Hydrogen sulfide: why is it dangerous to health? Poisoning symptoms. Hydrogen sulfide poisoning consequences for the body Signs of hydrogen sulfide poisoning in mild form

Hydrogen sulfide is extremely rare in nature, but widespread in the human environment. You can come across poisonous gas, which has an unpleasant smell of "rotten eggs", at home and at work. Even in the intestine, this compound is found in small concentrations. It is impossible to avoid contact with hydrogen sulfide, and poisoning is easy. The poisonous compound is highly volatile and enters the body through the respiratory tract or absorbed through the skin. In a severe form of poisoning, a violation of the cardiovascular and respiratory systems occurs, the development of a coma and death is possible.

What is hydrogen sulfide and where you can encounter it

Hydrogen sulfide is a poisonous gas that has a higher density compared to air. The compound is poorly soluble in water, well in ethanol. Includes two parts hydrogen and one part sulfur. Hydrogen sulfide is found in volcanic waste and in deep layers of sea water.

How is it obtained and where it is found

Hydrogen sulphide is produced by the interaction of dilute acids with sulfides, by mixing chemical compounds of aluminum with water, and by fusing paraffin with sulfur. It is used in analytical chemistry as a reagent that precipitates heavy metals characterized by low solubility. In medicine, hydrogen sulfide is used as an ingredient in medicinal baths and mineral waters. It is used in organic synthesis to obtain mercaptans, sulfuric acid, sulfides and elemental sulfur.

Recently, hydrogen sulphide has been considered as a chemical and energy raw material.

Natural compound occurs:

in the smelting of pig iron, the production of asphalt, the production of cellulose and viscose;
in laboratory conditions when obtaining copper and silver salts;
in sewer waters and cesspools.

The human body normally contains 0.1-0.5 liters of intestinal gases. Trace concentrations are attributed to hydrogen sulfide. This is normal and not harmful. With congestion and with an excess of protein food, the concentration of the poisonous gas increases, which has a negative effect on.

Biological role

The endogenous form of hydrogen sulfide is produced in small quantities in mammalian cells, including humans. The poisonous gas has biological and signaling functions. It is the third in the list of "gas transmitters" after carbon monoxide and nitric oxide. In the body, it is formed from cysteine under the influence of certain enzymes. It plays the role of an antispasmodic - relaxes smooth muscles, and also exhibits activity in the area of the central nervous system, contributing to the activation of long-term memory.

Experts have found that the endogenous form of hydrogen sulphide is a vital factor in protecting the body from the development of heart and vascular diseases. As an example, we can consider the cardioprotective properties of garlic, when consumed in the body, allicin catabolism into hydrogen sulfide occurs.

When carrying out "hydrogen sulfide therapy", a poisonous gas donor, diallyl trisulfide, is used to increase its level in the blood. With the help of this element, it is possible to remove free radicals from the body and reduce the risks of developing myocardial infarction, increase blood flow in the area of small vessels, expanding them.

Where can you get poisoned?

Hydrogen sulphide poisoning occurs most often in laboratory, industrial premises and cesspools in which the gas concentration is exceeded - more than 10 mg / m 3. The degree of intoxication of the body depends not only on the amount of hydrogen sulfide in the air, but also on the duration of exposure.

The lethal dose is 830 mg / m 3 for half an hour or 1100 mg / m 3 for 5 minutes.

Most often, poisoning occurs in production when safety measures are violated and technological processes are not followed. Employees of various enterprises where hydrogen sulfide is released or used can face such a problem in emergency situations. Most often, the development of chronic intoxication is observed, when production workers are constantly in contact with small doses of poisonous gas.

Poisoning symptoms

Hydrogen sulfide is highly toxic. Inhaling air, which contains an increased level of hydrogen sulfide, a person experiences dizziness, nausea and headache. If we are talking about a significant concentration, then there are convulsions and pulmonary edema. Such an outcome of poisoning as a coma is not excluded. If the level of hydrogen sulphide is maximum, then instant death is possible.

If a person comes into contact with small doses of hydrogen sulfide in the air, then he quickly adapts to an unpleasant odor and ceases to feel it. At the same time, there is a metallic sweetish taste in the mouth.

