bubble_chart Overview

Hydrogen sulfide is a colorless gas with irritant and asphyxiating properties. Low-concentration exposure only causes local irritation to the respiratory tract and eyes, while high concentrations have more pronounced systemic effects, manifesting as central nervous system symptoms and asphyxiation symptoms. Hydrogen sulfide has a "rotten egg" odor, but extremely high concentrations quickly lead to olfactory fatigue, making the smell undetectable. It is produced in industries such as mining, smelting, beet sugar production, carbon disulfide manufacturing, organic phosphorus pesticide production, as well as leather, sulfide dyes, pigments, and animal glue production. Large amounts of hydrogen sulfide can also be released in environments where organic matter decomposes, such as swamps, sewers, septic tanks, and waste sedimentation tanks, making poisoning among workers not uncommon.

bubble_chart Etiology

Hydrogen sulfide enters the body through the respiratory tract, quickly dissolves upon contact with moisture in the respiratory tract, and combines with sodium ions to form sodium sulfide, which strongly irritates the eyes and respiratory mucous membranes. After absorption, hydrogen sulfide primarily interacts with cytochrome oxidase in the respiratory chain and disulfide bonds (-S-S-), disrupting cellular oxidation processes and causing tissue hypoxia. When inhaled at extremely high concentrations, it strongly stimulates the carotid sinus, reflexively leading to respiratory arrest; it can also directly paralyze the respiratory center, causing immediate asphyxiation and resulting in "lightning-like" death.

bubble_chart Clinical Manifestations

The clinical manifestations vary in severity depending on the concentration and duration of hydrogen sulfide inhalation. Mild cases primarily exhibit irritant symptoms, such as tearing, eye stabbing pain, runny nose, a burning sensation in the throat, or accompanied by headache, dizziness, lack of strength, nausea, and other symptoms. Examination may reveal conjunctival membrane congestion, and dry rales may be present in the lungs, with recovery occurring shortly after exposure ceases. Grade II poisoning involves aggravated mucosal irritation symptoms, including cough, chest tightness, blurred vision, conjunctival membrane edema, and corneal membrane ulcers. There are also noticeable symptoms such as headache and dizziness, accompanied by grade I consciousness impairment, with dry or moist rales heard in the lungs. Chest X-rays show enhanced lung markings or patchy shadows. Grade III poisoning results in unconsciousness, pulmonary edema, and respiratory-circulatory failure. Inhalation of extremely high concentrations (above 1000mg/m³) may lead to "lightning death." Severe poisoning may leave neurological or psychiatric sequelae.

bubble_chart Treatment Measures

Comprehensive therapy is generally adopted, with symptomatic treatment as the main approach.

1. Oxygen inhalation, glucocorticoids, and respiratory stimulants are administered.
2. Maintain the function of vital organs. Provide corresponding treatments for pulmonary edema, cerebral edema, circulatory dysfunction, and pulmonary infections.
3. Sodium nitrite can combine with sulfide ions to form sulfmethemoglobin complexes, which has been used in the rescue of acute poisoning. The dosage and precautions for use refer to the section on acute cyanide poisoning.