Toxic gas kills 11 in Ludhiana

Subject : Science and technology

Section: Health

Concept :

At least 11 people have died following a gas leak in Ludhiana, Punjab. The death is due to the inhalation of neurotoxic gas.

Hydrogen sulfide: Fast Facts

Hydrogen sulfide is a chemical compound with the formula H2S.
It is a colorless chalcogen-hydride gas.
It is poisonous, corrosive, and flammable, with trace amounts in ambient atmosphere having a characteristic foul odor of rotten eggs.
Hydrogen sulfide is slightly denser than air. A mixture of H2S and air can be explosive.
In general, hydrogen sulfide acts as a reducing agent.

Effects

Hydrogen sulfide is toxic to humans and most other animals by inhibiting cellular respiration.
When it is inhaled or its salts are ingested in high amounts, damage to organs occurs rapidly with symptoms ranging from breathing difficulties to convulsions and death.
Despite this, the human body produces small amounts of this sulfide and its mineral salts, and uses it as a signaling molecule.

Sources

Hydrogen sulfide is often produced from the microbial breakdown of organic matter in the absence of oxygen,such as in swamps and sewers; this process is commonly known as anaerobic digestion, which is done by sulfate-reducing microorganisms.
It also occurs in volcanic gases, natural gas deposits, and sometimes in well-drawn water.
It can also be associated with animal farms, industrial plants, sewers or sewage treatment plants.