Hydrogen sulfide
Subtitle: human health aspects
By: first draft prepared by C.-H. Selene J. Chou.
Contributors: United Nations Environment Programme.; International Labour Organisation.; World Health Organization.; Inter-Organization Programme for the Sound Management of Chemicals.
Series: Concise international chemical assessment document -- 53.
Publisher: World Health Organization
Published: 2003
Place of publication: Geneva
Language: eng
Number of pages: 35
Subjects: Hydrogen Sulfide -- adverse effects.; Hydrogen Sulfide -- toxicity.; Occupational Exposure.; Environmental Exposure.; Risk Assessment.; Hydrogen sulphide -- Toxicology.
Description: Sudden death among sewerage workers is the most familiar form of hydrogen sulphide poisoning. This colorless, flammable gas has a characteristic odor of rotten eggs. It is produced naturally and as a result of human activity. Natural sources include nonspecific and anaerobic bacterial reduction of sulphates and sulphur-containing organic compounds. Hydrogen sulphide is found naturally in crude petroleum, natural gas, volcanic gases, and hot springs. It is also found in ground water. It is released from stagnant or polluted waters and manure or coal pits. In the industry, it is used as an intermediate in the manufacture of sulphuric acid and inorganic sulphides and as an agricultural disinfectant.--Publisher's description.
Notes: "Published under the joint sponsorship of the United Nations Environment Programme, the International Labour Organization, and the World Health Organization, and produced within the framework of the Inter-Organization Programme for the Sound Management of Chemicals."

Includes bibliographical references (p. 22-26).

Summaries in French and Spanish.