H2s leak deaths. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), hydrogen sulfide caused 46 worker deaths between 2011 and 2017. Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board (CSB) released a second update on its ongoing investigation into the fatal hydrogen sulfide release that occurred on October 10, 2024, at the PEMEX Deer Park Refinery in Deer Oct 11, 2024 · In Texas, two people were killed and nearly three dozen treated for chemical exposure Thursday following a leak of toxic hydrogen sulfide gas at a Houston-area oil refinery operated by Pemex, the The primary purpose of this chapter is to provide public health officials, physicians, toxicologists, and other interested individuals and groups with an overall perspective on the toxicology of hydrogen sulfide and carbonyl sulfide. Explore hydrogen sulfide toxicity, a highly toxic gas with a rotten-egg odor. Two contract workers died as a result of the release, and an additional 13 workers reportedly were transported Incident management This document provides information needed for response to a chemical incident, such as physicochemical properties, health effects and decontamination advice. The gas has a noxious odor of “rotten eggs” and is found in industries including rayon dye production, heavy water production, petroleum refining, natural gas, asphalt, waste management, and the fishing industry. We would like to show you a description here but the site won’t allow us. reported on 45 deaths from chemical suicide involving H 2 S with injuries to first responders from 1999 to 2007 [4]. It is a colorless, toxic, and flammable hydrogen chalcogenide gas. It is highly flammable and may spontaneously ignite at hot Oct 11, 2024 · Team Coverage: Deadly Hydrogen Sulfide Leak at Deer Park PEMEX Plant FOX 26 Reporters Sherman Desselle and Randy Wallace has the latest on the deadly Hydrogen Sulfide leak that occurred at the PEMEX Deer Park plant on Thursday. This method produces the gas on demand and at room temperature, which makes it controllable. The hour-long release discharged over 12 Acute exposure to high levels of H2S elicit several organ toxicity leading to death including neurotoxicity, acute respiratory failure, and eye and respiratory irritation. Nov 30, 2025 · According to the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR), “Just a few breaths of air containing high levels of hydrogen sulfide can cause death. May 23, 2024 · SINGAPORE: A PUB sub-contractor died on Thursday (May 23) after inhaling hydrogen sulphide gas while carrying out tank cleaning works at Choa Chu Kang Waterworks. Exposure can rapidly cause breathing problems, organ failure, loss of consciousness, or death, mirroring the near-fatal situation Boss and Dale experienced. Aug 29, 2025 · Hydrogen sulfide is a toxic, flammable gas with a strong odor of rotten eggs that is produced naturally by decomposition and industrially through oil and gas extraction, sewage treatment and paper production. It is highly toxic if inhaled, and it can have a severe effect on your health. 10, 2024 in Houston. In 2011, Reedy et al. A. H2S gas rapidly accumulates in low-lying areas and confined spaces. DEER PARK, Texas - A chemical release caused two deaths at PEMEX Deer Park on Thursday night, authorities said. Deer Park, Pasadena shelter-in-place orders lifted. Aug 28, 2025 · Three workers died in Trinity County Wednesday evening after a gas leak occurred while they were making repairs in a sewer Trinity County Sheriff Woody Wallace confirmed. Aug 28, 2025 · Three workers died while working on a sewer in Trinity County on Wednesday afternoon, and officials believe they were exposed to hydrogen sulfide gas. Aug 29, 2025 · Three workers were killed Wednesday after being exposed to toxic hydrogen sulfide gas at the Westwood Shores sewer plant near Trinity, Texas. Hydrogen sulfide (preferred IUPAC name and American English) or hydrogen sulphide (Commonwealth English) is a chemical compound with the formula H 2 S. A rupture in a pipe connection on an experimental gas injection well led to a gas leak that killed nine people. It occurs naturally in crude petroleum, natural gas, and hot springs. This article provides essential safety tips, prevention strategies, and the importance of awareness in high-risk