Working environment factors
How does Hydrogen Sulfide affect workers’ health?
Jan
Hydrogen sulphide (H2S) is a toxic substance that can cause serious health effects to workers in manufacturing plants. This article will provide detailed information about the harms that H2S can cause and how to protect the health of workers when working with this chemical.
1. What is Hydrogen sulphide?
Hydrogen sulphide (H2S) is a chemical compound with the formula H2S, where “H” represents the element Hydrogen and “S” is Sulfur. It is a colorless gas with a characteristic rotten egg smell, which is very easy to recognize when present in the air. H2S is highly toxic, as it can be dangerous to human health even at low concentrations.
H2S gas is formed mainly in industrial processes such as oil and gas production, wastewater treatment plants, or in mineral extraction activities. It can also occur in natural areas such as swamps or hot springs due to organic decomposition reactions. Although known for its characteristic foul odor, H2S may not be easily noticeable in an odorless environment because it has the ability to paralyze human senses at high concentrations.
In industry, especially in manufacturing plants that use or produce H2S, the presence of this gas requires strict control and prevention measures to protect the health of workers and the working environment.
| No. | Chemical Name in Vietnamese | Chemical Name in English | HS Code | CAS Number | Chemical Formula |
| 1. | Hydro sunfua | Hydrogen sulphide | 28139000 | 7783-06-04 | H2S |
See more about the chemical safety training service according to Decree 113/2017/ND-CP
REGISTER FOR CHEMICAL OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY TRAINING ACCORDING TO DECREE 113
2. Where does Hydrogen sulphide originate from in the production process?
In the production process, H2S gas is mainly generated from oil and gas extraction, petroleum refining, or in natural gas processing plants. When sulfur-containing compounds in petroleum or natural gas are decomposed or transformed, H2S gas is produced. This process occurs when organic matter decomposes under anaerobic conditions, such as in underground mining areas or in wastewater treatment systems.
In addition, this gas can also be generated from chemical manufacturing plants, especially in processes that produce or use sulfur compounds, such as sulfuric acid or industrial cleaning agents. Wastewater treatment plants or areas with organic fermentation processes can also be sources of H2S, as microorganisms decompose sulfur-containing organic matter.
In heavy industries, particularly paper, rubber, and steel production plants, the process of treating exhaust gases or chemical reactions can produce H2S gas as a byproduct. Flue gas cleaning systems, if not well maintained and controlled, can also contribute to the generation of this toxic gas in the working environment.
3. Industries that use Hydrogen sulphide in production
Many industries use H2S in production, especially those related to oil and gas extraction and processing. In the oil and gas industry, H2S is a common byproduct during the extraction and processing of natural gas and crude oil. When oil or natural gas is extracted from sulfur-containing reservoirs, H2S is often separated and treated in processing plants.
The chemical manufacturing industry is also one of the sectors that uses H2S in its production processes. H2S can be used in the production of sulfuric acid, plastics, rubber, and other chemical products. In addition, H2S is also used in the production of sulfur-containing compounds, which helps to enhance the properties of materials or increase the efficiency of chemical reactions.
In the food processing and wastewater industries, H2S can appear as a byproduct from the decomposition of organic matter. Although it is not a primary component in production, the presence of H2S is still noteworthy in these processes, especially in oxygen-deficient environments or in wastewater treatment systems.
The pulp and paper industries also use H2S in the production process, particularly in the bleaching and pulp treatment stages. This process sometimes produces H2S gas as a byproduct, especially when sulfur-containing raw materials are used.
4. How does Hydrogen sulphide affect workers?
When workers are exposed to H2S gas, it can cause many dangerous health effects. H2S is a toxic substance that can enter the body through the respiratory system. At low concentrations, this gas can cause discomfort, headaches, dizziness, and nausea. As the concentration of H2S increases, the symptoms can become more severe, including loss of balance, difficulty breathing, and fatigue. In some cases, long-term exposure to H2S at high concentrations can lead to a coma or damage to the central nervous system.
H2S also irritates the eyes and respiratory tract. When inhaling this gas, workers may feel itching or burning in their eyes, coughing, or a sensation of breathlessness. These symptoms can reduce a worker’s ability to work and affect their long-term health. If the level of exposure is too high, this gas can cause serious damage to the lungs and respiratory organs, and can even lead to death if not treated promptly.
Furthermore, H2S can affect the body’s physiological functions, reducing a worker’s cognitive abilities and reaction times, which leads to an increased risk of occupational accidents in production environments. This is particularly dangerous in industries where workers must operate heavy equipment and machinery, as a loss of concentration can lead to unwanted incidents.