Acute hydrogen sulfide poisoning varies in severity:

Mild intoxication - characterized by the irritating effect of poisonous gas, in which symptoms such as lacrimation, profuse rhinitis, reddening of the conjunctiva and the sensation of a foreign object in the eyes, tickling and burning in the nasopharynx, and hoarseness are observed.
Moderate degree - local symptoms are complemented by signs of systemic damage - nausea, vomiting, weakness, diarrhea, heart palpitations, cyanotic skin staining, impaired coordination and hypotension.
Severe poisoning - accompanied by cardiac dysfunctions (arrhythmia, tachycardia) and disruptions in the respiratory system (shortness of breath, unproductive shallow breathing). With a severe form of damage to the body, a neurotoxic effect is observed, which is characterized by psychomotor agitation, depression of consciousness and a state of euphoria. Most often, the victim is inaccessible to contact or is stunned.

Rapid death occurs only when the body is exposed to an extremely high concentration of poisonous gas (1000 g / m 3). We are talking about an apoplectic or fulminant form of poisoning. After just a few breaths, clonic and toxic convulsions appear, the victim loses consciousness and falls into a coma. With paralysis of the vasomotor and respiratory center, death occurs. In the case of a favorable course, the coma is replaced by motor excitement and deep sleep.

Possible complications

After poisoning with hydrogen sulphide, in most cases, the following undesirable consequences develop:

bronchopneumonia and bronchitis;
dermatitis, eczema and loss of vision;
disorders of the digestive system;
frequent migraines and thyroid diseases;
cardiovascular disease and renal failure.

In the chronic form of poisoning, complications such as rhinitis, laryngotracheitis, conjunctivitis and various lesions of the nervous system are possible.

First aid for hydrogen sulfide poisoning

The antidote of hydrogen sulphide is methylene blue solution (concentration 1%). It is administered intravenously at a dosage of 50-100 ml.

In the absence of an antidote in the first aid kit, you can provide first aid as follows:

Take the victim away from the place where the poisoning occurred.
Free your neck from tight clothes - take off your tie, open your blouse or shirt.
If possible, do oxygen inhalation.
Rinse the mucous membranes with water and drip a solution of "Dikain" (concentration 0.5%) into the eyes.
If the poison enters, the stomach should be washed.
If the poisoning is mild, then you can drink a glass of warm milk with the addition of baking soda or mineral water without gases.

It is imperative to call an ambulance to prevent the development of serious complications and, in some cases, save lives. In severe poisoning, only inpatient treatment is possible. The patient is prescribed pain relievers, antihistamines and hormones. In the event of disturbances from the respiratory system, oxygen is inhaled and the functioning of vital organs and systems is corrected.

In case of poisoning with hydrogen sulfide, in no case should ammonia be used if the victim is unconscious. It enters into a reaction with hydrogen sulfide vapor, which is fraught with the appearance of burns on the mucous membrane. Instead of ammonia, you can use a chlorine solution, which is applied to a napkin and held close to the victim's nasal passages.

Measures for the prevention of hydrogen sulfide poisoning

You can prevent poisonous gas intoxication with the help of preventive measures:

comply with industrial safety regulations;
use a respirator or gas mask, protective clothing, goggles and shoes;
do not neglect regular medical examinations.

Conclusion

In case of mild to moderate hydrogen sulfide poisoning, the victim can leave the room in a normal state and after a few hours feel bad and even die. With a severe form of damage to the body, a rapid loss of consciousness occurs due to a violation of the processes of blood circulation and respiration. Hydrogen sulphide can enter houses through sewer pipes if the cesspool is not properly maintained. If an incident occurs at night, the occupants may not wake up.

Hydrogen sulfide poisoning, unfortunately, is not uncommon. In order to avoid intoxication, preventive recommendations should be followed.

The first signs of hydrogen sulfide poisoning: there is a runny nose, itching, cough, acute pain in the eyes, headache, nausea. Disturbances in the work of the nervous system, deterioration in the work of the digestive system. When a toxic substance reaches 0.05%, a lethal outcome occurs, the effect occurs on all organs of the body.

Hydrogen sulfide is highly volatile. Once in the body, it is absorbed through the mucous membrane of the respiratory tract and intact skin; disrupts the nervous system.

More often, intoxication occurs in production, where the permissible norm is exceeded - 10 mg / m3. Death in humans occurs at a concentration of 830 mg / m3, if the gas acts on the body for half an hour. At a concentration of 1100 mg / m3 for 5 minutes of influence.