environments, particularly for lone workers. Aug 28, 2025 · A hydrogen sulfide gas leak claimed the lives of three Houston-area workers on Wednesday, as they were working on sewer repairs in Trinity County. The 2 people killed after a leak at a Texas oil refinery worked for a maintenance subcontractor Emergency personnel arrive at oil refinery after hydrogen sulfide leaked Thursday, Oct. Jan 28, 2022 · A report from Earthworks said the Texas Railroad Commission is allowing oil producers to violate safety laws that protect workers and the public from hydrogen sulfide gas. Oct 10, 2024 · A release of the chemical hydrogen sulfide at a Pemex refinery in Deer Park on Thursday killed at least two refinery workers and injured a minimum of 35 other people, prompting a shelter-in-place The US Occupational Safety and Health Administration (Osha) is investigating the death of a 27-year-old man four days after he was critically injured by a release of hydrogen sulfide at an Ohio facility run by waste treatment firm US Ecology. Here's how leaks happen and why they can be dangerous. Sulfuric acid can Hydrogen sulfide is one of the leading causes of workplace gas inhalation deaths in the United States. Jun 12, 2024 · Hydrogen sulfide, or H2S, is a poisonous gas that saturates the Permian Basin of West Texas and other oil-production regions. It can sometimes leak into your home. Hydrosulfuric acid, Sewer gas, Sulfuretted hydrogen Colorless gas with a strong odor of rotten eggs. Dec 3, 2025 · Landman Season 2's Dangerous Gas Leak Is an Actual Problem for Texas Oil Workers The incident isn't just a plot point—it's a deadly hazard of the job. Understand the risks, symptoms, and effective treatment options for exposure. 2. Here's what you need to know if you smell sewer gas. 3 days ago · The yield of H2S scales with the amounts of FeS and HCl used, provided you maintain a consistent ratio between them. It is a rapidly metabolized systemic toxica Sep 15, 2010 · DENVER CITY — Thirty-five years ago on the morning of Feb. Please go to ATSDR Home or use the ATSDR A-Z Index or Search for more recent information. Dec 2, 2025 · This is the exact situation that opens Episode 3 of Landman Season 2, when a random crew of hunters, chasing their quarry into a well patch, have their respiratory systems destroyed by the Oct 11, 2024 · Two people died and more than two dozen were treated Thursday when a chemical leaked at a Houston-area industrial plant, officials said. S. Aug 27, 2025 · TRINITY COUNTY, Texas (KTRE) - Law enforcement from several agencies responded to Trinity County Wednesday night after toxic hydrogen sulfide gas was detected at a work site and three people were Dec 1, 2025 · Explore the fatal hydrogen sulfide leak in Landman Season 2, revealing real-world dangers, symptoms, and the science behind H2S gas. Just a few breaths of air containing high levels of hydrogen sulfide gas can cause death. 27, when they succumbed to hydrogen sulfide gas, Trinity County Sheriff Woody Wallace said in a Facebook post. Can cause severe irritation of the nose and throat. Can cause life-threatening accumulation of fluid in the lungs (pulmonary edema). Trace amounts in ambient atmosphere have a characteristic foul odor of rotten eggs. Exposure to hydrogen sulfide at the levels listed below, however, could cause some health effects. Sep 20, 2019 · Sewer gas is formed by decomposing waste. The release fatally injured an Aghorn employee who was working at Oct 10, 2024 · October 10, 2024, at approximately 4:30 p. [11] Swedish chemist Carl Wilhelm Scheele is credited with having discovered the chemical Aug 23, 2025 · Preliminary investigations into the deaths of six people at a Northern Colorado dairy farm point toward the dairy farm workers being exposed to the toxic gas known as hydrogen sulfide, or "H2S. Low Oct 11, 2024 · There is Deer Park, Texas news. Exposure to very high concentrations can quickly lead to death. Most health effects of hydrogen sulfide are short-term, and resolve when you move away from the exposure source. Aug 29, 2025 · Officials said first responders found the presence of hydrogen sulfide inside the manhole where the men were trying to prevent sewage from backing up. Workers are primarily exposed to hydrogen sulfide by breathing it. Another 13 contractors