Sulphur

Sulphur is a non-metal with atomic number 16 in the periodic table of elements. Its chemical symbol is S. It occurs in a whole range of different modifications. There is rhombic sulphur, which is also known as α-sulphur. It forms rhombic crystals with a bright yellow color. This modification is known to most people as sulphur. Other forms with different colors and properties are formed by heating or warming. For example, there is λ-sulphur, β-sulphur or μ-sulphur, to name just a few. The two French chemists Gay-Lussac (1778-1850) and Louis Jacques Thénard (1777-1857) proved the elemental nature of sulphur. With the exception of platinum, gold, iridium, tellurium and iodine as well as all noble gases, sulphur forms numerous chemical compounds with other elements. In this context, for example, the poisonous and pungent sulfur dioxide that is produced when sulfur is burned in air should be mentioned. In mythology, especially in medieval Christian mythology, sulphur was usually associated with the devil or hell. Sulphur is the fifteenth most common element in the earth's crust, where it also occurs in elemental form. Large sulphur deposits can be found in Sicily/Italy, the USA, Iraq, Chile, Peru and Poland. Sulphur is found in significant quantities in coal, crude oil and natural gas, which is why complex desulphurization measures are often necessary in order to be able to use the substances as intended. Sulphur is mainly used in the production of sulphuric acid, in the vulcanization of rubber and in fertilizers. In plant protection, it is dissolved in water and used primarily against mildew. Sulphurization against fungi and bacteria is known, for example, in the sulphurization of wine barrels, and a number of dried fruits are also treated in this way. Sulphur-containing baths are used in medical spas. In medicine, sulphur, e.g. in the form of precipitated sulphur (sulphur praecipitatum), is used externally for skin diseases. The keratolytic (dissolving cornification) and anti-inflammatory effect of sulphur is used here.

Functions in the body

Sulphur is essential for all organisms as it is found in most proteins. The body of an adult with an average weight of 70 kg contains approx. 150 g of sulphur. The daily requirement is estimated at just under 900 mg. Pure sulphur is not toxic to humans as it passes through the intestine unchanged and is excreted again. In the compounds sulphite, sulphate and sulphide, sulphur is a building material for some amino acids, such as cysteine, cystine and methionine. It is also contained in vitamin B1 and vitamin H (biotin) as well as in insulin and keratin. Hair, nails and connective tissue are particularly rich in sulphur. A particularly large amount of sulphur is needed for growth and tissue remodeling.

Foods containing sulphur

Sulphur is mainly found in protein-containing products such as eggs and milk, as two common amino acids contain sulphur. Slightly less sulphur is found in meat and plant-based foods. Plants containing sulphur are mainly garlic and wild garlic, which is becoming increasingly popular as a spice due to its mustardy taste.

Deficiency symptoms

Are not known.

Overdose and poisoning

A number of sulphur compounds are toxic in high doses. Certain sulphur compounds can lead to pathological changes in the body and, for example, destroy the vitamins of the B group, inhibit the effect of enzymes and increase the effect of carcinogenic substances. Toxic sulphur compounds include sulphur dioxide, carbon disulphide, sulphurous acid and hydrogen sulphide. Sulphur dioxide and hydrogen sulphide are gases that cause respiratory irritation, coughing, nausea and vomiting when inhaled. In higher concentrations, respiratory distress, respiratory paralysis and coma may occur. Treatment consists of the administration of fresh air or oxygen and, if necessary, artificial respiration. Glucocorticoids can also be administered. Carbon disulphide is a highly volatile substance that can lead to agitation, unconsciousness and respiratory paralysis in acute poisoning. Chronic poisoning can lead to sleep disorders, irritability, visual disturbances, weight loss and kidney damage. In acute poisoning, medicinal charcoal can be given to bind the poison in the body. Otherwise, poisoning with carbon disulphide is usually only treated symptomatically, i.e. based on the symptoms.