Acute manifestations of intoxication occur for the following reasons:

violation of workplace safety rules;
not adhering to the rules of conducting technological processes;
inability to behave in emergency situations.

It is easy to get poisoned by small doses of hydrogen sulphide when inhaling industrial air. The presence of gas in the air entails professional hydrogen sulfide intoxication. Domestic poisoning is rare.

Symptoms, signs and stages

The acute reaction of the toxin falls on the mucous membrane of the eyes. After the toxicity of the substance is able to affect the nervous system, the organs of the digestive tract are damaged.

Symptoms of hydrogen sulfide intoxication:

when gas is inhaled in the mouth, a feature arises - the taste of metal; runny nose begins, bakes in the sinuses; a person constantly sneezes, saliva is abundantly secreted;
puffiness of the membrane of the eyes, opacity of the cornea is manifested; pain and photophobia are present; strong concentration leads to damage to the structure of the lining of the eyes and blindness;
the appearance of lesions on the skin is possible - burns of 2-3 degrees, the patient develops a state of shock;
the defeat of the respiratory system is accompanied by a burning sensation and itching in the throat; there is nausea, dizziness, pain in the chest; coordination of movement is impaired. Bronchitis occurs, when coughing, blood comes out with sputum. Complication - bronchopneumonia disease;
there is a severe loss of strength, headache, blood pressure decreases; the body temperature rises, a state of stunning is felt in the ears; overexcitation of the nervous system, fainting occurs;
the gas content leads to convulsive coma (the patient loses consciousness in convulsions). There is a suspension of blood flow, paralysis of the respiratory muscles. Stopping breathing is fatal.

According to the severity of the poisoning, the following stages are distinguished.

Lightweight. Damage to the mucous membranes. The patient's organs are functioning normally.
Average. Violation of the digestive system, nervous system. Symptoms: gagging, weakness, dizziness, the onset of lung disease.
Heavy. Damage to the victim's organs. Disruption of the heart, shortness of breath, shortness of breath; hypotension, threadlike pulse; loss of consciousness, coma.

Neurotoxic effects arise through oppression of consciousness and psychomotor agitation, euphoria arises. The patient is stunned, does not feel contact with the environment, a coma may occur. There is a likelihood of developing a fulminant or apoplectic form of poisoning when exposed to a toxin concentration of 1000 mg / m3 and higher.

Symptoms: tonic and clonic seizures, loss of consciousness, coma. Death is possible when paralysis of the respiratory, vasomotor center occurs.

Chronic gas intoxication is manifested by the following symptoms:

asthenic-vegetative syndrome, accompanied by weakness, emotional instability;
increased sweating, wet feet, palms;
reduced sensitivity of vision, hearing;
women experience hormonal imbalance.

Sometimes acute poisoning occurs. Upon inhalation, the patient receives a high dose of gas and suffocates to death.

First aid and antidote for intoxication

Providing first aid for hydrogen sulfide poisoning is important in the first minutes after poisoning.

First aid procedure:

Before the arrival of the ambulance, the patient must be removed to fresh air. Provide gas masks and respirators.
Open the jacket wide for the patient to allow oxygen.
Call an ambulance.
If the patient is not conscious, put on either side and tilt the head so that there is no blockage of breathing during vomiting.
Check pulse, heartbeat, pupil response to light with a flashlight.
To bring the patient to consciousness, it is forbidden to use ammonia, since it reacts with hydrogen sulfide and leads to burns of the mucous membrane. It is necessary to apply a chlorine solution to the fabric and bring it to the victim's nose.
If the patient is not conscious, but a pulse is present, try to revive. Gently pat on the cheeks, sprinkle the face with cold water. Do it consciously and quickly, since a coma is possible in an unconscious state.
Rinse mucous membranes thoroughly with water. To drip into the eyes the drug "Dikain" or 0.5% "Novocain".
If the substance enters the stomach, rinse with warm water.
A mild degree of intoxication involves taking warm milk with 0.5 tsp. soda. You can replace milk with soda water.

The antidote to hydrogen sulfide is methemoglobin. With a severe degree of intoxication, an antidote is introduced with a 1% solution of methylene blue in glucose. The antidote helps the formation of methemoglobin and the binding of hydrogen sulfide.

