Olfactory fatigue quickly occurs at concentrations above 100 ppm. Hydrogen sulfide is soluble in water. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration has established a permissible exposure limit for hydrogen sulfide of 20 ppm not to be exceeded during any 10 minute work period and 50 ppm not to be exceeded at any time. As with all chemicals, the type and severity of health effects associated with exposure to hydrogen sulfide depend on the level, duration, and route of exposure. Age, gender, weight, preexisting health condition, and overall susceptibility of the individual also determines the health effects one may experience.
People show a wide range of variability in their tolerance for chemical exposure.
Exposure to high levels of hydrogen sulfide can cause immediate death. Low level exposure can cause eye pain and redness with blurred vision as well as irritation of the upper respiratory tract and the lungs. Nausea, dizziness, and confusion are also possible effects. Exposure to hydrogen sulfide is not known to cause cancer but testing has been limited. Continuous exposure to hydrogen sulfide can cause blurred vision, headaches, trouble sleeping, bronchitis, coughing spells, and shortness of breath.