H2S (H₂S)
Hydrogen Sulfide
Colorless, highly toxic gas with a characteristic rotten-egg odor from anaerobic decomposition.
What is H2S (Hydrogen Sulfide)?
Hydrogen Sulfide (H₂S) is a hazardous, heavier-than-air gas generated by anaerobic bacterial breakdown of organic matter in sewers, wastewater treatment facilities, landfills, and oil and gas operations. Even at sub-ppm levels it causes olfactory paralysis, masking acute exposure hazards.
- •Sewer drain dry-traps, unsealed wastewater plumbing, and basement sumps
- •Wastewater treatment plants, petrochemical refining, pulp mills, and landfills
Health Effects of H2S
- •Nausea, eye irritation, olfactory fatigue, dizziness, and rapid asphyxiation at high levels
- •Chronic respiratory irritation, headaches, and neurological deficits
Concentration Levels & Safety Guidelines
Standardized thresholds to identify when active ventilation and air filtration intervention is required.
Below typical odor threshold with zero acute physiological hazard.
Strong pungent odor; mild eye and throat irritation.
OSHA ceiling limit; olfactory fatigue occurs, risk of severe toxicity.
| Organization | Guideline Limit | Exposure Timeframe |
|---|---|---|
| World Health Organization (WHO) | 0.15 mg/m³ (0.1 ppm) | 24-Hour Target |
| OSHA | 20 ppm | Acceptable Ceiling Concentration |
How DLE Measures H2S
Selective oxidation of H₂S molecules across gold/platinum catalyst electrodes providing sub-ppm sensitivity.
Industrial perimeter and sewer gas safety monitoring stations.
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