5. Permissible safe concentration of Hydrogen sulphide for human exposure
The permissible safe concentration of H2S for human exposure is regulated by health and occupational safety organizations to protect workers’ health. The World Health Organization (WHO) and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommend that the concentration of H2S in the air should not exceed 10 parts per million (ppm) for long-term exposure. This is the maximum permissible safe level in a work environment that does not cause direct harm to health.
Meanwhile, other organizations such as OSHA (U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration) regulate the exposure limit in the work environment at 20 ppm for an 8-hour workday. This level is considered safe and helps to minimize health risks for workers. However, for short-term exposure, the concentration can be higher but should not exceed 100 ppm, as at this level it can cause temporary discomfort and irritation.
At concentrations above 100 ppm, the health risks for workers increase rapidly. Inhaling concentrations of 100 ppm or higher for a short period can cause severe symptoms such as dizziness, nausea, difficulty breathing, and loss of cognitive function. This level can be fatal if immediate intervention is not provided.
At a basic level, when working in an industrial environment, it is important to adhere to safety standards and limit exposure to Hydrogen sulphide. Organizations such as the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) in the United States provide guidelines and safety principles to protect workers from the negative effects of chemical substances.
6. Measures to minimize the health effects of Hydrogen sulphide on workers
To minimize the effects of H2S on workers’ health, strict prevention and control measures must be implemented in the workplace. One of the most effective methods is to install a good ventilation system, which helps to reduce the concentration of H2S gas in the air. Maintaining air circulation in areas with a risk of exposure to this gas is crucial, especially in factories, oil and gas extraction sites, or wastewater treatment facilities.
In addition, personal protective equipment, such as respirators or protective suits, also plays an important role in protecting workers from the entry of H2S gas into the body. Workers must be equipped with and use this equipment correctly throughout the work process. Training and raising awareness about the risks and preventive measures are essential. Workers must be trained on how to recognize the signs of H2S exposure and the appropriate steps to take in case of an incident.
Safe work procedures must also be strictly followed, including regular inspection and maintenance of gas treatment systems, as well as prompt detection and remediation of H2S sources. There must be H2S gas concentration warning devices to provide immediate notification in case of an incident, allowing workers to evacuate the hazardous area and take response measures.
Furthermore, regular health monitoring of workers in environments with a risk of H2S exposure is a crucial factor for the early detection of health problems. Occupational physicians should conduct regular health examinations and tests to assess the impact of H2S on workers, thereby implementing appropriate interventions.
Occupational safety training: Workers must be trained and educated on the risks and safety measures when working with this type of chemical. This training should be provided periodically and regularly to ensure understanding and proper adherence to safety rules.
Periodically organize occupational environment monitoring in factories and enterprises, collect and analyze harmful factors for workers, and from there, adjust to reduce the level of harm to prevent occupational diseases for them.
7. National Occupational Environment Monitoring Center
The Occupational Environment Monitoring Center of Nam Viet is a professional unit specializing in monitoring and measuring the quality of the occupational environment across all provinces in Vietnam. With a team of experienced monitoring specialists, the center uses modern measuring equipment, ensuring accuracy and reliability.
REGISTER FOR OCCUPATIONAL ENVIRONMENT MONITORING SERVICES
In addition to providing monitoring services, the center also supports clients in planning, handling, and tracking occupational environment issues. With the motto “the customer is the center,” the center focuses on customer satisfaction, meets all customer needs, and is committed to providing the best solutions for businesses.
With investment in technology, engineering, and human resources, Nam Viet’s monitoring center has become one of the reputable units in the field of occupational environment monitoring in Ho Chi Minh City with the following objectives:
- We always value our brand reputation and the quality of our products and services.
- We provide our customers with the best and most suitable solutions possible.
- With a team of experienced Masters and Engineers with a desire to protect the environment and benefit businesses.
- With the Nam Viet Environmental Monitoring team, your company will receive professional service from experts in the monitoring field. At the same time, you will get the best cost incentives.
8. Quotation for Occupational Environment Monitoring
To help businesses conduct occupational environment monitoring professionally and effectively, Nam Viet offers our customers a price list for quality and reasonably priced occupational environment monitoring services.
- Our monitoring price list provides detailed information on the prices of the monitoring services we offer. This includes costs related to travel, measurement, analysis, and reporting of results. Customers can be completely assured of the accuracy and reliability of the monitoring result reports we provide.
- We are committed to always offering the most competitive and reasonable prices on the market, and we are also always ready to provide advice and answer any questions about our monitoring services quickly and professionally.
- With Nam Viet’s monitoring price list, customers can easily choose service packages that suit their needs. We are committed to bringing you the highest satisfaction with our professional service quality.
