What immediate health effects can be caused by hydrogen sulfide exposure?
Even in small amounts, hydrogen sulfide has a strong rotten-egg odor. However, with continued exposure and at high levels, the poison may deaden a person’s sense of smell. If the rotten egg odor is no longer noticeable, it may not necessarily mean that exposure has stopped. After a serious exposure, symptoms usually begin immediately. At low levels, hydrogen sulfide causes irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat. Moderate levels can cause headache, dizziness, nausea, and vomiting, as well as coughing and difficulty in breathing. Higher levels can cause shock, convulsions, coma, and death. Generally, the more serious the exposure, the more severe the symptoms. Can hydrogen sulfide poisoning be treated? There is no proven antidote for hydrogen sulfide poisoning, but the effects of hydrogen sulfide can be treated and most exposed persons get well. Persons who have had serious exposures may need to be hospitalized. Are any future health effects likely to occur? A single small exposure fro
