Safety evo
Life saving tips
It is very crucial to be aware about hydrogen sulfide health effects .
These effect are various and may be deadly.
In a previous post ( H2S gas awareness ) we promised to introduce some details.
While, in another post we discussed the environmental impacts of H2S
So, here in this post we will go in deep and discuss some of these hydrogen sulfide health effects.
But before that, we will divide the post into the following elements
which are in fact links can drive you to the details by clicking them.
Is H2S poisonous ?
The answer is more than poisonous, it is a broad spectrum poison.
The meaning of being a broad spectrum poison is that this gas can affect many organs.
It’s damage is not limited to a single or specific organ,
but its effect may vary from organ to another as we are about to explain.
Scientists are comparing its toxicity with that of CO gas
as it can prevent the human cell from respiration by binding the iron in the cell
causing the cell to die
What is PPM
Before we start explaining hydrogen sulfide health effects,
we need to know what is PPM.
PPM stands for Part Per Million
it is the measurement unit of H2S concentration in air.
so when we say (5 PPM), we mean that we have (999995 PPM) of air.
This means also that 1% of H2S in the air is equal to (10000 PPM)
which is a huge quantity
And this unit can tell us how deadly is H2S gas.
even small quantities of it can cause fatalities.
Short term exposures and effects
Alberta Health services described the different impacts of H2S exposure to human body.
This table mentions the different concentrations of H2S in air and their effects.
But generally, as the concentration of H2S increases, the consequences become worse.
But generally, as the concentration of H2S increases, the consequences become worse.
This table is showing us that you can start finding the rotten egg odor
if you have (1PPM) of H2S gas in air
Starting from here the odor can be noticeable
and this concentration is not enough to start suffering hydrogen sulfide health effects
But in a concentration between (10-20 PPM), the suffering starts.
As by reaching this concentration, the smell becomes offensive, eye irritation occurs,
headaches and nausea may occur.
headaches and nausea may occur.
by the time, the odor will disappear due to the effect of the gas on the smell sensory nerves.
this can occur either by prolonged exposure or by single exposure to higher dose.
Until the victim finds himself unable to respond and loss his consciousness.
After this stage death can occur if the emergency response in not available.
This stage is certain if the concentration is (1000 PPM)
how does h2s affect the body organs
It was mentioned that the effect is different from an organ to another.
now let’s give some details on this variation.
and know the hydrogen sulfide health effects on different body systems.
H2S effect on the CNS
The most critically affected system by H2S is the CNS.
The effects are deadly and certain.
ranging from headache, dizziness, coma, depression, respiratory paralysis and even death
The effect depends on the dose and time of exposure.
Decreased ability of smell can occur when the victim is exposed to 100 PPM or greater.
hydrogen sulfide respiratory effects
Irritation of nose, throat and upper respiratory tract can happen by exposure to (50 PPM)
After that the symptoms can turn to more aggressive signs
like cough and shortness of breathing.
Also, high concentrations can lead to bronchitis.
And with oxygen deficiency, the victims skin can turn blue.
on cardiovascular system
May appear only in case of high dose exposure
The victim may experience irregular heart beats and insufficient cardiac output.
On renal system
Not as a primary effect, but the case can develop renal failure.
This could happen as a secondary complication due to cardiac effect.
H2S effect On GIT
hydrogen sulfide health effects on GIT is limited to nausea and vomiting in some cases.
Ocular effects of H2S exposure
Eye inflammation (Keratoconjunctivitis) may occur due to the irritation of the eye after exposure.
the eye surface may become cloudy and the victim becomes sensitive to light.
Also, involuntary blinking of the eyelid may occur.
That is enough for now, but hydrogen sulfide health effects will not by our last article.
we promised you to gather whatever we can in H2S awareness
So, stay alert and wait for more useful tips in this topic and other safety topics.
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