Preference for DMSO Enviro-S® Grade is due in large part to its low toxicity and odor. DMSO is easier and safer for plant personnel to handle than many other sulfur compounds. No toxicity problems have been encountered with DMSO Enviro-S® Grade since it became available in the late 1960’s. Risks to workers are minimal. If a leak or spill occurs, DMSO Enviro-S® may be diluted and flushed to the wastewater treatment facility where it is fully biodegradable by typical activated sludge bacteria.
DMSO is a fully saturated, low-molecular weight, sulfur-containing compound that begins to decompose at its boiling point of 372ºF. The presence of oxygen in DMSO appears to have no adverse effect on catalyst activity and is insignificant compared to that released from the catalyst. Water that may be present to control the freezing point would be in the vapor phase.