H2S-Gas (Hydrogen sulfide)
Created | Updated Oct 30, 2002
H2S-gas (Hydrogen sulfide)
Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is a colourless gas with a very characteristic "rotten egg" smell which can even be noticed at very low concentrations. It is flammable and highly toxic !Hydrogen sulfide is widespread in all oil and gas operations, It develops in most decomposing processes of organic material. The dry gas is not very corrosive, but the presence of wet hydrogen sulfide may result in various materials problems.
Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) gas is normally heavier than air, but when agitated, it can erupt from the confines of the pipes or ‘air pockets’, in levels of toxicity which paralyze the lungs.
Even in small quantity it can cause the olfactory nerve to lose sensitivity. At first a "rotten egg" odour is detected but, on the second or third breath the odour is no longer noticed. In a bit higher concentration, breathing is inhibited, as the lungs fill with the gas.
At high levels, paralysis of the lungs occurs very fast, action could save the victim by removal from the gas area and immediate application of oxygen. But sadly brain damage or even death is highly lightly to occur.