were taken to the hospital to be evaluated for hydrogen sulfide exposure. Two other workers who inhaled the To protect workers from harmful hydrogen sulfide exposures: Evaluate exposure to know whether H 2 S gas is present and at what levels. Nationwide, hydrogen sulfide gas poisoning killed nine workers across all sectors in 2019 and five in 2020, including several in the oilfield industry. Oct 11, 2024 · At least two workers at a Houston-area oil refinery were killed when hydrogen sulfide leaked at the plant, setting off urgent warnings for nearby residents to stay indoors before authorities Oct 10, 2024 · Two people were killed and about 35 injured following the release of hydrogen sulfide at a Deer Park industrial plant facility Thursday evening. Mexican oil company faces multiple lawsuits after gas leak killed two and injured dozens more A fatal hydrogen sulfide release at a US refinery operated by the Mexican state-owned petroleum company Pemex in Deer Park, Texas, killed two workers and injured at least 35 others on 10 October. October 11, 2024 – The U. Just a few breaths of air containing high levels of hydrogen sulfide can cause death. 2 are dead and 35 hurt in a hydrogen sulfide leak at a Texas Pemex refinery facility; a shelter-in-place was lifted. Some common names for the gas include sewer gas, stink damp, swamp gas and manure gas. According to OSHA, hydrogen sulfide exposure has killed dozens of Texas workers in the last decade, including at least 60 deaths in the oil and gas industry alone. A very small leak of hydrogen Hydrogen sulfide, a colorless gas and asphyxiant produced from decaying sulfur-containing materials, is the second leading cause of toxin-related deaths in the US. The goal is to provide safety managers, industrial hygienists, and other professionals with essential information to mitigate the risks of H2S exposure. What is hydrogen sulfide gas? Hydrogen sulfide gas occurs naturally in crude petroleum, natural gas, volcanic gases and hot springs. Apr 22, 2015 · The Saskatchewan government says there is a growing problem with oil wells in the province releasing levels of hydrogen sulphide (H2S), or sour gas, many times higher than what would kill a person. Aug 28, 2025 · The workers were at the Westwood Shores sewer plant, near Trinity, on Wednesday, Aug. Breathing very high levels of hydrogen sulfide can cause nausea, vomiting, shortness of breath, loss of sleep, respiratory tract irritation, and loss of consciousness. Developing administrative controls and safe work practices to reduce exposures to CDC Web Archive This web page is archived for historical purposes and is no longer being updated. Concentrations above 500 ppm can lead to breathing difficulties and confusion, and above 700 ppm immediate unconsciousness. In addition to the two fatalities and other serious injuries, the release resulted in shelter-in-place orders issued by officials in the nearby cities of Deer Park and Pasadena, Texas, lasting for several hours, and a portion of Mar 14, 2026 · Following a toxic gas exposure incident in January, which caused the deaths of two workers, the Woodland Pulp mill experienced another accident on Saturday, March 7. Hydrogen sulphide is a gas that is commonly generated within sewage holding tanks on board a vessel. m. If the source cannot be eliminated, control exposures by: Using engineering controls as the next best line of defense. Inhalation may lead to acute poisoning, and death by suffocati This presentation will help you better assess potentially dangerous situations involving hydrogen sulfide. It contains descriptions and evaluations of toxicological studies and epidemiological investigations and provides conclusions, where possible, on the relevance of Find out more about hydrogen sulfide (H2S) exposure, why it causes injury and death, and who’s responsible. H2S is immediately fatal when Oct 11, 2024 · In the U. A CSB safety video on the October 26, 2019, hydrogen sulfide release at the Aghorn Operating waterflood station in Odessa, Texas. Speaking in Spanish, Pemex Director Víctor Aug 29, 2024 · The joint investigation looks into the health threat of hydrogen sulfide leaking from Texas oil wells and how residents are dealing with it. The clinical effects of H2S depend on its concentration