Hydrogen Sulfide – A Potential Hazard in Low-Lying & Underground Structures

Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is a colorless, flammable and potentially extremely hazardous gas that is often identified due to its “rotten egg” odor. It occurs naturally in crude petroleum, natural gas and hot springs. It is also produced by the microbial breakdown of organic materials, including human and animal wastes.  Some industrial activities that can produce hydrogen sulfide include petroleum and natural gas drilling, refining, wastewater treatment, coke ovens, tanneries and some types of paper mill processing.
 
Hydrogen sulfide is heavier than air and may travel along the ground. It can collect in low-lying and enclosed, poorly-ventilated areas such as basements, manholes, sewer lines, underground telephone vaults and manure pits.  For any work within a confined space or where the gas may collect, people need to use appropriate procedures for identifying hazards, monitoring and entering these areas.
 
It is both an irritant and a chemical asphyxiant with effects on both oxygen utilization and the central nervous system. Health effects can vary depending on the level and duration of exposure.  Repeated exposure can result in health effects occurring at levels that were previously tolerated without any effect.  Hydrogen sulfide is also highly flammable and can be explosive. If ignited, the gas burns to produce toxic vapors and gases, such as sulfur dioxide.
 
“The primary route of hydrogen sulfide exposure is through inhalation,” said Harry Pena, President of Zimmetry Environmental.  “Most people can smell the rotten egg odor of hydrogen sulfide at low concentrations. However, with continuous low-level exposure, or at high concentrations, a person loses their ability to smell the gas even though it is still present due to olfactory fatigue.  The air testing experts at Zimmetry provide monitoring services for hydrogen sulfide and other potentially hazardous gases in Puerto Rico and across the Caribbean. Air monitoring helps to protect workers and the public from exposure to this and other dangerous gases.”
 
Zimmetry recently sponsored an educational video about hydrogen sulfide and human exposure risks that can be seen at: www.youtube.com/watch?v=oiVAOrvDKvQ
 
To learn more about Zimmetry Environmental and their air, environmental and compliance consulting services, please visit www.zimmetry.com, call (787) 995.0005 or email info@zimmetry.com .
 
About Zimmetry Environmental
Since 2002, Zimmetry Environmental has been providing environmental consulting services to building owners and managers, architects, engineers, EHS professionals and Fortune 500 companies.  The company is based in Puerto Rico and provides services across the Caribbean and Central America.  The professionals at Zimmetry offer environmental compliance, indoor air quality, asbestos, lead-based paint, Phase I ESAs and general environmental consulting services.

Contact Information

Paul Cochrane

President

Cochrane & Associates, LLC

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