What is Hydrogen Sulfide?
CAS#: 007783-06-4
Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) occurs naturally in crude petroleum,
natural gas, volcanic gases, and hot springs. It can also result
from bacterial breakdown of organic matter. It is also produced
by human and animal wastes. Bacteria found in your mouth and
gastrointestinal tract produce hydrogen sulfide from bacteria
decomposing materials that contain vegetable or animal proteins.
Hydrogen sulfide can also result from industrial activities,
such as food processing, coke ovens, kraft paper mills, tanneries,
and petroleum refineries.
Hydrogen sulfide is a flammable, colorless gas with a characteristic
odor of rotten eggs. It is commonly known as hydrosulfuric acid,
sewer gas, and stink damp. People can smell it at low levels.
Related Resources for Hydrogen Sulfide
-
CERCLA Priority List of Hazardous Substances
Prioritization of substances based on a combination of their
frequency, toxicity, and potential for human exposure at
National Priorities List (NPL) sites.
-
Medical Management Guidelines (MMGs) for Acute Chemical
Exposures
Publication intended to aid emergency department physicians
and other emergency healthcare professionals who manage
acute exposures resulting from chemical incidents.
- Minimal Risk Levels (MRL)
The MRL is an estimate of the daily human exposure to a hazardous substance that is likely to be without appreciable risk of adverse, non-cancer health effects over a specified duration of exposure. The information in this MRL serves as a screening tool to help public health professionals decide where to look more closely to evaluate possible risk of adverse health effects from human exposure.
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Public Health Statement
Summary about a hazardous substance taken from Chapter One
of its respective ATSDR Toxicological Profile.
-
ToxFAQ
Fact sheet that answers the most frequently asked questions
about a contaminant and its health effects.
-
Toxicological Profile
Succinctly characterizes the toxicologic and adverse health
effects information for a hazardous substance.
This page was updated on
09/23/2008
