Hydrogen Sulfide is a colorless, flammable, extremely hazardous gas with a "rot-ten egg" smell.Some common names for the gas include sewer gas, stink damp, swamp gas and manure gas. It occurs naturally in crude petroleum, natural gas, and hot springs. In addition, hydrogen sulfide is produced by bacterail break-down of organic materials and human and animal wastes (e.g.,sewage). Industrial activities that can produce the gas include petroleum/natural gas drilling and refining, wastewater treatment, coke ovens, tanneries, and kraft paper mills. Hydrogen sulfide can also exist as a liquid compressed gas.
Hazardous properties of
Hydrogen sulfide is a heavier than air and may travel along the ground. It collects in low-lying and enclosed, poorly-ventilated areas such as basements, manholes, sewer lines, under-ground telephone vaults and manure pits.
For work within confined spaces, use appropriate procedures for identifying hazards, monitoring and entering confined spaces.
The primary route of exposure is inhalation and the gas is rapidly absorbed by the lungs. Absorption through the skin is minimal.