Hydrogen Sulfide and Asthma

Decomposition of drywall produces hydrogen sulfide.

Hydrogen sulfide is a colorless, flammable gas that smells like rotten eggs. Hydrogen sulfide is hazardous, and even low-level concentrations can cause respiratory and neurological symptoms, including asthma.

Sources

Hydrogen sulfide comes primarily from natural sources, such as when bacteria break down plant and animal matter. Hydrogen sulfide is also a byproduct of some manufacturing processes.

Occupational

Occupational asthma is asthma that is caused or aggravated by occupational conditions. Some construction and manufacturing jobs have environments where you can be exposed to hydrogen sulfide.

Home

Decomposition of drywall produces hydrogen sulfide. The decomposition is exaggerated in building construction and demolition processes.

Symptoms

Exposure to hydrogen sulfide causes asthma symptoms, reduced lung function, respiratory irritation, cough and shortness of breath.

Exposure

Even low-level exposure to hydrogen sulfide can cause symptoms. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) states that exposure to high concentrations of hydrogen sulfide can cause life-threatening symptoms, such as shock, convulsion and inability to breathe.

References

• New York State Department of Health: Hydrogen Sulfide Chemical Information Sheet
• OSHA Fact Sheet: Hydrogen Sulfide
• American Family Physician: Work-Related Asthma, Sami Youakim, Dec 1, 2001

Resources

• USA Today: Homes with Chinese drywall should be gutted, feds say; Associated Press; 2010
• Consumer Product Safety Commission: Staff Preliminary Evaluation of Drywall ...