First aid for hydrogen sulfide poisoning in case of convulsions includes intravenous administration of a 40% glucose solution. You can replace 2-4 ml with Seduxen or apply Relanium.

During the first aid provided, it helps to save the life of the victim, minimizes the complications of intoxication.

When diagnosing hydrogen sulfide poisoning, the provision of medical care is indicated in 100% of cases.

Treatment of a mild degree of intoxication is symptomatic: anti-shock therapy helps to eliminate the collaptoid state.

The convulsive state includes the use of sedatives.

The introduction of painkillers, antihistamines, hormonal medications is shown.

Oxygen inhalation is used to maintain the body's respiratory system. Drugs are used to maintain the functioning of the liver and kidneys, aimed at restoring the normal functioning of the cardiovascular system.

After the tests, the doctor determines the duration of treatment in the hospital, depending on the results.

Treatment with hydrogen sulfide baths is used. Baths contain mineral waters with gas. A distinction is made between weak, medium and highly sulfide treatments. Help with the following diseases:

diseases of the skin;
diseases of the nervous system;
with violations of the thyroid gland;
cardiovascular problems.

Procedures are contraindicated for patients with diseases of the respiratory system, pulmonary tuberculosis, after secondary myocardial infarction, with renal failure.

Possible consequences for the body

The influence of high concentrations of hydrogen sulfide and carbon dioxide for a child and an adult leads to negative effects. The organs of vision are affected, damage to the nervous, digestive system and skin is rarely manifested.

The following manifestations for the body occur:

decreased visual acuity;
bronchitis;
pulmonary edema;
conjunctivitis;
asthma;
thyroid disease;
sclerosis;
eczema;
migraine;
pancreatitis;
hepatitis;
myocardial infarction.

High concentration of hydrogen sulfide toxicity is life-threatening for the patient. To avoid complications, it is necessary to strictly adhere to safety rules and apply protective equipment when in contact with gas.

In case of poisoning, you should quickly help the victim, call an ambulance, rinse the mucous membranes with plenty of water. Check for the presence of pulse, heartbeat. If necessary, revive with a cloth soaked in chlorine solution. With a mild degree, the intake of milk with soda is prescribed. In severe cases, the antidote methemoglobin is administered.

This compound is widespread in the human environment. Knowing the characteristic signs of hydrogen sulfide poisoning and the methods of first aid, you can save the life of the victim.

What is hydrogen sulfide?

Hydrogen sulfide is a poisonous gas with a pungent, unpleasant odor, similar to rotten eggs, and having a higher density than air. It can dissolve in water. Its chemical composition is 2 parts hydrogen and 1 part sulfur.

Most often, it can be found in the following conditions:

Habitat. In nature, it is found in volcanic fumes, mineral springs, in sea water, as well as in the decay of certain organic substances.
Industrial and mining activities. Chemical reactions occurring in the process of human activity lead to the formation of this compound. For example, in the production of pig iron, cellulose and asphalt, the activities of oil companies.
Chemical activity. This substance is released under laboratory conditions in the process of working with copper and silver salts, as well as during wastewater treatment. Some dyes also contain this compound.
In the human body, the intestinal gases normally contain a small proportion of hydrogen sulfide. With congestion in the intestine, its concentration can increase significantly.

How does the poisoning happen?

Despite the fact that it has a small distribution in our everyday life, hydrogen sulfide poisoning happens quite often. This happens mainly through the respiratory tract, but at a high concentration, you can get poisoned even through the integument of the skin, which is not damaged.

The danger of this connection is that after a short period of time a person gets used to the smell and no longer notices it. In small quantities, it is constantly present in the air and does not pose a danger. In the case when the concentration in the air reaches the level of 0.01%, intoxication of the body occurs.

Such cases occur most often when:

industrial accidents;
violation of general safety measures at enterprises;
violation of process technology.

For example, reports of poisoning came from the Internet media "Caucasian Knot". They said that the release of this gas occurred during the development of oil wells and in the process of excavation.

