According to the most recent reports, the distorted smell, or parosmia, may more greatly affect younger patients and medical workers. Hydrogen sulfide gives the characteristic odor to rotting eggs and other biological processes. Sulfur is a yellow, odorless, non-metallic element. Required fields are marked *. It's not very strong but quite distinctive, and very persistent, especially if you draw any powdered sulfur into your nose. According to the Jefferson Lab, the properties of sulfur are: 1. Damage to plumbing is something you … The smell of sulfur is usually associated with hydrogen sulfide gas, also known as "sewer gas" (owing to the fact that it is often produced as a byproduct during the breaking down of waste). Sulfites, which some wine makers use as a preservative, can cause an allergic reaction. Our bathroom sink occasionally does this. This is a dangerous substance that can cause damage to the eyes, nose and lungs. The smell may actually be caused by a sulfur compound, such as hydrogen sulfide -- which originates in fetid swamps and sewer pipes -- or sulfur dioxide -- a byproduct of fossil fuel combustion. However, ingesting too much sulfur may cause a burning sensation or diarrhea. Sulfur does have a catharsis effect if enough is taken internally and can cause sensitivity to sunlight. This gas is created when bacteria grows in drains, in the ground, or in sewage. Be careful if it is your case since this compound is highly dangerous … Sulfur is a nonmetal element characterized by its bright yellow color and distinct smell that resembles rotten eggs. To always provide the best-available, American-made products combined with old-fashioned craftsmanship to stand the test of time. As a food or beverage additive, it is considered safe. Why Is the Keystone XL Pipeline Still So Disputed. One way to tell that the sulfur-like smell is from a gas leak is if you also hear a hissing sound from the gas tank itself. For those that can, how do you describe a smell? Your email address will not be published. 4 Many people ask, “Can sulfur water make you sick?” The answer to this question depends on the amount of sulfur in the water. Water with sulfur concentrations ranging from 0.5 to 1 ppm smells musty, while levels higher than 1 ppm produce a rotten egg smell and corrode metal pipes. In some cases, the smell is associated with contaminated water. Sulfur is low in toxicity to people. If animals eat too much sulfur, it may be toxic and can be fatal. Is Sulfur Water Dangerous? The smell of sulfur and rotten eggs is so infamously unpleasant that it's practically synonymous with bad odor. The reason is the content of hydrogen sulfide. You really do lose the ability to smell it so don't think you will notice the smell getting stronger. What doesn’t usually come to your mind is that the problem can be in the water. Atomic symbol (on the Periodic Table of Elements): S 3. 6. A rotten-egg smell might be a potentially dangerous natural gas leak. It … In fact, it's widely believed that the low levels of sulfur found in foods such as fish, eggs, poultry, and legumes are good for us. When it reacts with oxygen, sulfur forms sulfur oxide. It would be hard to breathe sulfur in, because it is about the consistency of powdered sugar. Open the windows. 1 Some proteins contain sulfur in the form of amino acids. In high concentrations, exposure to sulfur can even result in burns on the skin. A hundred years ago, people used to make a suspension of sulfur powder in molasses and drink it as a health tonic. Melting point: 239.38 degrees Fahrenheit (115.21 degrees Celsius) 7. Water Heavily contaminated with sulfur Sulfur water (or sulphur water) is a condition where water is exposed to hydrogen sulfide gas, giving a distinct "rotten egg" smell. Of the four, hydrogen sulfide -- which smells like rotten eggs -- is the most dangerous, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. If the smell is from a natural gas leak, it is dangerous, as it can cause explosions. In some regions, the water has a strange, sulfur odor. Hydrogen sulfide can occur in groundwater, as a natural result of decayed vegetation, and it can create a mild or strong sulfur odor, depending on the percentage of hydrogen sulfide present. According to Hunker, this smell … No matter where it's coming from, the rotten-egg smell usually associated with sulfur is an unpleasant one, and it usually means something is wrong. Are sulfur bacteria or hydrogen sulfide harmful? A hot water heater also serves as a possible source of the heinous sulfur smell. At low levels, hydrogen sulfide gas has a strong odor similar to rotten eggs. One type of odor comes from a special technique - called kraft pulping - which uses heat and chemicals to pulp wood chips for making paper. Boiling point: 832.28 degrees F (444.6 degrees C… Chemical composition. If a faint rotten-egg smell occurs only when your hot water is running, however, it’s probably not a gas leak at all but rather a small amount of odorous sulfur in the water. Well water may also contain pesticides, Radon, VOCs and harmful chemicals. This will destroy the sulfur bacteria. In some cases, the smell is associated with contaminated water. Sulfur has been registered for use in pesticide products in the United States since the 1920s. Yes, at standard atmosphere, SO2 is a toxic gas. Pure sulfur has no smell. Atomic number (number of protons in the nucleus): 16 2. Sulfur is the eighth most abundant chemical in the human body and is necessary for the synthesis of certain essential amino acids. Additionally, sulfur oxide is flammable. Is hydrogen sulfide in water dangerous? Sulfur is also an excellent topical anti-biotic, coagulating agent, and anti-fungal.When sulfur gets whet it creates a gas that smells like "rotten eggs", which, actually rotten eggs smell like sulfur gas. To elevate the expectations, experience and overall customer satisfaction in the industry. Consult with the manufacturer or dealer regarding an operable pressure relief valve, and for other recommendations. Sulfur is a chemical element that is dangerous because it poses a threat on multiple levels: it is flammable, corrosive, and damaging to the health of anything that breathes it in. 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