Key Questions
The following key questions are answered in this module:
What is hydrogen sulfide?
It is a toxic and flammable gas that is heavier than air.
What are some places where hydrogen sulfide may be present?
It is found in petroleum and natural gas; is released naturally by decaying plants, animals, and sewage; is created by production of oil, paper, rayon, and leather; and can also be found dissolved in water.
What are the health effects associated with hydrogen peroxide?
In addition to burns caused by its flammability, exposure through inhalation can cause long-term health such as paralysis, nerve damage, and memory loss. Inhalation can also lead to death.
How can hydrogen sulfide be detected?
When the gas is in the air at low concentrations, it has a distinct rotten-egg smell, but this smell quickly goes away as the nose gets used to it and/or as concentrations of the gas in the air increase. Therefore, you can't trust you nose as a foolproof guarantee. Personal gas monitors can be used to detect the gas more reliably.
What should you do in the event of a hydrogen sulfide exposure?
? Leave the area immediately and seek medical care if necessary. Remember when evacuation to that the gas will be in low-lying areas and to evacuate upwind.
What if a coworker has lost consciousness and cannot evacuate?
Don't try to rescue the coworker yourself. Instead, evacuate and then call for help.