Hydrogen Sulfide Exposure and Asthma: Risks and Occupational Hazards

Hydrogen sulfide is a colorless, flammable gas that smells like rotten eggs. Hydrogen sulfide is hazardous, and even low-level concentrations can cause respiratory and neurological symptoms, including asthma.

Sources

• Hydrogen sulfide comes primarily from natural sources, such as when bacteria break down plant and animal matter. Hydrogen sulfide is also a byproduct of some manufacturing processes.

Occupational

• Occupational asthma is asthma that is caused or aggravated by occupational conditions. Some construction and manufacturing jobs have environments where you can be exposed to hydrogen sulfide.

Home

• Decomposition of drywall produces hydrogen sulfide. The decomposition is exaggerated in building construction and demolition processes.

Symptoms

• Exposure to hydrogen sulfide causes asthma symptoms, reduced lung function, respiratory irritation, cough and shortness of breath.

Exposure

• Even low-level exposure to hydrogen sulfide can cause symptoms. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) states that exposure to high concentrations of hydrogen sulfide can cause life-threatening symptoms, such as shock, convulsion and inability to breathe.