Pasadena, Deer Park, and Laporte, Texas, are cities that are home to numerous major industrial facilities, such as oil refineries, chemical plants, and petrochemical storage tanks. These cities are often known for their distinct and foul smell. During refining and chemical production, sulfuric compounds such as hydrogen sulfide (H2S), sulfur dioxide (SO2), and other emissions are released into the air, causing a strong, unpleasant odor. While efforts are made to control these emissions, the amount of industrial activity in the area makes the smell a persistent issue for residents and visitors.
Exposure to high levels of H2S can be life-threatening, causing a range of health problems, from respiratory issues to long-term neurological damage. Even with all the safety measures in place, exposure to H2S can happen due to equipment failure, inadequate ventilation, or insufficient safety protocols. By law, chemical plants dealing with H2S must implement strict safety measures to protect their employees and citizens in nearby towns from these hazardous gases.
What is Hydrogen Sulfide, and What Is it Used For?
Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is a colorless, highly toxic gas with a distinctive “rotten egg” smell at lower concentrations. It is a byproduct of crude oil and natural gas extraction. During refining, H2S is often removed from hydrocarbons and gasses to prevent equipment breakdown and corrosion and reduce environmental emissions. H2S is also used to produce sulfur, which is used in products like fertilizers, chemicals, and rubber. H2S can also form naturally during the natural decomposition process of organic material in sewage.
Symptoms of Hydrogen Sulfide Exposure
Exposure to H2S varies depending on the gas concentration and exposure duration. Parts per million (PPM) is a measurement unit used to describe a substance’s concentration in the air or a liquid. H2S PPM indicates the number of hydrogen sulfide gas molecules present per one million air molecules. This is critical for assessing the potential health hazards as most workers are primarily exposed to it by breathing it in. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OHSA), the correlating amounts of H2S cause the following symptoms:
| Concentration (PPM) | Symptoms/Effects |
| 0.00011-0.00033 | Typical background concentrations |
| 0.01-1.5 | Odor threshold (when the rotten egg smell is first noticeable). Odor becomes more offensive at 3-5 PPM. |
| 2-5 | Prolonged exposure may cause nausea, tearing of the eyes, headaches, or breathing problems. |
| 20 | Fatigue, confusion, irritability, and dizziness |
| 50-100 | Conjunctivitis (gas eye), which is redness and watery eyes and respiratory irritation that may cause severe breathing issues |
| 100 | Coughing, altered breathing, drowsiness after 15-30 minutes, and a gradual increase in the severity of symptoms over several hours. Death may occur within 24-28 hours if not treated. |
| 200-300 | Marked gas eye and respiratory tract irritation, pulmonary edema (swelling) may occur |
| 500-700 | Staggering and collapse within 5 minutes. Severe damage to the eyes and death is imminent within 30-60 minutes after exposure |
| 700-1000 | Rapid unconsciousness, immediate collapse within 1 to 2 breaths. Death is within minutes |
| 1000-2000 | Nearly instance death |
It is important to note that OSHA’s permissible exposure limit (PEL) for an 8-hour workday is 10 PPM. Prolonged exposure at this level can cause eye and respiratory irritation. Chronic, repeated, or long-term exposure to low levels of H2s can lead to chronic health issues, including:
| Neurological issues | Memory loss, concentration problems, and cognitive impairments |
| Respiratory issues | Persistent coughing, bronchitis, or lung disease |
Treatment for Hydrogen Sulfide Exposure
Immediate first aid measures include removing the affected person from the contaminated area and putting them in fresh air. Once the environment is safe, high oxygen levels should be immediately administered to help reduce the effects of oxygen deprivation caused by H2S exposure. If the person is unconscious or not breathing, CPR should be administered until a medical professional arrives. In severe cases, hyperbaric oxygen treatment may increase oxygen in the bloodstream and prevent long-term neurological and respiratory damage.
What Are My Legal Rights?
Refineries and chemical plants that work with or produce H2S are legally obligated to protect their employees from this dangerous gas. Failure to do so can result in fines and liability for worker injuries or death. Most H2S safety compliance standard lies with OSHA, and this includes:
- Ensuring that all employees have the necessary protective equipment
- Ensuring that employees that equipment that monitors the permissible exposure limits
- Hazard communication, such as proper labeling, signage, and safety data sheets
- Installing ventilation and monitoring symptoms that detect H2S, such as gas detection equipment and closed ventilation symptoms that minimize leaks or accidental releases of H2S
- Provide regular safety training and cover emergency procedures involving the handling of H2S
- Ensure access to safe areas or gas-tight shelters in the event of a large-scale H2S leak
- Provide immediate access to first-aid stations and oxygen supplies for workers
What do I do next?
If a refinery’s negligence or safety violations lead to severe harm or death, employees or their families may file a personal injury claim or wrongful death lawsuit. The Ghuneim Law Firm is no stranger to these unfortunate events; we can provide you and your family with the support and guidance necessary to pursue the medical care and legal guidance you need during this difficult time.
If the recent hydrogen sulfide exposure at the PEMEX Deer Park plant has injured you or a loved one, contact the Ghuneim Law Firm at 833-GHU-NEIM or at 281-487-8929 to schedule a free consultation.
References:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2019, June 21). Hydrogen sulfide. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://archive.cdc.gov/www_cdc_gov/niosh/topics/hydrogensulfide/default.html
Hydrogen sulfide – hazards. Occupational Safety and Health Administration. (n.d.). https://www.osha.gov/hydrogen-sulfide/hazards