Health assessment document for hydrogen sulfide: review draft

Technical Report · Fri Aug 01 00:00:00 EDT 1986

OSTI ID:7132459

Ammann, H M; Bradow, F; Fennell, D; Griffin, R; Kearney, B

Hydrogen sulfide is a highly toxic gas which is immediately lethal in concentrations greater than 2000 ppm. The toxic end-point is due to anoxia to brain and heart tissues which results from its interaction with the celluar enzyme cytochrome oxidase. Inhibition of the enzyme halts oxidative metabolism which is the primary energy source for cells. A second toxic end-point is the irritative effect of hydrogen sulfide on mucous membranes, particularly edema at sublethal doses (250 to 500 ppm) in which sufficient exposure occurs before conciousness is lost. Recovered victims of exposure report neurologic symptoms such as headache, fatigue, irritability, vertigo, and loss of libido. Long-term effects are similar to those caused by anoxia due to other toxic agents like CO, and probably are not due to specific H/sub 2/S effects. H/sub 2/S is not a cumulative poison. No mutagenic, carcinogenic, reproductive, or teratogenic effects have been reported in the literature.

• Research Organization: Environmental Protection Agency, Washington, DC (USA). Office of Health and Environmental Assessment
• OSTI ID: 7132459
• Report Number(s): PB-87-117420/XAB; EPA-600/8-86/026A
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

63 RADIATION, THERMAL, AND OTHER ENVIRON. POLLUTANT EFFECTS ON LIVING ORGS. AND BIOL. MAT.
54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
HYDROGEN SULFIDES
PATHOGENESIS
TOXIC MATERIALS
AIR POLLUTION
ANOXIA
CHEMICAL PROPERTIES
EPIDEMIOLOGY
PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
PUBLIC HEALTH
SYMPTOMS
CHALCOGENIDES
HYDROGEN COMPOUNDS
MATERIALS
POLLUTION
SULFIDES
SULFUR COMPOUNDS
560300* - Chemicals Metabolism & Toxicology
500200 - Environment
Atmospheric- Chemicals Monitoring & Transport- (-1989)