SULPHURETTED HYDROGEN
Sulphuretted hydrogen is a gas possessing a powerful odour of rotten eggs. It is largely used as a test for most of the metals; and its presence may be detected by filter paper, moistened with a salt of lead, becoming black.
Symptoms.—When the gas is moderately diluted the symptoms produced are giddiness, throbbing of the temples, pain and oppression of the stomach, nausea, and vomiting; delirium and convulsions sometimes occur, together with laborious respiration and an irregular pulse. When the gas is but slightly diluted, the person becomes suddenly weak and insensible, and rapidly dies.
Post-mortem Appearances.—Fluidity and blackness of the blood, loss of muscular contractility, and a tendency to rapid putrefaction. The bronchial tubes are reddened, and the internal vascular organs may appear almost black.
Treatment.—This will consist in the immediate removal of the person into fresh air, and the administration of stimulants, together with the respiration of chlorine gas evolved from bleaching powder by the action of an acid.