Symptoms of hydrogen sulfide poisoning

Initially, the mucous membranes react, then the parts of the nervous system and the digestive organs fail. Symptoms of hydrogen sulfide poisoning are manifested as follows:

Inhaling a small amount of hydrogen sulfide compound in the air, there is a metal taste, runny nose, burning sensation, sneezing, profuse salivation.
Exposure to the eyes is characterized by edema, redness, sharp pain, split eyes, changes in the iris and corneal opacity. Photophobia is present, even some time after the defeat. A high concentration of the compound leads to irreversible damage to the structures of the eye and blindness.
When exposed to the skin, redness or even 2-3 degree burns may appear. If a large area of skin is affected, shock develops.
Poisoning also significantly affects the human respiratory system. This is manifested by burning and itching in the throat, hoarseness, nausea, dizziness, poor coordination, chest pain, coughing. Most often, bronchitis manifests itself, with a strong cough, sputum with blood can be released. Sometimes a complication in the form of bronchopneumonia develops.
To all other signs are added fatigue, headache, drop in blood pressure, fever, a feeling of deafness, overexcitation of the nervous system, fainting is not uncommon.
A high concentration of hydrogen sulfide leads to a severe form of poisoning, in which a "convulsive" coma develops: a person loses consciousness and seizures occur. After that, there is a likelihood of a sharp depression of blood circulation and paralysis of the respiratory muscles. Stopping breathing leads to death. But there is also a favorable prognosis when the coma goes into deep sleep.

Knowing the signs of hydrogen sulfide poisoning, 3 degrees of severity can be distinguished:

Light - characterized by damage to only the mucous membranes, the functioning of the vital systems of the body is not disturbed.
Medium - disrupts the normal functioning of the digestive system and the nervous system. There is nausea and vomiting, weakness, dizziness, and lung diseases develop.
Severe - affects almost the entire body: the work of the heart is disrupted, breathing becomes difficult, the person loses consciousness, and then a coma sets in.

There is also a possibility of developing rapid poisoning when, in a short period of time, due to a very high concentration of hydrogen sulfide, a person dies of suffocation.

First aid

The time of first aid for hydrogen sulfide poisoning and its quality directly affects the further recovery of the patient. Until the medical team arrives, a number of manipulations can be performed that will significantly alleviate the patient's condition, and, possibly, save his life.

Since poisoning with a hydrogen sulfide compound mainly occurs in closed rooms in production, you first need to provide an influx of fresh air. The patient must be immediately taken out of the room.

Before entering such a room, it is necessary to provide yourself and the victim with special protective equipment: respirators, gas masks, in extreme cases - improvised means.

After taking the patient out into the air, you should take off the embarrassing clothing or unfasten it, untie the tie knot, etc.
Call an ambulance as soon as possible.
In case of unconsciousness, lay the patient on one side or tilt his head so that when vomiting occurs, he does not choke.
To assess the patient's condition, the pulse and heartbeat, the reaction of the pupils are checked. If there is no pulse, the victim is resuscitated with chest compressions and artificial respiration, until medical attention arrives.
With this type of poisoning, ammonia is not used to bring the patient to life. Since it has the ability to react with hydrogen sulfide vapor, which will lead to burns of the mucous membranes. Instead, a chlorine solution is used, which is applied to a napkin and brought to the nose of the poisoned person.
A person with a pulse, but unconscious, must be brought to life by any available means. If there are no medical solutions nearby, you can sprinkle cold water on your face, pat on your cheeks. In an unconscious state, breathing may stop or a coma may occur.
All accessible mucous membranes are thoroughly washed with running water. Dikain or novocaine 0.5% is instilled into the eyes.
If the compound gets into the stomach, you need to rinse it with clean warm water.
With mild severity, the patient is given warm milk in which a small amount of soda is dissolved, or another alkaline liquid, for example, mineral water without gas.
For first aid, in case of convulsions, a 40% glucose solution or 2-4 ml of Seduxen or Relanium is injected intravenously.

Video: symptoms of hydrogen sulfide poisoning.

Treatment and health effects

Even if there is a mild degree of hydrogen sulfide poisoning, you need to see a doctor. Exposure to high concentrations of hydrogen sulfide leads to negative consequences and diseases of various body systems. Most often, the organs of vision and respiration are affected, less often - the nervous and digestive systems, the skin.

Bronchitis and decreased visual acuity are minimal effects to be expected. The rest may not appear immediately, but after a certain period of time. These can be - thyroid diseases, pancreatitis, hepatitis, myocardial infarction, eczema, headaches and memory impairments, etc.

