Hydrogen sulfide is a colorless, flammable gas that smells like rotten eggs at low concentration levels in the air. It is commonly known as sewer gas, stink damp, and manure gas.
Hydrogen sulfide gas (H2S) can give water a “rotten egg” taste or odor. This gas can occur in wells anywhere and be: Naturally occurring - a result of decay and chemical reactions with soil and rocks. Produced by certain “sulfur bacteria” in the groundwater, well, or plumbing system.
Hydrogen sulfide is a mucous membrane and respiratory tract irritant; pulmonary edema, which may be immediate or delayed, can occur after exposure to high concentrations. Symptoms of acute exposure include nausea, headaches, delirium, disturbed equilibrium, tremors, convulsions, and skin and eye irritation.
The two most common sources of a rotten egg smell are a natural gas leak and escaping sewer gas. Other leading causes for a rotten egg smell in houses can come from your drain pipes, well water, gassy drywall, water heater, or quite literally, rotten eggs.
Carbon monoxide doesn't smell like rotten eggs. Carbon monoxide gas is odorless—it cannot be smelled. Some myths surround ways to detect carbon monoxide, such as identifying the strong scent of rotten eggs. However, never ignore the “rotten egg” smell of natural gas.
Hydrogen sulfide (also known as H2S, sewer gas, swamp gas, stink damp, and sour damp) is a colorless gas known for its pungent "rotten egg" odor at low concentrations. It is extremely flammable and highly toxic. Hydrogen sulfide also occurs naturally in sewers, manure pits, well water, oil and gas wells, and volcanoes.
How Might I be Exposed to Methane? Methane, also called “natural gas”, is delivered by pipelines throughout Illinois to homes as a fuel for heating and cooking. Because it has no odor, a chemical that smells like rotten eggs is added at low levels so residents can detect a leak.
Hydrogen sulfide has a characteristic rotten egg smell which can be detected at very low levels, well below those that are known to cause health effects.
Once you've ruled out a gas leak, it's time to roll up your sleeves and have a look around your home for the stinky culprit. Dried-out drain pipes are another common cause of that rotten egg smell in the home.
Bismuth. Another option is bismuth subsalicylate, which has been shown to dramatically reduces levels of hydrogen sulphide in the gut.
Irritated eyes, nose, throat, and respiratory system, including tearing of eyes, cough, or shortness of breath. Effects may be delayed. Severe eye and respiratory irritation such as coughing and difficulty breathing. These symptoms may be accompanied by headache, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, and more.
Coughing, eye irritation, loss of smell after 2-15 minutes (olfactory fatigue). Altered breathing, drowsiness after 15-30 minutes. Throat irritation after 1 hour. Gradual increase in severity of symptoms over several hours.
Serious liver disease can make breath smell musty or like garlic and rotten eggs. Compounds that are transported through the blood can also be released through your sweat glands. That can make your armpits and skin smell bad. It's normal for stress to cause smelly compounds to be released through your sweat.
What is hydrogen sulfide? Hydrogen sulfide is a colorless, flammable gas that smells like rotten eggs at low concentration levels in the air. It is commonly known as sewer gas, stink damp, and manure gas.
Protein breaks down into amino acids, which the body converts into ammonia. The body then releases this ammonia through urine and sweat, which may produce an odor. Dehydration can also make the sweat smell like ammonia. This is because the body needs water to get rid of ammonia through sweat.
The smell of rotten eggs is instantly recognizable and can be an indicator of a serious problem in your home. The two most common sources of a rotten egg smell are a natural gas leak, and escaping sewer gas. In its natural state, natural gas is actually odorless.
Consider everything that ends up in your drains, especially if you use a lot of products and have a lot of family members using your drains. Other causes of sewer gas odors in your home include a dry P-trap, a loose toilet, or a clogged drain. Another cause of sewer gas could be blocked or clogged vent pipes.
If you do notice that "rotten egg" smell and suspect a natural gas leak, do not try to find the source of the leak yourself, but leave the building or area and call the 24-hour emergency Peoples number at 1-800-400-4271, or call your local emergency response number.
Methyl parathion smells like rotten eggs and can leave a yellow stain on areas where it has been sprayed. Because methyl parathion breaks down slowly indoors, homes that have been sprayed with it pose a risk of serious health problems or death to humans and pets.
The Cheapest Solution: Degassing the Water
Simply pour the water into a glass and let it sit for 24 hours. The air will oxidize the sulphur out of the water and then the smell will be gone. Now, obviously, if you want more than a glass or two of water a day, you're going to want a whole-house solution.
Meth can be made using powerful chemicals such as sulfuric acid, hydrogen peroxide, or even cold medicine. As a result, meth smell is similar to chemicals or ammonia, which can be similar to cat urine or rotten eggs.
Carbon dioxide (CO2) is a colorless, odorless and tasteless gas. It is nonflammable at room temperature.
The smell of rotten eggs is a deliberate safety measure to alert homeowners like you to potential gas leaks. If you ever smell this in your home, it's a clear signal to leave the house immediately and investigate further, as it could indicate a gas leak.
Sewer-related odors may smell like mold, sulfur, or even waste. You should note that not all bad smells mean that there's a problem with your sewer line, but if there's no clear reason for them, it's worth having checked out by a professional. If odors persist, there's a good chance that a sewer backup is imminent.