The
chemical compound hydrogen sulfide (
Hydrogen sulphide in
British English)
H2S is a sulfide compound that has an unpleasant smell; it is responsible for the smell of rotten
eggs. This gas can suffocate sewer workers and is often associated with other decay smells in
swamps. Hydrogen sulfide is produced by the breakdown of
sulfur-containing proteins and is responsible for much of the foul odor of
feces and
flatulence.
Hydrogen sulfide occurs naturally in crude petroleum, natural gas, volcanic gases, and hot springs. It can also result from bacterial breakdown of organic matter. It is also produced by human and animal wastes.
Hydrogen sulfide can also result from industrial activities, such as food processing, coke ovens, kraft[?] paper mills[?], tanneries, and petroleum refineries.
Health effects
Hydrogen sulfide is considered a broad-spectrum poison, meaning it can poison several different systems in the body. Breathing very high levels of hydrogen sulfide can cause death within just a few breaths. There could be loss of consciousness after one or more breaths.
Exposure to lower concentrations can result in eye irritation, a sore throat and cough, shortness of breath, and fluid in the lungs. These symptoms usually go away in a few weeks. Long-term, low-level exposure may result in fatigue, loss of appetite, headaches, irritability, poor memory, and dizziness.
Animal studies showed that pigs that ate food containing hydrogen sulfide had diarrhea after a few days and weight loss after about 105 days.
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