“Death may come on like a stroke of lightening ...”

Abstract

Due to the decomposition of biological material, hydrogen sulphide (H2S) is produced. In low concentrations, the well-known smell of "rotten eggs" is associated with H2S. In higher concentrations, H2S is an odourless and colourless gas that may cause rapid loss of consciousness, neurological and respiratory depression and imminent death--"... like a stroke of lightening". Hydrogen sulphide poisoning is an un-common incident that is often associated with colleague fatalities. In this study, 4 fatal accidents with 10 deceased victims are reported and the morphological and phenomenological aspects are presented. In these cases, the morphological findings, namely, discolouration of the livores, pulmonary pathologies and sub-mucosal or sub-serosal congestion bleeding were found in nearly all cases. Also the impending threat for colleagues, first aid helpers and professional rescue teams is demonstrated. The suspicion of a fatal H2S intoxication should be based on a precise scene analysis with respect to the possibility of life-threatening H2S intoxication for the helpers, the typical scent of rotten eggs, which may be noted on the corpses and the abovementioned morphological findings. The diagnosis should be confirmed by a qualitative and, if possible, quantitative analysis of H2S.

Characteristics of pollutant gas releases from swine, dairy, beef, and layer manure, and municipal wastewater

“…Hydrogen sulfide is a prominent gaseous constituent in animal buildings and manure storage (Hooser et al, 2000). It has been considered the most dangerous gas from livestock production systems and was responsible for deaths of many animals and farm workers at animal facilities (e.g., Beaver and Field, 2007;Oesterhelweg and Puschel, 2008). Concentrations of H 2 S ranging from 0 to 2 ppm (part per million) were reported in animal buildings (e.g., Clark and McQuitty, 1987;Ni et al, 2002Ni et al, , 2012.…”

Incomplete understanding of biogas chemical hazards — Serious gas poisoning accident while unloading food waste at biogas plant

“…Hydrogen sulfide is a colorless, poisonous, flammable and irritant gas with a strong odor of rotten eggs. The toxicity of H₂S is similar to that of cyanide [14]. The exposure-response relationship for acute effects can be very steep.…”

“…Due to the higher density than air, released H₂S can accumulate on the surface of un-disturbed manure in pits. The greatest H₂S danger is present during agitation and pumping of the pit content [14].…”

Dexamethasone Ameliorates H2S-Induced Acute Lung Injury by Alleviating Matrix Metalloproteinase-2 and -9 Expression

“…And the toxic effects of H 2 S depend on its concentration and the duration of exposure. It is immediately fatal when concentrations are 500–1,000 ppm, while exposed to lower concentrations(10–500 ppm), various respiratory symptoms that range from rhinitis to acute lung injury(ALI)/acute respiratory distress syndrome(ARDS) may occur, of all, the respiratory failure of ALI/ARDS has been largely attributed to death in H 2 S poisoning [6]–[8].…”