In a medical institution, symptomatic therapy is carried out with the help of medications: hormonal, pain relievers, antihistamines. Depending on the severity of the poisoning, it is possible to carry out artificial oxygen inhalations, the use of drugs for the cardiovascular system, liver, kidneys, etc. The victim is in the hospital until he fully recovers and a few days later.

Prompt first aid helps minimize the damaging effects of poison gas.

Hydrogen sulfide is a rare compound that occurs naturally in the zone of activity of volcanoes, wastewater, and even in the human intestine.

And although in nature gas in high concentrations is not often found, more and more news publications draw the attention of residents of megacities to a dangerous increase in the amount of hydrogen sulfide in the air.

Therefore, you just need to know how it acts on the human body and how dangerous it is.

The characteristic smell of hydrogen sulphide cannot be overlooked, it is impossible to get used to it. The source in nature is deep-seated gases that are released during volcanic eruptions or through cracks in rocks.

It is an accompanying gas in the development of oil fields, as well as in the industrial purification of natural hydrocarbons.

In the human body, gas is produced in small quantities during the decay of organic food in the intestines and as a result of metabolic processes occurring in cells. Endogenous hydrogen sulfide plays an important role in signaling processes. It has an antispasmodic and vasodilatory effect. The gas influences the mechanism of long-term memory, affecting the transmission of nerve impulses.

In addition, scientists have found that endogenous hydrogen sulfide has a cardioprotective effect. Unlike nitric oxide, which dilates large blood vessels, hydrogen sulfide increases capillary lumen. Endogenous gases have the following effects on the body:

cytoprotective;
anti-inflammatory;
vasodilating;
antispasmodic.

These properties have led to the use of drugs that increase the production of endogenous hydrogen sulfide in therapy:

erectile dysfunction caused by vasospasm;
myocardial infarction;
Alzheimer's disease;
arterial hypertension;
Parkinson's disease.

But some diseases are caused by gas overproduction. It:

type I diabetes mellitus;
Down syndrome.

Damaging action

For the first time, the Italian physician B. Ramadzini wrote about the toxic effect of hydrogen sulfide on the human body in the 16th century.

In his work "Diseases of Workers", he described in detail the symptoms that arose in the sewer workers.

The toxic effect of hydrogen sulfide caused a new surge of interest in the problem at the beginning of the 20th century.

The insidiousness of this dangerous gas lies in the fact that when inhaled in high concentration, the olfactory function is blocked, and the person ceases to feel an unpleasant odor. Remaining near the focus of hydrogen sulfide emission, a person is exposed to mortal danger.

Regular intake of small doses of hydrogen sulfide into the body causes chronic poisoning due to the cumulative effect. In addition to good solubility in water, the gas is highly soluble in alcohols and lipids. It is this property that determines the high penetrating ability of the substance through the blood-brain barrier and the neurotoxic properties of hydrogen sulfide.

Gas passes through the cytomembranes of cells and affects the processes of metabolism, gas exchange and energy production, causing tissue hypoxia. It does not require the use of special transport systems, therefore it has high bioavailability. The ability of hydrogen sulfide to dissolve in water with the formation of sulfuric acid determines the cauterizing effect of the gas on the epidermis and mucous membranes of the respiratory system, as well as the organs of vision.

Penetrating into the body, the gas blocks cytochrome oxidase, a special enzyme responsible for the process of cellular gas exchange. In addition to tissue hypoxia, hydrogen sulfide causes a transport form of oxygen starvation. Depression of the respiratory function, as a rule, is the cause of death in case of intoxication with hydrogen sulfide.

Reacting with hemoglobin, the substance forms sulfohemoglobin, which is unable to transport O 2. The blood becomes dark cherry, its rheological properties change. The gas has an exciting effect on the nervous system, which is manifested by physical and mental dysfunctions:

excessive lacrimation and salivation;
secretion of mucus in the respiratory system;
sleep disorder;
deterioration in mood, depression;
mental disorders;
excitement;
hallucinations.

The complex endogenous and exogenous effect of hydrogen sulfide on the body causes a number of symptoms characteristic of inhalation intoxication with gaseous substances.

Depending on the effect of the gas on various organs and tissues, a number of symptoms are noted that should alert the victim, especially when the toxin is slowly injected.

