Skin contact with hydrogen sulfide

Adverse effects may occur at the site of contact (e.g., lungs, eyes, and skin) or systemically. Hydrogen sulfide is a local irritant at low concentrations and may be irritating to all contact surfaces (eyes, skin, and respiratory tract). Contact with the vapor may cause irritation and/or conjunctivitis to the eyes ( gas eye ) and lesions in the nasal tract. Prolonged or high-level exposure may cause more serious local effects (e.g., pulmonary edema). Exposure to hydrogen sulfide can cause neurotoxicity. 

Phosphoms(V) sulfide is a mild skin irritant and may cause dermatitis in sensitive individuals. The primary health ha2ard results from the Hberation of hydrogen sulfide after contact with moisture. Contact with moisture also forms phosphoric acid. A secondary ha2ard is the formation of sulfur dioxide when phosphoms(V) sulfide bums. The oral LD q of in rats is 389 mg/kg the OSHA standard time-weighted average (TWA) is 1 mg /m (33). 

Dermal Effects. Peeling of the facial skin was reported in one patient following probable exposure to 8-16 ppm of hydrogen sulfide, which was believed to be due to the irritant effect of the gas (Tvedt et al. 1991a, 1991b). ATSDR (1994) indicates that direct contact with liquefied hydrogen sulfide gas can cause frostbite. 

Caution Since carbon disulfide is highly flammable and hydrogen sulfide highly toxic, this reaction should be carried out in a hood, with due precaution against fire. It is also recommended that tetracyanoethylene not be allowed to come into contact with the skin. 

SAFETY PROFILE An inhalation hazard. Mildly toxic by an unspecified route. An experimental teratogen. Experimental reproductive effects. A skin and eye irritant. Flammable in the form of dust when exposed to flame. The powdered metal may ignite on contact with air or oxidants (e.g., bromine pentafluoride, bromine, chlorine trifluoride, potassium perchlorate, potassium dichromate, nitryl fluoride, fluorine, oxygen difluoride, iodine pentafluoride, hydrogen sulfide, sodium peroxide, lead(IV) oxide). 

Hydrogen sulfide is both an irritant and a chemical asphyxiant that can affect bodily functions if inhaled, swallowed, or allowed contact with eyes, skin, nose, or throat. The health effects can vary depending on the level and duration of exposrue. Also, repeated exposiue can residt in health effects occurring at levels that you may have previously tolerated without any effect. 

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