Key Points

Fire

• Very flammable
• Reacts with metals, metal oxides and strong oxidising agents. Heating may cause violent combustion
• Emits toxic fumes of sulphur oxides when heated to decomposition
• In the event of a fire involving hydrogen sulphide, use fine water spray and gas tight kit with breathing apparatus

Health

• Toxic by inhalation
• Very toxic
• Inhalation of high concentrations may lead to collapse, inability to breathe and death within minutes.
• Following single or repeated exposure to high concentrations a range of effects on the nervous and cardiovascular system may occur.
• Skin exposure causes skin discolouration, pain, itching, skin redness and local frostbite if exposed to compressed liquid
• Eye effects may be delayed and include irritation, inflammation, tearing, sensitivity to light and conjunctivitis

Environment

• Dangerous for the environment
• Inform Environment Agency of substantial incidents

 

All sections of the compendia are available to download:

• Hydrogen Sulphide - Full Document (PDF, 155 KB)
• General information (PDF, 36 KB)
• Incident Management (PDF, 144 KB)
• Toxicological Overview (PDF, 81 KB)