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Hydrogen Sulfide
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.
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.
Just a few breaths of air containing high levels of hydrogen sulfide gas can cause death. Lower, longer-term exposure can cause eye irritation, headache, and fatigue. Hydrogen sulfide has been found in at least 35 of the 1,689 National Priorities List sites identified by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
Hydrogen Sulfide Produced by Humans?!?
Hydrogen sulfide is also produced by human and animal wastes.
Different bacteria in the intestinal tract digest different kinds of carbohydrates. Some make more methane, others help hydrogen to combine with sulfur (from other foods or water) to make hydrogen sulfide. Hydrogen sulfide is the smelly flatus.
A small amount of hydrogen sulfide is produced by bacteria in your mouth and gastrointestinal (GI) tract and by enzymes in your brain and muscle. The bacteria found in your mouth and GI tract produce hydrogen sulfide from bacteria decomposing materials that contain vegetable or animal proteins.
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References:
ATSDR- Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry
July 2006
www.atsdr.cdc.gov
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