Section 1 - CHEMICAL PRODUCT AND COMPANY IDENTIFICATION

PRODUCT NAME

HYDROGEN SULFIDE

NFPA

PRODUCT USE

DANGEROUS POISON. Used in the manufacture of inorganic sulfides. In the purification of
sulfuric acid and hydrochloric acid; the precipitation of sulfides of metals in
metallurgy; a source of hydrogen and sulfide. Also as an analytical reagent and a
disinfectant in agriculture. Regeant

SYNONYMS

H2-S, "sulphuretted hydrogen", "sulfuretted hydrogen", "hydrosulphuric acid",
"hydrosulfuric acid", "sulphur hydride", "sulfur hydride", "hepatic gas", "stink damp",
"rotten egg gas"

Section 2 - HAZARDS IDENTIFICATION

CANADIAN WHMIS SYMBOLS

EMERGENCY OVERVIEW

RISK

Very toxic by inhalation.
Irritating to eyes and skin.
Extremely flammable.
Very toxic to aquatic organisms.
Risk of explosion if heated under confinement.

POTENTIAL HEALTH EFFECTS

ACUTE HEALTH EFFECTS

SWALLOWED

  Overexposure is unlikely in this form.  Not normally a hazard due to physical form of product.  Considered an unlikely route of entry in commercial/industrial environments.  

EYE

  This material can cause eye irritation and damage in some persons.  Exposure to H2S may produce pain, blurred vision, and irritation. These symptoms are temporary in all but severe cases. Eye irritation may produce conjunctivitis, photophobia,  pain, and at higher concentrations blurred vision and corneal blistering.  Vaporizing liquid causes rapid cooling and contact may cause cold burns,frostbite.  

SKIN

  This material can cause inflammation of the skin oncontact in some persons.  The material may accentuate any pre-existing dermatitis condition.  Vaporizing liquid causes rapid cooling and contact may cause cold burns,frostbite.  Entry into the blood-stream, through, for example, cuts, abrasions or lesions, may produce systemic injury with harmful effects. Examine the skin prior to the use of the material and ensure that any external damage is suitably protected.  

INHALED

  The material is not thought to produce respiratory irritation (as classified using animal models). Nevertheless inhalation of the material, especially for prolonged periods, may produce respiratory discomfort and occasionally, distress.  Inhalation of vapours may cause drowsiness and dizziness. This may be accompanied by narcosis, reduced alertness, loss of reflexes, lack of coordination and vertigo.  Hydrogen sulfide poisoning can cause increased secretion of saliva, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, giddiness, headache, vertigo, memory loss, palpitations, heartbeat irregularities, weakness, muscle cramps, confusion, sudden collapse, unconsciousness and death due to paralysis of breathing (at levels above 300 parts per million). The "rotten egg" odor is not a good indicator of exposure since odor fatigue occurs and odor is lost at over 200 ppm. The gas can enter the body through a punctured ear drum and even wearing some respiratory protection. Immediate supportive care is essential. Ensure medical help is addressed as part of the site emergency plan and that employees who may be accidentally exposed are made aware of the existence of such a plan.  Material is highly volatile and may quickly form a concentrated atmosphere in confined or unventilated areas. Vapor is heavier than air and may displace and replace air in breathing zone, acting as a simple asphyxiant. This may happen with little warning of overexposure.  

CHRONIC HEALTH EFFECTS

  Limited evidence suggests that repeated or long-term occupational exposure may produce cumulative health effects involving organs or biochemical systems.  Principal route of occupational exposure to the gas is by inhalation.  Long term low level exposure to hydrogen sulfide may produce headache, fatigue, dizziness,  irritability and loss of sexual desire. These symptoms may also result when exposed to hydrogen sulfide at high concentration for a short period of time.