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About
Hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) is a colorless gas with a strong odor of rotten eggs. It is produced through multiple processes, including decaying food, manure, sulfur hot springs, petroleum refining, and sewage treatment. In the Coachella Valley, H₂S is released from processes occurring in the Salton Sea.
The California state standard for outdoor levels of hydrogen sulfide is 30 parts per billion (ppb), averaged over one hour. At that level, most people can smell the odor and some may experience temporary symptoms, such as headaches and nausea.
Humans can detect hydrogen sulfide odors at extremely low concentrations, even down to a few ppb. To address the health effects of long-term exposure, the California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA) established a chronic Reference Exposure Level (REL) of 8 ppb, averaged over the long-term (e.g. years to decades). This chronic REL is intended to provide reasonable protection to the public from odor annoyance.
While very low levels of H₂S create an odor nuisance, breathing H₂S at higher levels (e.g. 2,500 ppb to 5,000 ppb) may irritate the eyes, nose, and throat. People breathing very high levels of H₂S, such as those working directly with the chemicals, can experience more serious health problems; these very high levels are not typically found in the outdoor environment.
More information on H₂S health effects: ATSDR ToxFAQs
South Coast AQMD is the regulatory agency responsible for improving air quality for large areas of Los Angeles, Orange County, Riverside and San Bernardino counties, including the Coachella Valley.