and the duration of exposure. Oct 10, 2024 · A chemical leak at a PEMEX oil refinery in Deer Park, Texas, on Thursday killed two workers and injured several others, prompting temporary shelter-in-place orders for residents across the city Toolbox Safety Minute – Hydrogen Sulfide (H2S) Oily Waste Storage Tanks In 1985 a leak in an oily waste storage tank on the Australian vessel HMAS Stalwart resulted in release of H2S resulting in 3 fatalities and the incapacitation of 60 more sailors. CBS 19 News and Trinity County Sheriff Woody Wallace reported that the gas leak was contained to a manhole, and after ensuring safety, first responders were able to recover the victims. Oct 12, 2024 · The investigation continues after at least two people were killed in a hydrogen sulfide leak at the Pemex refinery off Highway 225 in Deer Park. , a hydrogen sulfide release occurred at the PEMEX Deer Park facility’s amine recovery unit while workers were attempting to remove an isolation blind from piping that normally transports hydrogen sulfide gas. One of the most infamous incidents of H2S leaks happened in Denver City, Texas, in 1975. 10, 2024. So, how many people die from H2S a year? Hydrogen Sulfide in Workplaces Hydrogen Sulfide Can Kill Workers A 49-year old sanitation worker died when rescuing a co-worker from an underground sewer vault when he was overcome with hydrogen sulfide gas. This number also includes accidental deaths in other industries, but certainly this figure holds relevance, as hydrogen sulfide poisoning is a leading cause of gas inhalation death in these industries per the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). Oct 11, 2024 · A chemical release caused two deaths at PEMEX Deer Park on Thursday night, authorities said. 2, a city of about 4,100 people awoke to the biggest oil field-related tragedy it had ever experienced. Chemical Safety Board Releases Second Update into Fatal Hydrogen Sulfide Release at PEMEX Refinery in Deer Park, Texas Washington D. Shipped as a liquefied compressed gas. At higher concentrations, H²S can result in respiratory paralysis, asphyxia, seizures, and death. Hazards Health Hazards Hydrogen sulfide gas causes a wide range of health effects. Inhalation: VERY TOXIC, can cause death. Background This safety alert shares important information about the production of hydrogen sulphide (H2S) gas on vessels, and the danger this gas presents to the health and safety of people. U. Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) poisoning remains a significant source of occupational fatalities and is the second most common cause of toxic gas-induced deaths. In research settings, this reaction is typically run inside a sealed apparatus with gas-washing bottles to purify the output and a fume hood to contain any leaks. March 19, 2025 – Today, the U. HIGHLIGHTS: Hydrogen sulfide occurs naturally and is also produced by human activities. The effects depend on how much hydrogen sulfide you breathe and for how long. Dec 18, 2023 · Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is a powerful toxic gas in workplace incidents, and it poses a threat to colleagues or family members involved in rescues, leading to a “domino effect” of multiple deaths. Aug 28, 2025 · What are the potential health effects of hydrogen sulfide? Main Routes of Exposure: Inhalation; eye contact. , approximately 27,000 pounds of toxic hydrogen sulfide gas were released. At higher levels, hydrogen sulfide gas can make you sick and could be fatal. Aug 9, 2024 · This article explores the dangers associated with hydrogen sulfide gas leaks, its industrial applications, safety precautions, and best practices for managing such incidents. The distinctive rotten egg odor is perceptible only in low concentrations - at higher, more dangerous levels, H2S numbs a p rson‘s sense of smell. In these scenarios, the production of the hydrogen sulfide is rapid and in enclosed environments, such as a car or a small room, can reach deadly concentrations [3]. Box 1 H2S creates another problem – it causes iron to corrode and equipment such as valves and flow lines to malfunction and leak [see Fig 1]. Jan 27, 2022 · Existing hydrogen sulfide regulations are insufficient to mitigate health risks for both rig workers and the public — Poor regulation