H2S (Hydrogen sulfide) Facts

Synonyms: Sulfuretted hydrogen; Hydrosulfuric acid; Hepatic gas; H2S, Sewer gas Exposure Limits NIOSH REL: C 10 ppm (15 mg/m3) [10-minute] OSHA PEL: C 20 ppm 50 ppm [10-minute maximum peak] Physical Description Colorless gas with a strong odor of rotten eggs. [Note: Sense of smell becomes rapidly fatigued & can NOT be relied upon to warn of the continuous presence of H2S. Shipped as a liquefied compressed gas.] Health Effects Hydrogen sulfide is a mucous membrane and respiratory tract irritant; pulmonary edema, which may be immediate or delayed, can occur after exposure to high concentrations. Symptoms of acute exposure include nausea, headaches, delirium, disturbed equilibrium, tremors, convulsions, and skin and eye irritation. Inhalation of high concentrations of hydrogen sulfide can produce extremely rapid unconsciousness and death. Exposure to the liquefied gas can cause frostbite injury.

H2S Facts
Hydrogen Sulfide Exposure Limits
Sources of H2S Occurs naturally by decaying organic matter Released from sewage sludge, liquid manure, sulfur hot springs, and natural gas. By-product of many industrial processes including petroleum refining, tanning, mining, wood- pulp processing, rayon manufacturing, sugar-beet processing, and hot-asphalt paving. Hydrogen sulfide is used to produce elemental sulfur, sulfuric acid, and heavy water for nuclear reactors.
Exposure Limits ppmw 0.13 Odor threshold (smell) Comment

10
10

NIOSH REL 10 minute (ceiling) limit

TLV/TWA as stated in the ACGIH 2005 threshold limit (both scales) values for chemical substances. (Note: Intended change to 1 ppm) STEL (Short Term Exposure Limit)-ACHIB 2005. (Note: intended change to 5 ppm) Acceptable ceiling concentration that shall not be exceeded during any time of an 8-hour shift as defined in OSHA, as stated in 29 CFR 1910, Subpart Z. Acceptable maximum peak concentration allowed for 10 minute exposure once during an 8-hour shift, if no other measurable exposure occurs, as defined in OSHA. Immediately Dangerous to Life and Health as defined in NIOSH

15

20

50

100

Protection 444 LC50 (Lethal Concentration) Sample atmosphere 40,000 Lower Flammable Limit (LFL) as defined in NFPA 325M Wear H2S Monitor 440,000 Upper Flammable Limit (UFL) as defined in NFPA As close to nose and mouth as possible Hardhat is most common location to wear Clipped to collar is appropriate as long as it is not covered by clothing. DO NOT clip inside pocket