Hydrogen sulfide detector sulfide (H2S) is an extremely toxic and flammable gas. It can irritate the nose, throat and eyes, and if inhaled at high levels it can cause respiratory depression, nausea and vomiting. A H2S detector can help protect your team from the risks of exposure to this odorless gas.

Detectors for H2S are used to monitor air and water, and are available in a variety of forms. The simplest is a lead acetate test strip that can be dipped in water or air to measure the presence of hydrogen sulfide. This is a very sensitive method with a detection limit of 1-10 ppm. Other chemical methods include the use of colorimetric tubes, the Tutwiler method which uses chemical titration and gas chromatography. The latter requires a large and expensive piece of equipment that may not be practical to carry into the field.

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H2S is found naturally in crude oil, petroleum and natural gas, as well as in swamps and underground through anaerobic digestion. It is also produced by decomposition of organic materials and by industrial processes such as metal smelting, sewage and waste water treatment, and leather tanning.

Portable hydrogen sulfide detectors can be worn by workers in confined spaces to monitor the air they are breathing. Many are clipped to clothing or hard hats, and they should be placed in the worker’s breathing zone, a nine-inch area around their nose and mouth. They should be kept clear of objects that could obstruct the sensor. These instruments can also be used to check for hydrogen sulfide in the water and sludge of waste processing plants.