Hydrogen Sulfide Emissions

October 23, 2019

Hydrogen sulfide is a highly combustible gas that smells like rotten eggs. In high concentrations, the gas can cause explosions, health complications, and fire when not properly handled. Recent news reports of evacuations from sports fields located near landfills have sparked new concerns about potential exposure to the gas.

Hydrogen sulfide is a gas formed naturally in crude petroleum, natural gas, volcanic gas, hot springs, agriculture, and in the decomposition of trash and human or animal waste. Exposure of small amounts of hydrogen sulfide is not a concern, but when the gas becomes concentrated, it can lead to life-threatening complications.

Symptoms of Hydrogen Sulfide Exposure

In high concentrations, hydrogen sulfide can cause health complications. Symptoms of hydrogen sulfide exposure become more severe with prolonged exposure.

• Smell of rotten eggs is usually the first indicator for the presence of this gas
• Nausea
• Tearing of the eyes
• Headaches
• Sleep disturbances
• Bronchial constriction
• Fatigue
• Loss of appetite
• Irritability
• Memory loss
• Dizziness
• Conjunctivitis
• Upset digestion
• Coughing
• Eye irritation
• Loss of smell
• Drowsiness
• Throat irritation
• Olfactory fatigue or paralysis
• Pulmonary edema
• Loss of consciousness
• Death

Whenever symptoms appear when there is a rotten egg odor, victims should be removed from the area and placed in a well-ventilated space.

Safety Hazards Associated with Hydrogen Sulfide

Anyone working with or exposed to concentrated levels of hydrogen sulfide should be trained in the proper handling of this gas. Safety hazards associated with hydrogen sulfide include:

• Explosions
• Fire
• Emissions of toxic vapors when hydrogen sulfide is burned
• Frostbite can occur when liquid hydrogen sulfide meets skin
• Rapid loss of consciousness can cause severe injuries from falling
• High risk for burns, cuts, and lacerations from explosions and fire

Workers exposed to concentrated levels of hydrogen sulfide carry the greatest risk of complications. Those who work in confined spaces, such as manholes, sewers and sewer lines, basements, drilling, refineries of petroleum and natural gas, and those that handle or store wastewater or manure need to be properly trained on how to handle hydrogen sulfide and how to recognize symptoms of exposure to toxic levels of the gas.

Northern New Jersey Residents Upset Over Unpleasant Odors

While the general public is not normally at risk for hydrogen sulfide complications, there have been recent reports of high concentrations of the gas in outdoor areas. A soccer field was recently evacuated in northern New Jersey after dangerous levels of hydrogen sulfide were detected in the air. The soccer field is adjacent to a landfill, where the gas can build up to high levels from decomposition of organic materials.

Not only is the smell of rotten eggs offensive to residents in the area of the landfill, but evidence of high concentrations of the gas were so strong that residents worry about the effects of long-term exposure. The New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority owns and operates the landfill and has called on engineers to design a new gas collection and control system to address the odor problem.

Delaware Environmental Lawyers at Jacobs & Crumplar, P.A. Advocate for those Exposed to Hydrogen Sulfide

If you believe you were exposed to toxic levels of hydrogen sulfide, contact the Delaware environmental lawyers at Jacobs & Crumplar, P.A. today. Call us at 302-656-5445 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation today. Located in Wilmington and Millsboro, Delaware, we serve clients throughout Dover, New Castle County, and Sussex County.