Working environment factors
How does Hydrogen Sulfide (H2S) affect workers’ health?
Jun
In modern life, workers are constantly exposed to workplaces full of challenges and health risks. Among these factors, Hydrogen Sulfide (H2S) – a colorless, toxic gas with a foul odor (like rotten eggs) – has become a serious issue that significantly affects workers’ health worldwide.
From heavy industries and chemical manufacturing to oil & gas and wastewater treatment, H2S is not only dangerous but also creates unnecessary toxic impacts. With its hidden potential, this gas threatens the safety and health of millions of workers and needs to be carefully understood and managed to best protect their lives and work.
1. What is Hydrogen Sulfide (H2S)?
Hydrogen Sulfide (H2S) is a naturally occurring inorganic gas. H2S is most commonly formed through the decomposition of organic matter by microorganisms in the absence of oxygen (anaerobic decomposition). It is also found in volcanic gases, crude oil, natural gas, and some well or hot spring water sources.
Interestingly, the human body also produces a small amount of H2S, which acts as a signaling molecule. H2S is a colorless gas with a characteristic rotten egg smell.
2. Sources of H2S in production processes
H2S can originate from various sources during production. Some main sources of H2S in industrial environments include:
- Oil & gas industry: H2S is often generated during extraction, processing, and refining of oil and gas. When oil-bearing or gas-bearing layers are disturbed, H2S can be released during drilling, extraction, and production. It may also be present in oil & gas products like natural gas and crude oil.
- Chemical industry: H2S can be produced as a byproduct in chemical reactions, such as in the production of sulfuric acid, sulfides, and other sulfur compounds.
- Wastewater treatment plants: H2S can be generated by organic decomposition under anaerobic conditions.
- Certain mines containing sulfur minerals, like sulfide ores, can release H2S during extraction and processing.
To ensure safety and protect workers’ health, companies must implement strict control and management measures to minimize the generation and exposure to H2S during production.
3. Occupations at risk of H2S exposure
H2S is a toxic gas, so some occupations carry a risk of exposure, endangering workers’ health. Main occupations with potential H2S exposure include:
- Oil & gas industry: jobs related to exploration, processing, and refining may involve H2S exposure, including work in oil fields, refineries, gas plants, drilling platforms, and related operations.
- Chemical industry: production of sulfuric acid, sulfides, detergents, and fertilizers may contain H2S and pose risks to workers.
- Wastewater treatment plants, particularly anaerobic processes, can generate H2S.
- Mining, tunneling, drilling, and related work may expose workers to H2S if the soil or water contains sulfur compounds.
- Organic fertilizer production and certain agricultural activities can produce H2S in low-oxygen conditions.
- Other occupations with potential H2S exposure.
These occupations require strict adherence to safety regulations and appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) to reduce H2S exposure and safeguard health.
4. How H2S affects workers’ comfort
H2S can negatively affect worker comfort in the workplace. Main impacts include:
- Unpleasant odor makes the work environment uncomfortable, causing fatigue and reduced work efficiency.
- Inhalation can irritate and damage the respiratory system, causing breathing difficulties, wheezing, or chest pain that hinders physical activities.
- Nervous system effects: headaches, dizziness, numbness, and neurological damage.
- Digestive effects: nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, which can reduce comfort and focus.
- H2S is considered toxic and can cause serious health issues, including cardiovascular, central nervous system, and organ damage, reducing overall comfort and quality of life.
5. Permissible H2S exposure limits at workplaces
According to QCVN 03:2019/BYT – National technical regulation on permissible exposure limits for 50 chemical agents at workplaces:
Table 1. Maximum permissible exposure limits for chemical agents at workplaces.
Unit: mg/m3
| No. | Chemical Name | Chemical Name (English) | Chemical Formula | Molecular Weight | CAS Number | TWA | STEL | IARC Group |
| 31 | Hydro sulfide | Hydrogen sulfide | H2S | 34.08 | 7783-06-4 | 10 | 15 | – |
6. Diseases caused by long-term exposure to H2S
Long-term H2S exposure can cause serious health issues, including:
- Nervous system: insomnia, fatigue, dizziness, headaches, reduced productivity, and higher risk of accidents.
- Respiratory system: difficulty breathing, pneumonia, sinusitis, coughing (sometimes with blood), and risk of severe lung diseases like acute pneumonia and respiratory failure.
- Cardiovascular system: heart failure, hypertension, and risk of heart attack and stroke.
- Digestive system: nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, and gastrointestinal infections.
High concentrations of H2S can also be fatal. Avoid long-term exposure to protect health.
7. Measures to reduce the impact of H2S on workers’ health
Measures include:
- Install proper ventilation and exhaust fans in H2S-exposed areas to remove toxic gas and supply fresh air.
- Use PPE such as masks, safety glasses, gloves, etc., to prevent direct contact with H2S.
- Worker training: Train workers on health protection measures so they can protect themselves in hazardous environments.
- Regularly inspect and maintain H2S detection equipment to ensure accuracy and safety.
- Apply risk management measures: minimize exposure using technical controls like process isolation, H2S reduction, advanced gas treatment technology, and compliance with occupational safety regulations.
- Periodic health checks for workers exposed to H2S to detect early health issues and implement preventive measures.
- Regular workplace environmental monitoring to collect and analyze harmful factors, adjust risks, and prevent occupational diseases.
8. National Workplace Environmental Monitoring Center
Nam Viet Workplace Environmental Monitoring Center is a professional unit specializing in monitoring and measuring workplace environmental quality across all provinces in Vietnam. With an experienced team of monitoring specialists, the center uses modern measuring equipment to ensure accuracy and reliability.
REGISTER FOR WORKPLACE ENVIRONMENT MONITORING SERVICE
Besides monitoring services, the center assists clients in planning, handling, and tracking workplace environmental issues. With the motto “customer-centered,” the center ensures customer satisfaction, meets all client needs, and commits to providing the best solutions for businesses.
With investments in technology and skilled personnel, Nam Viet’s monitoring center has become one of the leading units in workplace environmental monitoring in Ho Chi Minh City with goals:
- We prioritize our brand reputation and service quality.
- We provide the best and most suitable solutions for clients.
- Alongside experienced MSc and engineers, aiming to protect the environment and benefit businesses.
- Working with Nam Viet Environmental Monitoring, companies receive professional services from experts, along with the best cost advantages.
9. Pricing for workplace environmental monitoring
To help businesses carry out professional and efficient workplace environmental monitoring, Nam Viet provides pricing tables for workplace environmental monitoring services with quality and reasonable cost.
- Our pricing table provides detailed cost information for all monitoring services, including travel, measurement, analysis, and reporting. Clients can trust the accuracy and reliability of our monitoring reports.
- We commit to competitive and reasonable pricing and provide quick, professional consultation on all monitoring services.
- Clients can easily select service packages that suit their needs, and we ensure maximum satisfaction with professional service quality.