Subjective symptoms of poisoning are manifested in the form of patient complaints about:

runny nose;
cough;
burning and pain in the eyes;
lacrimation;
photophobia;
headache;
metallic taste in the mouth;
cold sweat;
dyspeptic disorders;
dizziness;
tachycardia;
shortness of breath and choking;
pain in the chest;
pain when urinating.

Severe consequences are caused by the ingress of hydrogen sulfide on the mucous membrane and cornea of the eyes. The cauterizing effect of the gas on the cornea causes inflammation, opacity, the addition of a secondary infection, which can result in complete blindness.

During the examination, the doctor notes a number of objective symptoms:

lowering blood pressure;
increased body temperature;
metabolic disorder;
signs of various forms of hypoxia;
dry wheezing in the lungs;
blepharospasm;
violation of urination, albuminuria;
enlargement of the liver.

At a high concentration of the toxin, coma, muscle cramps, and toxic pulmonary edema may occur. In the absence of timely treatment or a lethal concentration of gas in the inhaled air, death from respiratory arrest occurs.

Prehospital care for the victim consists of:

evacuation of the patient from the zone of exposure to toxic gas;
ensuring the flow of fresh air;
elimination of embarrassing elements of the wardrobe;
if there are traces of gas getting on the epidermis and mucous membranes, then it is necessary to wash them off with plenty of water;
rinse eyes and put a cold lotion on the eyelids;
to reduce photophobia, you can wear dark glasses to the victim;
call an ambulance.

In a hospital setting, the patient is inhaled amyl nitrite, long-term inhalation of oxygen. If breathing stops, patient intubation and mechanical ventilation may be required. The blood is saturated with oxygen using hyperbaric oxygenation.

To reduce the severity of symptoms of intoxication, symptomatic therapy may be required:

There are no antidotes to hydrogen sulfide, but in clinical studies, good results were shown by the introduction of a 10% solution of glucuronate CA and mildronate, as well as the immunocorrector Leakadin, methylene blue.

If you find signs of chronic intoxication, you should immediately consult a doctor, since the consequences of prolonged stay in an area with a high content of hydrogen sulfide in the atmosphere can be severe.

A person encounters hydrogen sulfide quite often. In small quantities, this substance is not dangerous. Sometimes hydrogen sulfide poisoning goes unnoticed.

If the gas enters the human body in a large volume, symptoms of intoxication occur.

What is hydrogen sulfide

This term is understood as a colorless gas that has the chemical formula H 2 S and is easily ignited. It has a specific flavor of rotten eggs. This harmful toxin can lead to acute poisoning. Without adequate therapy, even a small amount of a substance significantly impairs health.

The release of hydrogen sulfide is due to the decay of organic matter - rocks and sulfide elements. Therefore, this substance is found in the gas, coke, and oil industries. Water containing this element is present in drains and sewers. This gas is located in the area of the outlet of sulfuric mineral waters to the surface of the earth and in the area of organic waste storage.

People who purify drains and work with tunnels, wells, pumping stations are more exposed to intoxication. Often, employees of chemical laboratories and miners face this problem. The substance is characterized by the third hazard class and is approximately 5-10 times inferior in toxicity to cyanide.

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The mechanism of development of poisoning

Hydrogen sulfide is highly volatile. Therefore, it enters the body mainly through the respiratory system. However, sometimes the substance penetrates the intact dermis.

The gas is highly toxic and therefore irritating to the mucous membranes of the respiratory tract and eyes. It provokes abnormal lesions of the central nervous system.

Just like cyanides, hydrogen sulfide leads to the inhibition of oxidative enzymes and provokes respiratory failure in the structure of tissues. Hydrogen sulfide poisoning can occur when you are in rooms in which there is an excess of the maximum permissible concentration of the substance.

The severity of intoxication depends on the amount of hydrogen sulfide in the air and the duration of exposure. For example, the lethal dose is 830 mg / m³, which lasts for half an hour, or 1100 mg / m³ for 5 minutes.

Intoxication with this substance is usually acute. You can get poisoned in such situations:

accidents;
violation of technology;
non-observance of safety regulations.

Quite often, workers in industries that use hydrogen sulfide are faced with systematic exposure to small amounts of gas. This becomes the cause of chronic occupational intoxication.

Poisoning symptoms

Signs of hydrogen sulfide poisoning depend on the severity of the intoxication. It can be light, medium, or heavy. The gas enters the body through the respiratory system and, above all, affects the nervous system. Then problems arise in the functioning of other systems.

