What is Hydrogen Sulfide and where does it come from?
Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is a colourless gas that is known to have a distinct “rotten egg” smell at certain concentrations. H2S is a naturally occurring gas and can be found in crude oil petroleum, natural gas, and other environmental sources. H2S can be emitted into the air at multiple stages of extraction and production of oil and gas, including through the oil and gas wells. Poorly maintained, improperly decommissioned, and/or abandoned wells are at the highest risk of H2S emissions into the air. There is an estimate of 50,000 gas and oil wells in Ontario, many of which are on private land.
Health Effects
Chronic exposure to H2S has been reported to cause adverse respiratory and neurological effects.
- Exposure to low levels of H2S over prolonged periods of time can lead to nausea, fatigue, headaches, dizziness, irritability, tearing of the eyes, loss of sleep, loss of appetite, or poor memory
- Exposure to elevated levels of H2S can lead to rapid loss of consciousness, cardiac arrest, and death
Response
- It is the responsibility of the landowner to be aware of the gas and oil wells on their land and to ensure proper maintenance of these wells
For more information on oil and gas wells in Ontario, please visit the Ministry of Natural Resource webpage.