Safety and risks related to hydrogen sulfide in sewage pumping stations

Abstract

Hydrogen sulfide is a compound highly Iinked with animal life, since it is produced inside animal intestines by bacteria which break up organic matter. Furthermore, excrements are also metabolized by other kind of bacteria, which keep on producing hydrogen sulfide. Therefore, whereas animals and humans live on the Earth, this compound will involve an important problem due to its high toxicity.Sewer system net is located under big cities as well as small villages. For this reason labor of maintenance, cleaning, etc requires a high amount of sewer workers. Few years ago, legislation was not much developed in "safety at work" and these workers are exposed to many hazardous substances, such as hydrogen sulfide. Nowadays, different countries together with international organizations, have fixed exposure limits to these dangerous substances and safety measures to avoid accidents and health damages.This review analyzes the safety problems and health risks caused by hydrogen sulfide emissions inside sewer systems, especially in sewage pumping stations.