 |
 |
|
 |
 |
|
|
|
|
|
FEATURED PROJECTS & INITIATIVES Potential Health Effects Associated With H2S and SO2 in Alberta Oil and Gas OperationsIn Alberta, approximately one-third of the natural gas produced by the oil and gas industry involves development of so-called “sour” gas, meaning that the raw gas contains hydrogen sulphide concentrations ranging from trace levels to more than 80% by volume. Since H2S is known to be hazardous to health and is foul-smelling at very low concentrations (like rotten eggs), special precautions must be taken to ensure that workers or members of the public have limited potential for exposure during drilling, production or processing operations. The impacts of H2S exposure vary with the concentration of H2S, the frequency and duration of exposure, and health status. Most of the concern related to H2S is focused on short-term exposures. There is a lack of conclusive evidence to suggest that long-term exposures to very low concentrations of H2S are associated with health impacts. At low concentrations, short-term exposure to H2S might induce effects such as headache, nausea, and/or vomiting, due in part to the strong odour (1 to 10 ppm). At moderate H2S concentrations, eye and respiratory irritation may occur (10 to 500 ppm). As H2S concentrations increase, the odour will decrease, but symptoms can progress to dizziness, stupor and even collapse (“knockdown”) at the higher concentrations (i.e., 500 ppm and above). When gas or oil containing H2S is ignited in a flare or burned, the H2S is converted to sulphur dioxide (SO2). Molecule for molecule, SO2 is more toxic than H2S and thus of importance to public health. The key effects associated with SO2exposure are respiratory in nature, namely sore throat, coughing, wheezing, and possibly difficulty breathing. Whether respiratory effects will occur depends not only on the concentration of SO2 the person is exposed to, but also on the frequency and duration of exposure, as well as the state of the person’s health. Most healthy people can tolerate SO2concentrations of 1 to 2 ppm without adverse health effects. More sensitive individuals may experience effects at concentrations above 0.25 ppm. For additional information on Intrinsik’s services relating to sour oil and gas, please contact: Dr. Donald Davies, ddavies@intrinsikscience.com or Bart Koppe, bkoppe@intrinsikscience.com For more detailed information, please download our informational pamphlet entitled "Sour Gas and Your Health".  Click Here to download PDF. |
||
 |
 |
|
