Hydrogen Sulfide Facts for Kids
Hydrogen sulfide is an extremely dangerous gas with an distinctive smell. Effects on individuals who have been exposed vary based on the level of exposure and the age and health of the individual, but it can be deadly and may contaminate the air around homes and workplaces. Teaching young children to recognize the distinctive smell can be life-saving.
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Identification
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Hydrogen sulfide is a gas that is made up of one hydrogen atom and one sulfide atom. It has no color, making it impossible to see with the naked eye. It does, however, have a distinctive smell that is often described as rotting eggs. The smell is evident even when the gas is present in low concentrations. Once it has been released into the environment in any quantity, it tends to dissipate slowly and remain in the area for up to 18 hours.
If the concentration of gas in the air begins to rise, the smell may turn sickeningly sweet while still being reminiscent of eggs.
Source
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Even the human mouth produces minute quantities of hydrogen sulfide. The gas is typically produced by waste products, either developing in the gastrointestinal tract of an animal or released into the air when waste products are processed. There are several areas typically close to home that may release hydrogen sulfide and potentially expose children. Farms can be particularly dangerous for visiting children, especially if the farms collect waste products from livestock to fertilize fields. It can also be released from waste and water treatment facilities, or areas where there is industrial drilling processes taking place. If the smell is present especially in any of these areas, it is important to take precautions.
Hydrogen sulfide is a natural product, found even in every human mouth.
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Symptoms
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Lack of sense of smell is an indicator of high concentrations of gas. Low concentrations of the gas can result in mild symptoms such as itchy eyes and a raw feeling in the throat and nose. Anyone with asthma may immediately suffer an attack, depending on the concentration of the chemical in the air. If there is a high concentration of gas in the air, it will impact an individual's ability to smell; just because he or she can't smell it anymore, that doesn't mean it's gone. It does mean that they are suffering from a side effect of a high level of exposure, which is usually accompanied by a headache, dizziness, stomach pains and a stinging pain in the eyes.
What To Do
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Anyone who smells the distinctive scent of rotting eggs--especially in the vicinity of one of the above mentioned facilities--should leave the area immediately. Getting inside or away from the smell is key, and should be done before notifying an adult or other authority figure.
In the case of the gas being indoors, the area will need to be thoroughly ventilated before it is safe for re-entry. Anyone who goes inside will typically wear protective gear including a breathing mask, ensuring they will not be exposed to dangerous fumes. Those who have been exposed may need medical attention or may need to be monitored for any signs of side effects from the gas.
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