Carbon disulphide absorption during xanthate reagent mixing in a gold mine concentrator

摘要

A xanthate reagent mixer at a gold mine concentrator was exposed to carbon disulphide by extensive skin contamination with xanthate powder and solution during the reagent mixing process. Absorption of carbon disulphide was confirmed by the detection of urinary 2-thiothiazolidine-4-carboxylic acid (TTCA). Drager colorimetric tube testing during subsequent mixing recorded a maximum concentration fo at least 60 ppm carbon disulphide. An illness consisting of predominantly gastrointestinal symptoms began 20h after the exposure.