Colorless, flammable gas
Encountered in following industries: oil, gas, organic decomposition (sewer and manure), roofing asphalt tanks
Most common fatal gas exposure
“Rotten egg” smell which diminishes with high concentrations or prolonged low concentration exposure
Often used in suicide attempts: acidic detergent (toilet bowl cleaner) is mixed with bath salts or pesticides
Highly lipid soluble
Disrupts oxidative phosphorylation by inhibiting cytochrome oxidase aa3 (toxicity through cellular asphyxia and impairs ATP production) => lactate accumulation and metabolic acidosis
Causes hyperpolarization of potassium-mediated channels in neurons
Potentiates neuronal inhibitory mechanisms
Alters brain neurotransmitter content and release
Hydrogen sulfide toxicity
Carbon monoxide toxicity
Lewisite toxicity
Chemical weapons
Chlorate toxicity
Cyanide toxicity
Silver toxicity
Hydrocarbon toxicity