has resulted in numerous deaths due to hydrogen sulfide exposure; Regulations also fail to account for hydrogen sulfide’s role in producing sulfur dioxide, a known product of hydrogen sulfide combustion which May 25, 2022 · Wake Up Call: Refinery Disaster in Philadelphia CSB October 27, 2022, Quarterly Business Meeting CSB July 29, 2022, Quarterly Business Meeting Silent Killer: Hydrogen Sulfide Release in Odessa, Texas Quarterly Business Meeting - April 28, 2022 Incompatible Chemicals: Explosion at AB Specialty Silicones Simultaneous Tragedy: Fire at Evergreen What are the health effects of hydrogen sulfide? Most environmental releases of hydrogen sulfide (like shorelines, bogs, and volcanoes) are at levels too low to impact your health. [Note: Sense of smell becomes rapidly fatigued & can NOT be relied upon to warn of the continuous presence of H<SUB>2</SUB>S. FactSheet Hydrogen Sulfide (H2S) Hydrogen sulfide is a colorless, flammable, extremely hazardous gas with a “rot-ten egg” smell. By understanding its causes, recognizing the symptoms, and implementing preventive measures, the incidence of hydrogen sulfide toxicity can be minimized. This odor comes from hydrogen sulfide (H2S), a colorless gas that can be produced when a battery, particularly a lead-acid battery, undergoes specific chemical reactions. After the horrifying incident, stiffer regulations were Between 2011 and 2017, hydrogen sulfide especially from the oil and gas industry was the second leading cause of inhalation deaths in the United States. Dec 1, 2025 · The dangerous situation portrayed in the ' Landman' Season 2 episode is not very far from reality when it comes to oil fields in the U. Sep 30, 2024 · Learn about hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) hazards, health effects, safety measures, and regulations to ensure safe handling and workplace protection. During that time period, H2S poisoning also ranked as the leading cause of death in the industry, just behind transportation accidents and contact with objects and equipment. In this report, we describe three incidents in which 10 people died, and we present the results of the analyses performed in different incidents, including paper pulp pit, sewer, and sewage well HIGHLIGHTS: Hydrogen sulfide occurs naturally and is also produced by human activities. They have since been lifted. This substance has been found in at least 24 of the 1,467 National Priorities List sites identified by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Understanding the formation and properties of H2S is The Deer Park refinery leaked hydrogen sulfide into the air on October 10, causing 2 deaths and close to three dozen injuries. A chemical disaster at a Texas oil plant resulted in casualties and injuries, highlighting the dangers of industrial accidents. ] Jun 12, 2024 · Oil companies leak toxic gas across Texas — making local residents sick Tens of thousands of people live close to oil and gas wells where they risk exposure to hazardous levels of hydrogen sulfide. ” During a maintenance activity at 4:23 p. Jun 12, 2024 · Oil companies are leaking H2S or hydrogen sulfide gas into West Texas communities such as Odessa with few or no repercussions, an investigation has found. , hydrogen sulfide is one of the leading causes of workplace gas inhalation deaths, according to the Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA). Some Physical Properties of Hydrogen Sulfide Hydrogen sulfide, H 2 S (also known as hydrosulfuric acid, hydrogen sulfide, sewer gas, and stink damp, dihydrogen monosulfide, dihydrogen sulfide, sulfane, sulfurated hydrogen, and sulfur hydride) possessing the characteristic smell of rotten eggs. The fatal hydrogen sulfide release at a US refinery operated by Pemex in October occurred when two contract workers opened the wrong section of piping, a preliminary investigation by the US Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board (CSB) has concluded. Discover the real-life dangers of H2S gas leaks in the oil industry, as depicted in Landman season 2, episode 3. Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is responsible for many incidents of occupational toxic exposure, especially in the petroleum industry. Oct 11, 2024 · The Pemex refinery chemical leak killed 2, injured dozens and forced shelter-in-place orders in Deer Park and Pasadena. less and thus invisible. At extreme levels, hydrogen sulfide can cause death. Dec 1, 2025 · According to OSHA, hydrogen sulfide can leak “anywhere and at any time,” whether from underground wells, rigs, storage tanks, or acid treatments. Lower, longer-term exposure can cause eye irritation, headache, and fatigue. Exposure to the gas can cause eye irritation and headaches at low concentrations and respiratory failure and death at high concentrations. Contact Arnold & Itkin’s injury attorneys to learn more! Hydrogen sulfide also occurs naturally in sewers, manure pits, well water, oil and gas wells, and volcanoes. Hydrogen sulfide occurs naturally and is also produced by human activities. Eliminate the source of hydrogen sulfide whenever possible. Regulators do little to protect them. Oct 21, 2024 · THE US Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board (CSB) has launched an investigation into a hydrogen sulfide leak at a Texas refinery that killed two workers and injured more than a dozen others. Oct 11, 2024 · A hydrogen sulfide leak at a Texas Pemex oil refinery has killed two and injured dozens of others. It can also result from bacterial breakdown of organic matter and be produced by human and animal wastes. Nov 12, 2019 · Learn about the hazards of H2S gas and how to protect yourself and your employees. Mar 28, 2025 · Two contract workers died during the chemical leak southeast of Houston on Oct. 1000 ppm will lead to death unless rescued promptly [see Box 1]. Hydrogen sulfide has been found in at least 34 of the 1,832 National Priorities List sites identified by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Hydrogen Because H2S is heavier than air, it collects in confined spaces like manholes — the exact conditions that led to this week’s tragedy. The May 19, 2021 · Hydrogen Sulfide (H2S) is common in oil and gas operations, and is extremely deadly. The incident caused two fatalities and 13 injuries. Hydrogen sulfide gas causes a wide range of health effects Sep 15, 2025 · Exposure to high concentrations of hydrogen sulphide can cause collapse, respiratory paralysis, cyanosis, convulsions, coma, cardiac arrhythmias, and death within minutes. Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board (CSB) announced today that it is launching an investigation into a fatal release of hydrogen sulfide at the Pemex petroleum refinery in Deer Park, Texas, which occurred yesterday, October 10. The January 27 exposure to hydrogen sulfide gas occurred when the mill was shutting down operations because of the high price 5 days ago · Understanding the Rotten Egg Smell: Hydrogen Sulfide (H2S) The unmistakable rotten egg smell associated with batteries isn’t just unpleasant; it’s a warning signal. " Feb 26, 2026 · Washington D. Ray Sullivan, one of five people hospitalised after the incident, passed away on 26 August. Learn how this invisible killer affects the characters and M-Tex's future. Nov 30, 2025 · Discover the real-life dangers of H2S gas leaks in the oil industry, as depicted in Landman season 2, episode 3. Hydrogen sulfide is 19% heavier than air and collects in low-lying areas and confined spaces. Hydrogen sulfide toxicity can pose significant health risks to individuals exposed to high concentrations of the gas. The USCG Safety Alert 08-18 highlights the danger of H2S in oily waste and bilge slop tanks. Oct 11, 2024 · A hydrogen sulfide gas release at PEMEX's Deer Park facility resulted in two fatalities and several hospitalizations. Chronic exposure to ambient levels of H2S in natural gas processing plants induces methemoglobinemia and sulfhemoglobinemia in workers. Aug 28, 2025 · Local Three Houston-area men die from toxic gas exposure in Trinity County manhole incident The workers were servicing a lift station about 90 miles north of Houston when a sewage line broke loose Dec 5, 2024 · Two workers died and 13 others were admitted to local hospitals in October following a release of approximately 27,000 pounds of hydrogen sulfide gas at the PEMEX refinery in Deer Park, Texas. Workers who entered a 27-foot deep pit in a marshy area died after being overcome by hydrogen sulfide. C. . hedu rzdkkt twhe dbnrwi ibsid wefyqaeb urxmz rfkhu vpyg ptxfp