H2S Concentration Exceeds FDOH Health Advisory Level of 200 ppb (minimum of two consecutive readings)
H2S Concentration Exceeds ATSDR MRL of 70 ppb for Acute Exposure
H2S Concentration Exceeds ATSDR MRL of 20 ppb for Intermediate Exposure
H2S Concentration Exceeds OSHA Minimum Odor Threshold of 10 ppb
H2S Concentration below OSHA Minimum Odor Threshold of 10 ppb
No Data
Data not Available
FDOH = Florida Department of Health
Health Advisory Level = FDOH has determined the “Health Advisory Level” has been exceeded when two consecutive H2S readings exceed 200 ppb. Health Alerts issued by FDOH shall remain in effect for a minimum of 48 hours.
ATSDR = Agency for Toxic Substances & Disease Registry
MRL = Minimum Risk Levels for exposure by inhalation
Minimum Risk Levels = An estimate of the daily human exposure to a hazardous substance that is likely to be without appreciable risk of adverse, non-cancer health effects over a specified duration of exposure. MRLs serve as a screening tool to help public health professionals decide where to look more closely to evaluate possible risk of adverse health effects from human exposure.
Acute Exposure = 1 to 14 days
Intermediate Exposure = 15 to 364 days
ppb = Parts per Billion
An example of a Health Advisory that has been issued
This is a Health Advisory issued by the Florida Department of Health in Escambia County for the residents living in the Wedgewood Community in the general vicinity of the Rolling Hills Construction and Demolition Landfill.
Continuous monitoring of hydrogen sulfide gas levels by Escambia County has recorded two consecutive levels above 200 parts per billion (ppb).
This Health Advisory will remain in effect until 48 hours have passed during which no hydrogen sulfide gas measurements have exceeded 200 ppb.
When hydrogen sulfide gas levels are above 200 ppb, if you are experiencing headaches, eye, and nose and/or throat irritation, you should take the following precautions:
Stay inside your home or other closed building.
Keep your windows and doors closed and run your cooling/heating system.
Change your cooling/heating system's filter, as needed.
If your symptoms persist, even while remaining indoors, you may choose to leave the area until your symptoms are tolerable.
If you have questions about health problems or symptoms you may be experiencing related to hydrogen sulfide gas exposure, please contact your physician. If you have asthma or other chronic lung disease, you should follow your disease management plan and should cali your physician if symptoms worsen. For medical emergencies, call 911 or go immediately to the nearest emergency facility.
You will be notified when the current health advisory is rescinded.
An example of a Health Advisory that has been rescinded
The Florida Department of Health is rescinding the Health Advisory for the residents living in the Wedgewood Community in the general vicinity of the Rolling Hiiis Construction and Demolition Landfill. There have been no hydrogen sulfide gas measurements above the 200 ppb level within the past 48 hours.
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