The rotten-egg smell of hydrogen sulphide often rings alarm bells in residents who live close to sewer systems, waste treatment plants or oil refineries. This is why it is a good idea for facility owners to invest in a hydrogen sulphide sensor to detect high concentrations of the gas to prevent people from getting overcome by the gas.
Not sure if you should be worried about hydrogen sulphide gas emissions? If you work at an oil refinery, paper mill, waste treatment plant or chemical plant, beware of this toxic gas. Read this article to learn of the common places where you’re likely to find hydrogen sulfide emissions.
Where Are You Likely To Find Hydrogen Sulfide?
In large quantities, hydrogen sulphide gas is harmful to human health and can even prove to be fatal. This is what makes it dangerous to work in facilities that produce hydrogen sulfide as a product or live in nearby areas. At lower concentration, these gases can cause headaches, nausea and tremors.
According to a recent news article:
“Hydrogen sulfide, ammonia, chlorine and volatile organic compounds are often found near facilities such as oil refineries, sewer systems, paper mills, and landfills. Hydrogen sulfide is an odorous gas with a strong smell like rotten eggs, and though harmless in small amounts, in large quantities can be harmful or even fatal.”
Improper Operation Of Industrial Flare Can Release Pollutants In The Air
Following incorrect procedures in dealing with hazards when you’re shutting down an industrial flare can release toxic pollutants in the air. Many facilities use industrial flares to get rid of toxic gases or pollutants. However, they need to follow safe practices in regulating the burning of toxic gases. Otherwise, it can end up releasing large amounts of hazardous gases like hydrogen sulfide.
Richard Walker said in a recent article:
“According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, improper operation of an industrial flare can send hundreds of tons of hazardous air pollutants into the air. The more waste gas a company sends to a flare, the more pollution occurs. The less efficient a flare is in burning waste gas, the more pollution occurs.”
Hydrogen sulfide levels in excess of 500 parts per million are considered dangerous to life. This is why constant monitoring at industrial facilities is required for early detection and fixing of such leaks to prevent the gas from affecting workers at the facility and residents in surrounding communities.