Hydrogen Sulfide (Different health effects on different concentrations)
Hydrogen sulfide
is the chemical compound with the formula H2S. It is a color-less
gas with the characteristic foul odor of rotten eggs; it is heavier than air,
very poisonous, corrosive, flammable, and explosive. (Wikipedia)
Concentration in parts per million
(ppm)*
|
Observations and health effects
|
Less than 1
|
Most people smell “rotten eggs.”
|
3 to 5
|
Odour is strong.
|
20 to 150
|
Nose and throat feel dry and
irritated. Eyes sting, itch, or water; and “gas eye” symptoms may occur.
Prolonged exposure may cause coughing, hoarseness, shortness of breath, and runny
nose.
|
150 to 200
|
Sense of smell is blocked.
|
200 to 250
|
Major irritation of the nose, throat,
and lungs occurs, along with headache, nausea, vomiting, and dizziness.
Prolonged exposure can cause fluid build-up in the lungs (pulmonary edema), which
can be fatal.
|
300 to 500
|
Symptoms are the same as above, but
more severe. Death can occur within 1 to 4 hours of exposure.
|
Above 500
|
Immediate loss of consciousness. Death
is rapid, sometimes immediate.
|
* 1 ppm = 1 part of gas per million
parts of air by volume
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