When exposed to a small concentration of hydrogen sulfide, a person develops a metallic taste in the mouth. He quickly gets used to the smell and stops feeling it.

Symptoms of mild hydrogen sulfide poisoning are as follows:

weakness;
headache;
pain in the eyes;
sore throat, hoarseness, cough and shortness of breath;
itching sensation in the nose, rhinitis;
increased heart rate;
rashes on the skin.

With moderate intoxication, tracheobronchitis develops, an inflammation of the lungs, which can turn into edema. During coughing, there is a release of phlegm with bloody impurities. The person may have a feeling of tightness in the chest.

When the substance is exposed to the eyes, swelling and redness of the conjunctiva is observed. In addition, iris lesions and corneal opacities occur. A person has double vision, photophobia develops. Subsequently, there is a risk of complete loss of vision.

When the digestive system is affected, nausea and vomiting occur. The nervous system reacts to poisoning with impaired consciousness, intense headache, dizziness. Often there is a loss of balance, convulsive syndrome. Agitation or apathy may also occur.

In addition, moderate poisoning is accompanied by systemic disorders - a slight increase in temperature and a drop in pressure, which can provoke a collapse or fainting.

Severe intoxication is characterized by the following manifestations:

acute insufficiency of the heart and blood vessels;
inhibition of respiratory and nervous system functions;
loss of reactions to irritants;
muscle cramps against the background of loss of consciousness;
acute kidney failure;
coma.

If the victim is not provided with medical assistance in a timely manner, death will occur. It is caused by paralysis of the respiratory muscles.

If a small amount of toxic gas constantly enters the human body, chronic intoxication occurs. It manifests itself in the form of permanent pathologies that have a sluggish course. In such a situation, the following manifestations are observed:

runny nose;
conjunctivitis;
arterial hypotension;
laryngotracheitis;
vegetative polyneuritis.

First aid for poisoning

To avoid dangerous health consequences, it is very important to follow the rules of first aid. So what to do when symptoms of intoxication appear?

First aid for hydrogen sulfide poisoning is as follows:

If a toxic gas enters the respiratory system, the person must be immediately taken to fresh air.
To ensure a full flow of oxygen, the victim must unbutton all clothing.
If necessary, you should carry out resuscitation measures that will help bring a person to life. However, first aid is prohibited with the help of ammonia - this substance will only aggravate the situation. In this case, it is better to use a chlorine solution.
The mouth and eyes should be rinsed with warm water.
With a mild degree of intoxication, you can give the victim milk with a small amount of baking soda.
After providing assistance in case of poisoning, you need to provide the patient with complete rest by covering him with a warm blanket.

Thanks to the correct provision of first aid for hydrogen sulfide poisoning, the life of the victim can be saved. Therefore, all people who are forced to come into contact with this substance should know how to cope with the symptoms of intoxication.

Treatment methods

If you suspect poisoning with this substance, you must immediately take the victim to a hospital. Treatment of this type of intoxication is necessarily carried out in a hospital setting.

Symptomatic therapy is usually prescribed. So, in a state of collapse, anti-shock agents are shown, and in case of convulsions, sedatives are administered.

Methemoglobin is considered the antidote to hydrogen sulfide. In case of severe intoxication, chromosmon or a solution of methylene blue in glucose with a concentration of 1% is administered. As a result, methemoglobin is produced, which binds the harmful gas.

Possible consequences

If you do not provide help to a person in time, dangerous consequences are possible. These include the following:

persistent headaches;
a steady rise in temperature, which is accompanied by chills;
conjunctivitis;
dermatitis and eczema;
diseases of the digestive system of toxic origin - these include, in particular, pancreatitis, hepatitis;
myocardial infarction;
kidney failure;
bronchitis, pneumonia, edema;
pathology of the thyroid gland;
encephalopathy.

Prophylaxis

In order to prevent poisoning with this substance, you need to adhere to the basic recommendations:

follow safety rules at work;
wear personal protective equipment when in contact with harmful gas;
systematically undergo medical examinations.

Hydrogen sulfide intoxication is a very dangerous condition that can lead to serious complications for the body. To avoid complications, it is very important to promptly provide the victim with first aid and deliver him to a medical facility.