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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