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What Are the Inhalation Symptoms Of Hydrogen Sulfide?

Hydrogen sulfide is a gas at room temperature, so exposure is usually through inhalation. Symptoms range from mild to acute depending on the concentration of hydrogen sulfide and length of exposure. They may appear immediately or take up to 72 hours to appear. Children experience more severe symptoms at the same level of exposure. Hydrogen sulfide occurs in nature and inhalation of low concentrations is considered harmless.

  1. Moderate Exposure

    • People can smell the rotten-egg odor of hydrogen sulfide at low to moderate concentrations of 10 to 100 parts per million. This is the first indication of exposure. Moderate exposure can cause irritation of the eyes and rapid blinking. Irritation of the nose and throat are common symptoms. Pulmonary distress with coughing and shortness of breath may occur up to an hour after exposure. Nausea, vomiting, dizziness and headache may also occur from inhalation of moderate amounts of hydrogen sulfide. The victim should be moved from the area into fresh air.

    High Exposure

    • Inhalation of high levels of hydrogen sulfide results in severe symptoms that may take up to 72 hours to appear. The victim may not be able to detect the rotten-egg odor of hydrogen sulfide at concentrations greater than 100 parts per million. Symptoms include difficulty breathing, muscle cramps, low blood pressure, dizziness and loss of consciousness. Effects on the central nervous system, such as headache, seizures, tremors and convulsions, may occur. The victim may experience blurred vision and sensitivity to light as well as severe eye irritation. Lack of oxygen from respiratory problems including bronchitis and fluid in the lungs may cause the skin to appear blue. Painful dermatitis and irritation of the skin are additional symptoms caused by inhalation hydrogen sulfide. Death could occur within 48 hours of continued exposure. The victim should move into fresh air and seek medical help

    Lethal Exposure

    • Breathing in highly concentrated hydrogen sulfide, greater than 500 parts per million, will result in acute symptoms and death within 30 minutes. The exposure need only be a few breaths at concentrations greater than 1,000 parts per million. Highly concentrated hydrogen sulfide impacts the central nervous system immediately. The victim becomes agitated, experiences rapid breathing and headache. These symptoms are followed by impaired balance and dizziness. The victim experiences seizures, convulsions, loss of consciousness and coma. Respiratory paralysis causes the victims death. Seek medical help immediately after exposure.

    Prolonged or Chronic Exposure

    • Prolonged exposure to low or moderate levels of hydrogen sulfide may result in symptoms ranging from mild to severe. The skin may itch, burn or have red and inflamed areas. According to the Department of Health in New York, workers exposed to hydrogen sulfide over time have experienced impaired lung function, slower reaction times, poor balance and loss of short-term memory. They may also experience inflamed eye membranes, coughing and nasal problems, and headaches. Loss of appetite and nausea has also been reported after chronic exposure to hydrogen sulfide.

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