Physical Properties

• Hydrogen sulfide has a molecular weight of 34.08 g per mole. The solid phase has a melting point of minus 86 degrees C. The liquid phase has a boiling point of minus 60.2 degrees C. The gaseous phase has a density at 1.45 kg per cubic meter at 59 degrees C.
  
  

Production

• Hydrogen sulfide is a naturally occurring byproduct of organic decay in environments that are oxygen deficient. Hydrogen sulfide can be created by heating sulfur to 450 degrees C and combining it with hydrogen gas.
  
  

Occurrence

• Hydrogen sulfide is a common indicator of volcanic activity. The extreme heat releases the trapped gas from sulfur-rich rocks. Petroleum refineries process the gas out of the crude petroleum. It can also be found in well water.
  
  

Chemicals

• Hydrogen sulfide is used to make sodium sulfide, and to coat iron and steel. This helps prevent iron and steel from rusting.
  
  

Health Effects

• At high concentrations, respiratory failure can result if the air is at 1,000 to 2,000 parts per million. Collapse and coma could also occur. Sleeplessness, heavy bleeding from ruptured blood vessels and death could occur at 100 to 200 parts per million if exposed from one to eight hours.