Hydrogen Sulfide (H2S) is a colorless gas known for its strong “rotten egg” odor at low concentrations. It is highly flammable, highly toxic, and corrosive to certain metals.
Hydrogen sulfide occurs naturally in sewers, salt mines, well water, oil and gas wells, and confined spaces. Because it is heavier than air, hydrogen sulfide has the tendency to collect in low-lying and enclosed spaces.
Its presence makes work in confined spaces potentially very dangerous if proper work procedures are not established and followed.
The health effects of hydrogen sulfide depend on how much H2S a worker breathes in and how long they are exposed to the gas. However, many effects are seen even at low concentrations.
Effects range from mild headaches or eye irritation to unconsciousness and death.
Hydrogen Sulfide Effect on Humans
When a person breathes in Hydrogen Sulfide the chemical compound then goes directly through the lungs and into the bloodstream.
To protect itself, the body oxidizes (breaks down) the chemical compound as rapidly as possible into a harmless compound. Between 300–350 ppm, the oxidative enzymes become overwhelmed.
If the individual breathes in so much Hydrogen Sulfide that the body cannot oxidize all of it, the chemical compound builds up in the blood and the individual becomes poisoned.
H2S attacks the central nervous system and paralyzes the phrenic nerve controlling the diaphragm, breathing stops and the individual is suffocated.
Hydrogen Sulfide Side Effects
Some workers who have been exposed to high Hydrogen Sulfide concentration have experienced headaches, poor attention span, impaired memory, and motor function abilities after waking up.
Problems with the cardiovascular system have also been reported at exposures above OSHA’s permissible exposure limits (PEL).
