Hydrogen sulphide (H2S) (Sewer gas)

It is colorless heavy inflammable gas with a smell of rotten eggs. it is formed during decomposition of organic substances containing sulfur. It is found in large quantities in sewers, cess pools, privy vaults and tannery vats. It is also found in glue factories and gas works and other such factories where sulphur is used
Route :
Inhalation
Fatal Dose :
death occurs immediately if breathed in a concentration of 0.1% to 0.2%
Mechanism of action :
It interferes with nerve impulse transmission. CNS is first stimulated and then depressed
Clinical Picture :
•In great dilution, feeling of dullness and sleepiness
•In weak concentration: cough, giddiness, nausea. breathing is laboured and heart irregular, cyanosis of face,
•In moderate concentrations: metabolic acidosis occurs. This results in CNS , respiratory and myocardial depression
•Delirium, convulsions, coma

Treatment :
•patient must be moved in fresh air
•Care of respiration
•100 percent oxygen provided with a tight fitting mask
•Amyl nitrite inhalation and sodium nitrite infusion will hasten the formation of sulphmethhemoglobin, which allows for the non-toxic sulphate and thiosulphates to be filtered

Hydrogen sulphide (H2S) (Sewer gas)

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