Acute poisoning with hydrogen sulfide

Abstract

Hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) is an inhaled irritant, neurotoxic and cellular asphyxic poison. This toxicity is wellknown by workers in petroleum industry and also by people exposed to sewer gas. High concentrations (>1000 ppm) are associated with elevated mortality rates. Diagnosis is based on the presence of evocative context, superior airway mucosal injuries, and consequent multiorgan failure. Understanding H₂S-related toxicological effects is the first step to consider fast and efficient supportive treatments as well as any of the suggested specific therapy in the literature.