acceptable Daily Intake (mg kg⁻¹ bw day⁻¹)

None allocated

ARfD - Acute Reference Dose (mg kg⁻¹ bw day⁻¹)

None allocated

AAOEL - Acute Acceptable Operator Exposure Level (mg kg⁻¹ bw day⁻¹)

AOEL - Acceptable Operator Exposure Level - Systemic (mg kg⁻¹ bw day⁻¹)

None allocated

Dermal penetration studies (%)

default

Dangerous Substances Directive 76/464

Exposure Routes

Public

Negligible risk to bystanders

Occupational

No unacceptable risks to operators or other farm workers forseen

Mammalian dose elimination route and rate

Health issues

Specific human health issues (hazard-based)

Carcinogen

Genotoxic

Endocrine disruptor

; ; ; ;

No data found

Reproduction / development effects

Acetyl cholinesterase inhibitor

Neurotoxicant

Respiratory tract irritant

Skin irritant

Skin sensitiser

Eye irritant

Phototoxicant

General human health issues

Excessive use linked to reduced lung function and increased asthma-related symptoms

Handling issues

Property

Value and interpretation

General

Not expected to auto-ignite; Flammable
Not explosive
Exhibits oxidising properties
IMDG Transport Hazard Class 4.1
Flammable solid

CLP classification 2013

Health: H335, H319, H315

WHO Classification

III (Slightly hazardous)

UN Number

UN1350

Waste disposal & packaging

Packaging Group III (minor danger)

Shelf-life, storage, stability and reactivity

Stable under standard ambient conditions

TRANSLATIONS

Language

Name

English

sulphur

French

soufre

German

Schwefel

Danish

svovl

Italian

zolfo

Spanish

azufre

Greek

Polish

siarka

Swedish

svavel

Hungarian

ken

Dutch

zwavel

Norwegian

svovel

Record last updated:	25/02/2026
Contact:	aeru@herts.ac.uk
Please cite as:	Lewis, K.A., Tzilivakis, J., Warner, D. and Green, A. (2016) An international database for pesticide risk assessments and management. Human and Ecological Risk Assessment: An International Journal, 22(4), 1050-1064. DOI: 10.1080/10807039.2015.1133242

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