1. www.jst.umn.edu Working with H 2 S

2. www.jst.umn.edu Hydrogen Sulfide Safety What is H2S? – Colorless (transparent) gas – Heavier than air and tends to accumulate in low-lying areas – POISONOUS = PARALYZE THE BREATHING SYSTEM/CAN KILL IN MINUTES!!!!!!!! – Highly toxic and Very corrosive – Rotten Egg – smell 2

3. www.jst.umn.edu Hydrogen Sulfide Safety P.E.L. = Permissible Exposure Limit Defined as the maximum concentration you can be exposed to in an 8- hour period, 40 hours per week, without respirator problems. P.E.L. FOR H2S: 10ppm S.T.E.L. = Short-Term Exposure Limit Based on a 15-minute time period S.T.E.L. FOR H2S: 15ppm I.D.L.H. = Immediately Dangerous to Life and Health I.D.L.H. = 100ppm and above

4. www.jst.umn.edu Hydrogen Sulfide Safety Effects of H2S – Target Organs Olfactory nerves, lungs, eyes, brain, respiratory control – Entry into the body Ingestion, injection, skin absorption, inhalation – Symptoms Respiratory irritation, coughing Headache, dizziness, fatigue Burning eyes, sore throat Loss of sense of smell 4

5. www.jst.umn.edu Monitoring in Amundson 381 Hydrogen Sulfide Safety Personal monitor Wall-mount monitor

6. www.jst.umn.edu H2S Adsorption setup Hydrogen Sulfide Safety