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Article: Health Effects from Chronic Low-Level Exposure to Hydrogen Sulfide.
- Article from:
- Archives of Environmental Health
- Article date:
- March 1, 2001
- Author:
CopyrightCOPYRIGHT 2001 Heldref Publications. This material is published under license from the publisher through the Gale Group, Farmington Hills, Michigan. All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Gale Group. (Hide copyright information)
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HYDROGEN SULFIDE ([H.sub.2]S) is a highly toxic gas that occurs naturally in the environment (e.g., in volcanic gases, marshes, swamps, sulfur springs, decaying matter) and is a byproduct of many industrial processes, such as paper manufacturing. Ambient levels of [H.sub.2]S are not measured routinely,[1] but available information indicates levels in the low parts per billion (ppb) range.[1,2] Levels of [H.sub.2]S in industrial settings can be in the range of 0.5-10 parts per million (ppm).[3] Spills, leaks, malfunctions, or the accumulation of [H.sub.2]S in enclosed workplaces or low-lying areas can result in much higher levels that can be highly toxic and quickly lethal. ...