Is hydrogen sulfide in water harmful to humans?

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asked May 15, 2022 in Science by lightsensor (22,310 points)
Is hydrogen sulfide in water harmful to humans?

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answered May 15, 2022 by Salmorejo (40,200 points)
Hydrogen Sulfide in water is not harmful to humans in small amounts but if the hydrogen sulfide in the water is in higher concentrations then it can be harmful to humans.

These bacteria feed on small amounts of sulfur in the water and thrive in the low oxygen environments present in groundwater wells and plumbing systems.

Although sulfur-reducing bacteria can impart taste and odor in the water, they do not cause health concerns for humans.

Hydrogen Sulfide is toxic because it can cause the inhibition of the cytochrome oxidase enzyme system resulting in lack of oxygen use in the cells.

Hydrogen sulfide is a highly flammable, explosive gas, and can cause possible life-threatening situations if not properly handled.

In addition, hydrogen sulfide gas burns and produces other toxic vapors and gases, such as sulfur dioxide.

Hydrogen Sulfide is poison and is highly toxic to humans and animals.

Exposure to hydrogen sulfide can cause irritation to the eyes and respiratory system. It can also cause apnea, coma, convulsions; dizziness, headache, weakness, irritability, insomnia; stomach upset, and if liquid: frostbite.

Workers may be harmed from exposure to hydrogen sulfide.

Hydrogen sulfide is a highly toxic gas that can produce extremely rapid CNS and respiratory depression.

It is also an irritant affecting skin and mucous membranes.

There is no proven antidote for hydrogen sulfide poisoning.

H2S is immediately fatal when concentrations are over 500-1000 parts per million (ppm) but exposure to lower concentrations, such as 10-500 ppm, can cause various respiratory symptoms that range from rhinitis to acute respiratory failure.

You can smell hydrogen sulfide gas at lower levels than may cause health effects, so smelling the gas does not always mean that it will make you sick.

However, at higher levels, your nose can become overwhelmed by the gas and you cannot smell it.

Effects of exposure to high levels (100 ppm or higher) of hydrogen sulfide can be serious and life-threatening.

Effects include shock, convulsions, inability to breath, rapid unconsciousness, coma, and death.

Hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) is a colorless gas with a strong odor of rotten eggs.

Exposure to hydrogen sulfide may cause irritation to the eyes and respiratory system.

It can also cause apnea, coma, convulsions; dizziness, headache, weakness, irritability, insomnia; stomach upset, and if liquid: frostbite.

Hydrogen sulfide's can cause inhibition of the cytochrome oxidase enzyme system resulting in lack of oxygen use in the cells.

Anaerobic metabolism causes accumulation of lactic acid leading to an acid-base imbalance.

Symptoms of acute exposure include nausea, headaches, delirium, disturbed equilibrium, tremors, skin and eye irritation, and convulsions.

Inhaling high concentrations can produce extremely rapid unconsciousness and death.

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