Methyl Mercaptan
CAS ID #: 74-93-1
Affected Organ Systems: Hematological (Blood Forming), Neurological (Nervous System)
Cancer Classification: None
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Chemical Classification: Volatile organic compoundsSummary: Methyl mercaptan is a colorless gas with a smell like rotten cabbage. It is a natural substance found in the blood, brain, and other tissues of people and animals. It is released from animal feces. It occurs naturally in certain foods, such as some nuts and cheese. Methyl mercaptan is released from decaying organic matter in marshes and is present in the natural gas of certain regions in the United States, in coal tar, and in some crude oils. It is manufactured for use in the plastics industry, in pesticides, and as a jet fuel additive. It is also released as a decay product of wood in pulp mills.
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- Page last reviewed: March 3, 2011
- Page last updated: March 3, 2011
- Content source: Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry
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