Hydrogen sulfide is a gas with a strong rotten egg-like smell. People who are exposed to large amounts of this gas may experience health problems, including respiratory and eye irritation. Understanding the health hazards of hydrogen sulfide exposure is critical if you work in or otherwise in an area where consistent exposure or high levels of exposure are possible. Talk to an explosion injury attorney today about your case.

What Is Hydrogen Sulfide Exposure?

Hydrogen sulfide is colorless and hard to detect, especially in lower concentrations. In these situations, the risk of serious illness is low in public and residential areas. However, in some industries, a much higher level of exposure is possible, and health can be impacted.

Most commonly, hydrogen sulfide exposure occurs through inhalation. However, the smell is not enough to indicate a gas presence. That is why most workers must wear protective devices if they are at risk of such exposure, and employers must take steps to minimize this type of risk. Worker exposure can violate OSHA regulations and harm the health of victims.

Hydrogen sulfide is colorless and hard to detect, especially in lower dosages.

Common Areas Where Hydrogen Sulfide Exposure Happens

Hydrogen sulfide exposure is unsafe, but it happens in a variety of work environments. Some of the most common industries in which it is used include:

• Pulp and paper mills
• Petroleum refining
• Mining
• Nuclear power plants
• Sewage treatment plants
• Petroleum refining
• Breweries
• Shipyards
• Food processing plants
• Fertilizer and pesticide producers
• Agricultural
• Construction sites

If you are exposed to hydrogen sulfide in these or other injuries, it is critical to seek legal support for recovery of your damages.

Serious Health Risks Associated with Hydrogen Sulfide

Data from OSHA indicates that hydrogen sulfide gas can cause numerous health effects to those who are breathing it in. This highly flammable gas is also explosive and can cause life-threatening illness. High exposure levels can cause damage to:

• Heart
• Kidneys
• Nerves
• Brain
• Lungs

It is not always initially evident that this type of exposure is occurring. If there is any indication of such risk occurring, it is critical to seek out medical care in situations where you are suffering from potential hydrogen sulfide exposure.

Warning Signs of Hydrogen Sulfide Exposure and Risk

Though small levels of exposure may not cause serious injury, there are situations where more serious and significant losses can occur with a higher level of concentration or continued exposure over a longer period. Some of the most common warning signs of exposure include:

• Headaches
• Vomiting
• Coughing
• Irritation of the eyes, throat, or nose
• Confusion
• Dizziness
• Nausea

You may be unaware of the exposure to this gas in your workplace. As a result of this, it is critical to be aggressive in seeking treatment if you notice any of these symptoms. That is especially the case in situations where you and others are facing similar symptoms or when you are faced with worsening conditions over time.

If you suspect illness, seek medical care. Do not wait for testing within your work site. Instead, get medical care and report the incident to your employer. Be sure to alert them to the requirements of workers’ compensation.

Taking these steps can help minimize the impact on your health. In situations where exposure is serious, it is critical to seek help from a personal injury attorney who can support you in pursuing full and fair compensation for your losses.